# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

How to Change Your Name on an Australian Passport

Australian passports use the same name that appears on a person's birth certificate, so to change your name on your Australian passport, you must file a new application and provide evidence proving that a legal name change has taken place. The type of documentation required depends on your reason for changing your name as well as your status as an Australian citizen and resident. Make sure your package meets the requirements in order to avoid a delay or rejection of your application.

Application form
2 identical 35 mm to 40 mm by 45 mm to 50 mm passport photos, no more than six months old
Proof of citizenship
Certificate of name change
Translations (if applicable)
Guarantor
Filing fee
Additional supporting documents

Instructions

- 1
  Apply for a legal change of name. If you were born in, or habitually reside in, Australia, register your new name at the state registrar where you live or were born. Get an original document, such as a name change certificate, divorce decree or marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, showing the name change. If you were born overseas or are based outside Australia, you can register at an equivalent civil registrar in your country. Obtain an original of the certificate of name change and have it translated into English, if necessary.
- 2
  Fill out Form B-11: General Declaration by Passport Applicant if you do not live in Australia. Describe where you now live, for how long and that you are no longer based in Australia.
- 3
  Fill out application Form PC8. When asked if you are applying for an Australian passport renewal, choose "No." Note that you can fill in an online Form PC8, but you cannot download a blank pdf copy of same. Print the completed form. (Note: You cannot submit your Australian passport application online.)
- 4
  Get a guarantor as required. The guarantor must complete some information and attest in writing that you are the person shown in your passport photos. Your guarantor must be accessible during business hours to talk about you and your Australian passport application.
- 5
  Attach other documentary requirements. These include evidence of your Australian citizenship, such as an Australian birth certificate or passport; two passport photos that meet Australian official standards; three proofs of identity (acceptable types are listed in Form PC8); and filing fee. Use only original documents.
- 6
  Submit your passport application. If you are overseas, send your package to the nearest Australian embassy or consulate. If you are in the country, submit it to an Australian Post outlet or Australian Passport Office. Processing usually takes 10 working days. Expedited processing is available at an additional charge. When you receive your new passport your other original documents will be returned to you as well.