Archives In Brief 35 - Change of name
A guide for researchers who may have difficulty tracing individuals because they changed their name. It outlines some of the reasons for changes of name and, if the change of name has been registered, suggests where evidence of the name change may be found.
- Background
- Some of the reasons for changes of name
- Common forms of name change
- Eligibility to undertake a formal registration of change of name
- Where to locate records relating to changes of name
Background
During the nineteenth century the common way to affect a change of name was by an entry in a newspaper or by consistent usage. Then, as now, it was not compulsory to register a change of name. Between 1875 and April, 1996 the administrative responsibility for registering all changes of name in New South Wales was with the Land Titles Office. After April 1996 the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages assumed the responsibility.
Although it is not legally necessary to register a change of name there are occasions, when it may be necessary to provide proof of identity. Individuals may register their change of name at the New South Wales Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages. People born inside New South Wales will have their new name recorded on their birth certificate. People born outside New South Wales will be issued with a 'change of name' certificate.
Some of the reasons for changes of name
A person may change their name:
- to hide their true identity or to assume another person's identity
- to adopt a more 'acceptable' or popular name
- to revert to the surname recorded on their birth certificate
- to anglicise a name, and
- when they marry. When people marry they may choose to change their surname to their partner's surname or to combine the two surnames. This is done as a matter of convenience and not of law.
Common forms of name change
Previous forms of name change
Deed Poll and Instruments Evidencing Change of Name
Deed Polls and Instruments Evidencing Change of Name were usually signed before a witness. It included all relevant information such as the date and place it was signed, place of birth, current address, a clear statement of intention to change the name, the old name and the new name. Deed Polls or Instruments Evidencing Change of Name were recorded at the Land Titles Office (now part of the Department of Lands).
Current common forms of name change
Usage
An individual may change both their given name and surname without taking any formal steps simply by the consistent use of an alternative name over time.
Registration at the NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages
Under current legislation in New South Wales a name is changed once it is registered at the NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages.
Eligibility to undertake a formal registration of change of name
Any individual over the age of 18 who was born in New South Wales, or Permanent Australian Residents living in New South Wales, may register a change of name at the NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages. Children under the age of 18 must have consent of the parents named on the birth certificate, or a court appointed legal guardian. Children over the age of 12 must consent to a change of name.
Where to locate records relating to
changes of name
| 19th Century newspapers | State Library of NSW Macquarie Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 |
| 1875 to April 1996 | NSW Department of Lands Queens Square SYDNEY NSW 2000Telephone: 9228 6666 Facsimile: 9233 4357Web site: www.lands.nsw.gov.au |
| 1996 to the Present | NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Street Address: 35 Regent Street Chippendale NSW 2008 Postal Address: GPO Box 30 Sydney NSW 2001 Telephone: 1300 655 236 Email: bdm-cname@agd.nsw.gov.au |
© State of New South Wales through the State Records
Authority, 2003.
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