How to Legally Change Your Name in New Zealand
A complete guide to changing your name in New Zealand via statutory declaration — covering the process, costs, documents, and every institution you need to notify.
This guide is for non-marriage name changes. If you changed your name after marriage, see the marriage name change guide. After divorce, see the divorce guide.
NZ Legal Name Change — Step by Step
Apply to BDM to Register Your New Name (Form BDM 120)
For a legal name change not related to marriage or divorce, apply to Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) using form BDM 120. You sign a statutory declaration in front of an authorised witness — for example a Justice of the Peace — who also certifies your photo ID, then pay the $180 fee. Once registered, you can order a new birth certificate showing your new name.
Order Your New Birth Certificate or Name Change Certificate
Once your application is registered, order your proof of the change: a new birth certificate if you were born in New Zealand, or a Name Change Certificate if you were born overseas. This is your legal proof for updating all other documents and records.
Update your New Zealand Passport
Apply for a new passport at a PostShop using your BDM Name Change Certificate. You'll need your current passport and new passport photos.
Update your NZTA Driver Licence
Visit an AA Centre or PostShop in person with your BDM certificate and current licence — a new photo is taken. You can also wait and change the name when your licence next renews.
Update Inland Revenue (IRD)
Log in to myIR or call 0800 227 774 with your BDM certificate. Your IRD number stays the same — only the name on record changes.
Update the Electoral Roll
Update at vote.nz or any PostShop. Required by law when your name changes.
Update your KiwiSaver
Contact your KiwiSaver provider directly with a certified copy of your BDM Name Change Certificate.
Update your banks and financial accounts
Visit your bank branch with certified photo ID. Update all accounts — savings, credit cards, mortgages, and investments.
Update your employer, ACC, and MSD
Notify HR with your legal name change document. Also update ACC (acc.co.nz) and Work and Income if relevant.
Update utilities, insurance & subscriptions
Electricity, broadband, car and home insurance, Sky TV, streaming services, Flybuys, and all other accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I legally change my name in New Zealand?
To legally change your name in NZ (outside of marriage or divorce), you make a statutory declaration before a solicitor or Justice of the Peace, then register it with Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) at bdm.govt.nz. BDM issues a Name Change Certificate which serves as legal proof for all other updates.
How much does a legal name change cost in New Zealand?
Registering a name change with BDM costs $180, plus $35 if you order a new birth certificate. A new adult passport costs $247 (standard) or $494 (urgent). Replacing your NZTA driver licence with your new name costs $26.30. Most other updates are free.
Do I need a solicitor to change my name in NZ?
You need a solicitor, Justice of the Peace (JP), or Commissioner for Oaths to witness and sign your statutory declaration. JPs are available at many public libraries and community centres for free.
How long does a legal name change take in New Zealand?
The BDM registration process takes 1–3 weeks. A new passport takes 3–4 weeks standard. Once you have your BDM Name Change Certificate, most other institutions can be updated within days to weeks.
Can I change my name for free in New Zealand?
No — BDM charges $180 to register a name change. What is free is the witnessing: a Justice of the Peace signs your statutory declaration at no charge, and many libraries and community centres offer JP services. There is also no fee simply to start using your birth or maiden surname again after marriage or divorce.