Settlement Guide: Here's how you can change your name in Australia

Many people change their names when getting married or divorced. And some resort to it to avoid discrimination against their ethnic background. There are a few things you need to do when applying for name change.

Immigration cost is pushing Indian migrants to look for partners in Australia. Source: Wikipedia Commons

There are many reasons why a person may wish to change their name.

It could be because they got married, divorced, they prefer another name or because they need to formalise certain documents.         

While the process to change is relatively simple, there are concerns some migrants change their name to avoid discrimination.

The Australia@2015 Scanlon Foundation Survey reported experiences of migrants who felt their job applications were rejected solely on the basis of ethnicity and assumed religion.

Participants said after not getting a response to a job, they anglicised their name and received responses with the new name.

Here’s how you can change your name in Australia

1. Complete, download and print the form

Source: bdm

2. Attach the correct certified supporting documents if required

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3. Get an adult to witness your signature on the declaration section of the form

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4. Pay the application fee

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5. Submit your form and documents by post or at the counter

Stock images of a man posting mail at an Australia Post postbox in Sydney, Monday, Sept. 2, 2013. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) NO ARCHIVING Source: (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

The registration of changes of name is the responsibility of the state and territory governments in Australia. To find out how to change your name in your state or territory visit the Australian government’s website.