Name changes & Gender markers
This is a guide to legally changing your name and sex/gender markers in Aotearoa so that they can be reflected on official NZ documents and forms of I.D. such as passports, licenses, and more!
These guides are only eligible for persons born in Aotearoa, persons who hold/are entitled to citizenship, or persons who have permanent residency in Aotearoa.
Changing your name
There are two ways to doing this in Aotearoa:
If you were NZ-born i.e. your birth was registered in Aotearoa, you can change your name on your birth certificate.
If you were born outside of the country but hold citizenship or are entitled, under the Immigration Act 2009, to be in Aotearoa indefinitely (for example, as a permanent resident), you can obtain a name change certificate.
You need either one of these certificates to update things like your passport and other official forms of I.D. They can also be provided to banks, insurance companies, and government agencies as proof of identity.
A name change costs $170. The fee for a new certificate recording the name change is $33, but postage will be a little more (usually $5). Please note that you can access many of our national public services with a chosen name, for example, in most regions you don’t need to legally change your name for it to show on your library card!
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If you are 18 years of age and over, you are able to legally change your name without guardian or third-party consent. Below is the process you need to follow to change your name. You can also find the official information on the government website.
You will need to fill out this statutory declaration form. There is an accessible version available as well.
As you fill out the form, make sure you order a new birth certificate recording your name change! If you do this, you do not need to order a name change certificate.
Next, you'll need to bring one photo ID and a copy of it so that you can get it certified by a Justice of the Peace, a Solicitor of the High Court or a Deputy Registrar of the Court (though not all courts are available to certify papers) when you sign your statutory declaration. This needs to have your current legal name. You can bring ONE of the following:
Your passport
Your driver’s license
Firearms or dealer’s license
Defence force or police service photo ID card
NZ emergency travel document
NZ certificate of identity
NZ refugee travel document
Kiwi Access Card (or overseas proof of age card)
You then need proof of your identity in community. This will be TWO copies of different documents that show your current legal name. If they aren’t originals then they need to be certified copies. Again, this means that a Justice of the Peace, a Solicitor of the High Court or a Deputy Registrar of the Court needs to see the original and stamp or endorse the photocopy. Choose TWO of the following:
Utility account bill
Bank statement
Lease or tenancy agreement
Rates notice
IRD tax statement
Electoral roll record
Motor vehicle registration
Student or tertiary identity card
Educational certificate or school report
Trade certificate
Steps to Freedom grant confirmation letter
Immigration New Zealand confirmation of visa/permit status
Certificate of approval or license issued by the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority
You will need to put your credit card or debit plus card details on the form—the fee for the name change is $170.00, the fee for a new birth certificate recording the name change is $33, but postage will be a little more (usually $5).
Make sure to order your new birth certificate so you can use your chosen name going forward. You can do this on the same form.
Finally, you need sign the form in front of a notified person. You can find a local Justice of the Peace here.
You can then book an appointment in Auckland, Manakau, Wellington or Christchurch to hand over your documents and pay for your name change here.
Otherwise, you can post your documents to:
Name Change Team
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 10-526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
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In Aotearoa, youth under 18 require permission from all of their legal guardians to change their name, unless you are 16 or 17 and in a marriage or a civil union in which case you can do it yourself.
If you do not think that one or more of them will agree or go through the process, you must wait until your 18th birthday when you can change it by yourself. If you still want to go by your chosen name, you can consult your community, education, and employment providers, but you cannot legally change your name by yourself until you are 18.
If your parents/guardians are agreeable, they will need to follow the below process. Please note that to be eligible you must have been born here, a New Zealand citizen or entitled to live here indefinitely. You can also find the official information on the website here.
All your legal parents/guardians will need to fill out this statutory declaration form. There is an accessible version. If you are 16 or 17, then you will also need to sign it to show that you agree with the name change.
Now, all your parents/guardians will need to have a certified copy of an ID i.e. ONE of the following:
Their passport
Driver’s Licence
Firearms or dealer’s licence
Defensive force or police service photo identity card
NZ emergency travel documents
NZ Certificate of Identity
NZ refugee travel document
Kiwi Access card or overseas proof of age card
A certified copy means a photocopy that has been stamped or endorsed by a person who confirms that the copy is a true copy of the original document. This could be a Justice of the Peace, a Solicitor of the High Court, or a Deputy Registrar at a court (please note that only some courts are able to certify copies). You can find a local Justice of the Peace here.
They will also need to bring proof of their own identity in community. These can either be an original document or a certified copy. They must bring TWO of the following:
utility account bill
bank statement
lease or tenancy agreement
rate notice
Supergold card
Inland Revenue Tax statement
electoral roll record
motor vehicle registration
student or tertiary identity card
educational certificate or school report
trade certificate
certificate of approval or license issued by Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority
Steps to Freedom form
Confirmation of a permit status from Immigration NZ
You will need to put your guardian's credit card or debit plus card details on the form—the fee for the name change is $170.00, the fee for a new birth certificate recording the name change is $33, but postage will be a little more (usually $5).
Make sure to order your new birth certificate so you can use your chosen name going forward. You can do this on the same form.
Finally, all of your guardians need sign the form in front of a notified person. All your legal parents/guardians need to show their photo ID to the authorised person signing.You can find a local Justice of the Peace here.
You can then book an appointment in Auckland, Manakau, Wellington or Christchurch to hand over your documents and pay for your name change here.
You can also post your documents to:
Name Change Team
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 10-526
Wellington 6143
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In Aotearoa, youth aged 15 and under require permission from all of their legal parents/guardians to legally change their name.
If you do not think that one or more of them will agree or go through the process, you must wait until your 18th birthday when you can change it by yourself. If you still want to go by your chosen name, you can consult your community, education, and employment providers, but you cannot legally change your name by yourself until you are 18.
If your parents/guardians are agreeable, they will need to follow the below process. Please note that to be eligible you must have been born here, a New Zealand citizen or entitled to live here indefinitely. You can also find the official information on the website here.
All your legal parents/guardians will need to fill out this statutory declaration form. There is also an accessible version.
Next, your guardians need to prove your elibility for a name change if you were not born in Aotearoa. If your birth was registered here, you do not need to prove this, otherwise choose ONE the following and provide certified copy:
New Zealand citizenship certificate
New Zealand passport (photo page only)
New Zealand certificate of identity issued under the Passports Act 1992 with a letter/permit/visa from Immigration New Zealand confirming permanent resident status
Australian passport or other evidence of
Australian citizenship
Overseas passport including a resident permit or resident visa issued by Immigration New Zealand
Letter from Immigration New Zealand confirming permanent residence status (only if the letter states your name, date of birth, place of birth and name(s) of parent(s))
Overseas birth certificate together with a letter/permit/visa from Immigration New Zealand confirming permanent residence status
Notarial certificate (China) that includesnames of parent(s) together with a letter/permit/visa from Immigration New Zealand confirming permanent residence status
Household/Family census register that includes names of parent(s) from an Asian country together with a letter/permit/visa from Immigration New Zealand confirming permanent residence status
A certified copy means a photocopy that has been stamped or endorsed by a person who confirms that the copy is a true copy of the original document. This could be a Justice of the Peace, a Solicitor of the High Court, or a Deputy Registrar at a court (please note that only some courts are able to certify copies). You can find a local Justice of the Peace here. Bring both the original document and a photocopy to be signed.
Now, all your parents/guardians will need to have a certified copy of a photo ID i.e. ONE of the following:
Their passport
Driver’s Licence
Firearms or dealer’s licence
Defensive force or police service photo identity card
NZ emergency travel documents
NZ Certificate of Identity
NZ refugee travel document
Kiwi Access card or overseas proof of age card
They will also need to bring proof of their own identity in community. These can either be an original document or a certified copy. They must bring TWO of the following:
utility account bill
bank statement
lease or tenancy agreement
rate notice
Supergold card
Inland Revenue Tax statement
electoral roll record
motor vehicle registration
student or tertiary identity card
educational certificate or school report
trade certificate
certificate of approval or license issued by Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority
Steps to Freedom form
Confirmation of a permit status from Immigration NZ
You will need to put your guardian's credit card or debit plus card details on the form—the fee for the name change is $170.00, the fee for a certificate recording the name change is $33, but postage will be a little more (usually $5).
Make sure to order a name change certificate so you can use your chosen name going forward. You can do this on the same form.
Finally, all parents/guardians need an authorised signature on the statutory declaration form. All your legal parents/guardians need to show their photo ID to the authorised person signing.
You can then book an appointment in Auckland, Manakau, Wellington or Christchurch to hand over your documents and pay for your name change here.
You can also post your documents to:
Name Change Team
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 10-526
Wellington 6143
-
Once you have reached 18 years of age you are able to legally change your name without guardian or third-party consent. Below is the process you need to follow to change your name. You can also find the official information on the government website.
You will need to fill out this statutory declaration form.There is an accessible version available as well.
You'll need to bring one photo ID and a copy of it so that you can get it certified by a Justice of the Peace, a Solicitor of the High Court or a Deputy Registrar of the Court (though not all courts are available to certify papers) when you sign your statutory declaration. This needs to have your current legal name. You can bring ONE of the following:
Your passport
Your driver’s licence
Firearms or dealer’s licence
Defence force or police service photo ID card
NZ emergency travel document
NZ certificate of identity
NZ refugee travel document
Kiwi Access Card (or overseas proof of age card)
You then need proof of your identity in community. This will be two copies of different documents that show your current legal name. If they aren’t originals, then they need to be certified copies. Again, this means that a Justice of the Peace, a Solicitor of the High Court or a Deputy Registrar of the Court needs to see the original and stamp or endorse the photocopy. Choose TWO of the following:
Utility account bill
Bank statement
Lease or tenancy agreement
Rates notice
IRD tax statement
Electoral roll record
Motor vehicle registration
Student or tertiary identity card
Educational certificate or school report
Trade certificate
Steps to Freedom grant confirmation letter
Immigration New Zealand confirmation of visa/permit status
Certificate of approval or license issued by the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority
You will need to put your credit card or debit plus card details on the form—the fee for the name change is $170.00, the fee for a certificate recording the name change is $33, but postage will be a little more (usually $5).
Make sure to order a new birth certificate certificate so you can use your chosen name going forward. You can do this on the same form.
Finally, you need sign it in front of a notified person. You can find a local Justice of the Peace here.
You can then book an appointment in Auckland, Manakau, Wellington or Christchurch to hand over your documents and pay for your name change here. Otherwise, you can post your documents to:
Name Change Team
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 10-526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
-
In Aotearoa, youth under 18 require permission from all of their legal parents/guardians to legally change their name, unless you are 16 or 17 and in a marriage or a civil union in which case you can do it yourself.
If you do not think that one or more of them will agree or go through the process, you must wait until your 18th birthday when you can change it by yourself. If you still want to go by your chosen name, you can consult your community, education, and employment providers, but you cannot legally change your name by yourself until you are 18.
If your parents/guardians are agreeable, they will need to follow the below process. Please note that to be eligible you must have been born here, a New Zealand citizen or entitled to live here indefinitely. You can also find the official information on the website here.
All your legal parents/guardians will need to fill out this statutory declaration form. There is an accessible version. You will also need to sign it to show that you agree with the name change.
Now, all your parents/guardians will need to have a certified copy of an ID, ONE of the following:
Their passport
Driver’s Licence
Firearms or dealer’s licence
Defensive force or police service photo identity card
NZ emergency travel documents
NZ Certificate of Identity
NZ refugee travel document
Kiwi Access card or overseas proof of age card
A certified copy means a photocopy that has been stamped or endorsed by a person who confirms that the copy is a true copy of the original document. This could be a Justice of the Peace, a Solicitor of the High Court, or a Deputy Registrar at a court (please note that only some courts are able to certify copies). You can find a local Justice of the Peace here. Bring both the original document and a photocopy to be signed.
They will also need to bring proof of their own identity in community. These can either be an original document or a certified copy. They must bring TWO of the following:
utility account bill
bank statement
lease or tenancy agreement
rate notice
Supergold card
Inland Revenue Tax statement
electoral roll record
motor vehicle registration
student or tertiary identity card
educational certificate or school report
trade certificate
certificate of approval or license issued by Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority
Steps to Freedom form
Confirmation of a permit status from Immigration NZ
You will need to put your guardian's credit card or debit plus card details on the form—the fee for the name change is $170.00, the fee for a certificate recording the name change is $33, but postage will be a little more (usually $5).
Make sure to order a name change certificate so you can use your chosen name going forward. You can do this on the same form.
Finally, all parents/guardians need an authorised signature on the statutory declaration form. All your legal parents/guardians need to show their photo ID to the authorised person signing.
You can then book an appointment in Auckland, Manakau, Wellington or Christchurch to hand over your documents and pay for your name change here. You can also post your documents to:
Name Change Team
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 10-526
Wellington 6143
New Zealand
-
In Aotearoa, youth aged 15 and under require permission from all of their legal parents/guardians to legally change their name.
If you do not think that one or more of them will agree or go through the process, you must wait until your 18th birthday when you can change it by yourself. If you still want to go by your chosen name, you can consult your community, education, and employment providers, but you cannot legally change your name by yourself until you are 18.
If your parents/guardians are agreeable, they will need to follow the below process. Please note that to be eligible you must have been born here, a New Zealand citizen or entitled to live here indefinitely. You can also find the official information on the website here.
All your legal parents/guardians will need to fill out this statutory declaration form. There is also an accessible version.
Next, your guardians need to prove your eligibility for a name change if you were not born in Aotearoa. If your birth was registered here, you do not need to prove this, otherwise choose ONE the following and provide certified copy:
New Zealand citizenship certificate
New Zealand passport (photo page only)
New Zealand certificate of identity issued under the Passports Act 1992 with a letter/permit/visa from Immigration New Zealand confirming permanent resident status
Australian passport or other evidence of
Australian citizenship
Overseas passport including a resident permit or resident visa issued by Immigration New Zealand
Letter from Immigration New Zealand confirming permanent residence status (only if the letter states your name, date of birth, place of birth and name(s) of parent(s))
Overseas birth certificate together with a letter/permit/visa from Immigration New Zealand confirming permanent residence status
Notarial certificate (China) that includesnames of parent(s) together with a letter/permit/visa from Immigration New Zealand confirming permanent residence status
Household/Family census register that includes names of parent(s) from an Asian country together with a letter/permit/visa from Immigration New Zealand confirming permanent residence status
A certified copy means a photocopy that has been stamped or endorsed by a person who confirms that the copy is a true copy of the original document. This could be a Justice of the Peace, a Solicitor of the High Court, or a Deputy Registrar at a court (please note that only some courts are able to certify copies). You can find a local Justice of the Peace here. Bring both the original document and a photocopy to be signed.
Now, all your parents/guardians will need to have a certified copy of a photo ID i.e. ONE of the following:
Their passport
Driver’s Licence
Firearms or dealer’s licence
Defensive force or police service photo identity card
NZ emergency travel documents
NZ Certificate of Identity
NZ refugee travel document
Kiwi Access card or overseas proof of age card
They will also need to bring proof of their own identity in community. These can either be an original document or a certified copy. They must bring TWO of the following:
utility account bill
bank statement
lease or tenancy agreement
rate notice
Supergold card
Inland Revenue Tax statement
electoral roll record
motor vehicle registration
student or tertiary identity card
educational certificate or school report
trade certificate
certificate of approval or license issued by Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority
Steps to Freedom form
Confirmation of a permit status from Immigration NZ
You will need to put your guardian's credit card or debit plus card details on the form—the fee for the name change is $170.00, the fee for a certificate recording the name change is $33, but postage will be a little more (usually $5).
Make sure to order a name change certificate so you can use your chosen name going forward. You can do this on the same form.
Finally, all parents/guardians need an authorised signature on the statutory declaration form. All your legal parents/guardians need to show their photo ID to the authorised person signing.
You can then book an appointment in Auckland, Manakau, Wellington or Christchurch to hand over your documents and pay for your name change here.You can also post your documents to:
Name Change Team
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 10-526
Wellington 6143
New Zealand
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We have compiled a list of services, agencies, and forms of I.D.s and memberships that a name change can impact. If you are thinking about changing your name or have had your name changed already, go through the list and make sure all your details are updated.
This isn’t comprehensive but we think it covers the main ones.
Documents:
Marriage/Civil Union certificate
Child/ren's birth certificates
Vehicle
AA (Automobile Association)
Vehicle registration
Finances
Banks/Credit Unions
Accountant
Any organizations like Afterpay, Humm
Credit agencies (including places that do credit checks)
Kiwisaver Provider
Investment Platforms (such as Hatch)
Any online payment services (such as Paypal)
Healthcare/Cosmetic
ACC
GP (you can ask them to change your NHI details, but some tertiary providers [such as X-Ray providers] will not automatically change)
Dentist
Optometrist
Therapist/counsellor
Breast Screen NZ
Other health providers (chiropractor, naturopath etc.)
NZ Blood Registry (if you are a donor)
Gym
Any beauty providers (hair salon, nail salon etc)
Housing
Landlord (if you rent)
Local Council (if you own your own property)
Deeds Office (if you own your own property)
Communications
Any email using old name
Voicemail
Any personal websites
Social media handles
Groups you are subscribed to)email listings etc.)
Online groups you are a member of apart from social media (forums etc)
Employment
Employer
Any clients if you freelance
NZ Companies Office if you own a company
Professional bodies/organizations
Bills
Electricity provider
Gas provider
Internet provider
Water provider
Paid TV provider (Sky etc.)
Online subscription (Netflix, Audible, Amazon etc.)
Magazine subscription
Mobile Phone provider
Home Phone provider
Volunteering
Volunteer organizations
Leisure
Clubs (especially if you are an executive member)
Government
Electoral Roll
WINZ
IRD
RealMe
Pets
Vet your pet is registered with
Pet Registrations list (Microchip etc)
Council if your pet needs regular registration
Legal
Lawyer/Community Law
Legal Paperwork to do with partner/family (emergency contacts, next of kin, trusts etc)
Any will you are a executor for
Any other legal documentation (eg. acknowledgement of debt)
Insurance
Insurance provider
Community
Library (including library card)
Retail
Retailers (loyalty programs, membership cards) etc.
Video store (there are still a few!)
Auction sites such as trademe or ebay
Online-only stores like Amazon
Education
Your education provider
Your child/ren's education provider
Any official transcripts already achieved
Any educational certificates already achieved (degree, diploma, certificates etc)
Alumni organisations
NZQA
Travel
Airlines (Koru club members)
Any transport cards (such as Snapper)
Post
Post Office if you have a P.O. BOX or freight service
Changing your sex/gender markers
As of June 15 2023, you no longer need to prove that you have undertaken medical treatment to align your registered sex with your gender. You can now self-identify and amend sex on your own birth certificate, replacing the previous Family Court application process. There are three ways to doing this in Aotearoa:
You are NZ-born i.e. your birth was registered in Aotearoa, you can change the registered sex on your birth certificate.
If you were born outside ofNZ but hold NZ citizenship, you can obtain an evidentiary certificate.
If you are applying for citizenship either by grant or descent, you can request your citizenship certificate to show your preferred gender.
To reiterate: your sex and/or gender markers can ONLY be changed in Aotearoa if your birth was registered here or you are a citizen. If your birth was registered outside New Zealand and you want to make changes to your overseas birth certificate, you need to seek advice from your country of birth.
Approximate costs
Changing your NZ birth certificate
Application fee: $55.00
New birth certificate: $33.00
Postage: approx. $5.30
Getting a evidentiary certificate
Fee: $134.00
Getting a citizenship certificate (by descent)
For adults aged 16 and over, it costs:
Registration: $243.00
Registration & Passport: $490.00
For children aged 15 or under it costs:
Registration: $243.00
Registration & Passport: $387.00
Getting a citizenship certificate (by grant)
Adults aged 16 and over: $560.00
Children aged 15 and under. $280.00
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You will be able to change the sex marker on your birth certificate to male (M), female (F) or non-binary (X). Below is the process you need to follow to change your sex/gender markers. You can also find the official information on thegovernment website.
You will need to fill out this form. There is an accessible version of this form also available.
Next, you'll need to bring one photo ID and a copy of it so that it can be certified by the authorised person below. These documents need to have your current legal name. You can bring ONE of the following:
Your passport (New Zealand or overseas)
Your driver’s licence (copy of front and back)
New Zealand Firearms or dealer’s licence
New Zealand or overseas defence force or police service photo ID card
18+ Card or Kiwi Access Card (issued by Hospitality New Zealand) or overseas proof of age card.
If you do not have photo identification, you must choose an Identity referee. Fill out theIdentity referee declaration form (BDM76) and attach it to this application.
Fill out the statutory declaration in front of an authorised person. This means you need to sign in front of any person authorised by law to administer an oath such as a Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, a Justice of the Peace, the Registrar or a deputy registrar of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court or a District Court, a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court. You can find a local Justice of the Peace here.
You can then post your documents to:
Births, Deaths and Marriages Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 10-526
Wellington 6140
New ZealandYou will need to put your credit card or debit plus card details on the form—the application fee for the gender/sex marker is $55, the fee for a new birth certificate recording the sex maker is $33, but postage will be a little more (usually $5).
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If you are 16 or 17 and are married, in a civil union or de facto relationship, you must complete the over 18 form above. Otherwise, you will only be able to change the sex marker on your birth certificate to male (M), female (F) or non-binary (X) with guardian consent or a Letter of Support from a suitable party such as registered medical providers, social workers, and counsellors in Aotearoa. You can also provide a Letter of Support from a person aged 18 years or over who has known you for 12 months or more.
If you don’t think that any one of them will agree or give permission, or you are unable to get a suitable Letter of Support, then you must wait until you are 18 and change your sex and gender markers yourself.
Below is the process you need to follow to change your sex/gender markers. You can also find the official information on the government website.
You will need to fill out this form. There is an accessible version of this form also available. Your guardians or other nominated person must also sign on Page 6.
You'll need to bring photo ID and a copy of it to be certified by the authorised person above. This needs to have your current legal name. You can bring ONE of the following:
Your passport (New Zealand or overseas)
Your driver’s license (copy of front and back)
New Zealand or overseas school photo ID
Overseas Identity Card.
If you do not have photo identification, you must choose an Identity referee. Fill out the Identity referee declaration form (BDM76) and attach it to this application.
You then need two copies of documents that show your current legal name in community. These do NOT need to be certified by authorised person. This can include a:
Student or Tertiary Identification Card
Educational certificate or school report
Trade certificate
Community Services Card
Bank Statement (including savings, credit or cheque accounts)
Inland revenue tax number (provide and IR card or statement)
Bill (e.g. phone bill)
Fill out the statutory declaration in front of an authorised person. This means you need to sign in front of any person authorised by law to administer an oath such as a Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, a Justice of the Peace, the Registrar or a deputy registrar of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court or a District Court, a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court. You can find a local Justice of the Peace here.
You can then post your documents to:
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 10-526
Wellington 6140
New ZealandYou will need to put your or your parents/guardians credit card or debit plus card details on the form—the application fee for the gender/sex marker is $55, the fee for a new birth certificate recording the sex maker is $33, but postage will be a little more (usually $5).
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If you are 15 or under, only your legal parents/guardians can change the sex marker on your birth certificate to male (M), female (F) or non-binary (X). If you don’t think that any one of them will agree or give permission, then you must wait until you are 18 and change it yourself.
If you do not think that one or more of them will agree or go through the process, you must wait until your 18th birthday when you can change it by yourself.
If your parents/guardians are agreeable, they will need to follow the below process. Please note that to be eligible you must have been born here, a New Zealand citizen or entitled to live here indefinitely. You can also find the official information on the website here.
All of your legal parents or guardians will need to fill out this form. There is an accessible version of this form also available. If one or more guardians do not consent, your consenting guardian can apply for a Family Court order that may direct the Registrar-General to update your sex marker.
Next, you must provide a Letter of Support. This can be from such a registered medical providers, social workers, and counsellors in Aotearoa. You can also provide a Letter of Support from a person aged 18 years or over who has known you for 12 months or more. Please note that the third party is NOT assessing if the change is in your best interest or that they physically conform to the sex marker you have requested. They are only confirming that you understand what it means to change your sex marker and want this.
Now, all your parents/guardians will need to have a certified copy of an ID. Choose ONE of the following:
New Zealand or overseas passport (photo
page only)
New Zealand or international driver licence
(copy of front and back)
New Zealand or overseas firearms or dealer’s
licence
New Zealand or overseas defence force or
police service photo identity card
Overseas identity card
18+ card or Kiwi Access Card (issued by
Hopitality New Zealand) or overseas proof of
age card
New Zealand Emergency Travel Document
New Zealand Certificate of Identity (issued
under the Passports Act 1992)
New Zealand Certificate of Identity (issued
under the Immigration Act 2009)
New Zealand Refugee Travel Document
A certified copy means a photocopy that has been stamped or endorsed by a person who confirms that the copy is a true copy of the original document. This could be a Justice of the Peace, a Solicitor of the High Court, or a Deputy Registrar at a court (please note that only some courts are able to certify copies). You can find a local Justice of the Peace here. If your guardian(s) do not have photo identification, you must choose an Identity referee. Fill out the Identity referee declaration form (BDM76) and attach it to this application.
Finally, all of your parents/guardians must fill out the statutory declaration in front of the authorised person above, affirming that all the information provided is correct.
You can then post your documents to:
Births, Deaths and Marriages Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 10-526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
You will need to put your or your parents/guardians credit card or debit plus card details on the form—the fee for the sex marker is $55, the fee for a new birth certificate recording the name change and sex maker is $33, but postage will be a little more (usually $5).
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If you are already a New Zealand citizen, you can request an evidentiary certificate. This confirms your gender and any other changes in details since gaining citizenship.
Your evidentiary certificate will state:
your name and gender—as recorded when you became a citizen
your new gender
your new name (if you have legally changed it).
The fee for an evidentiary certificate is $134.00
Contact the Citizenship Office to request an evidentiary certificate:
Freephone: 0800 22 51 51 (New Zealand only)
Email: staykiwi@dia.govt.nz -
When you apply for New Zealand citizenship by grant, or register as a citizen by descent, you can request your certificate to show your preferred gender and use this identity going forward. Below is the process you need to follow to do this:
Apply for citizenship
To apply using a different gender than what’s on your birth certificate you need to provide TWO extra documents with your application:
Your original birth certificate. This must be the genuine original document, not a copy.
A statutory declaration written by you that states:
the gender you want on your citizenship certificate, and
how long you have been living with your new gender identity.
You can download the form and follow the guidelines on the official website.
You must sign the statutory declaration in front of an authorised person such as a Justice of the Peace. You can find a local Justice of the Peace here.
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When you apply for New Zealand citizenship by grant, or register as a citizen by descent, you can request your certificate to show your preferred gender and use this identity going forward.
To apply using a different gender than what’s on your birth certificate you need to provide FOUR extra documents with your application:
Your original birth certificate. This must be the genuine original document, not a copy.
A statutory declaration written by you that states
the gender you want on your citizenship certificate, and
how long you have been living with your new gender identity.
A statutory declaration from your parent or legal guardian
You and your guardian must sign the statutory declaration in front of an authorised person such as a Justice of the Peace. You can find a local Justice of the Peace here.
A letter of support from a registered professional. The registered professional must be 1 of the following:
a registered counsellor
a registered doctor or medical practitioner
a registered nurse or nurse practitioner
a registered psychologist
a registered psychotherapist, or
a registered social worker.
The professional’s letter of support must:
be on their official letterhead
state that you understand what it means to have your citizenship certificate issued in a different gender to the one recorded on your birth registration, and
confirm that it is something that you want to do.
The registered professional is not required to assess if the gender change is in your best interests or if you physically conform to your new gender.
How to change your name
and your sex / gender markers
In Aotearoa, you can change both your name and sex/gender markers at the same time if:
You are NZ-born i.e. your birth was registered in Aotearoa and you have an NZ birth certificate, or
You have NZ citizenship
To reiterate: your details can ONLY be changed in Aotearoa if your birth was registered here or you are a citizen.
If your birth was registered outside New Zealand and you want to make changes to your overseas birth certificate, you need to seek advice from your country of birth.
If you hold a different citizenship then you must seek advice from that nation.
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Below is the process you need to follow. This will change your sex markers on your birth certificate to male (M), female (F) or non-binary (X) as well as your legal name. You can also find the official information on the government website.
You will need to fill out this form. There is an accessible version of this form also available.
The form has a statutory declaration as part of it. This means you need to sign in front of an authorised person under the Oaths and Declarations Act. This includes Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, a Justice of the Peace, the Registrar or a deputy registrar of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court or a District Court, a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court. You can find a local Justice of the Peacehere.
Next, you'll need to bring one photo ID and a copy of it so that it can be certified by the authorised person above. These documents need to have your current legal name. You can bring ONE of the following:
Your passport (New Zealand or overseas)
Your driver’s licence (copy of front and back)
New Zealand Firearms or dealer’s licence
New Zealand or overseas defence force or police service photo ID card
18+ Card or Kiwi Access Card (issued by Hospitality New Zealand) or overseas proof of age card.
If you do not have photo identification, you must choose an Identity referee. Fill out the Identity referee declaration form (BDM76) and attach it to this application.
Next, you must prove your identity in community. This means you have to provide copies of 2 different documents that show either your birth name, married name or new name. These do not need to be certified. If possible, these documents should show the same name as shown on your photo identification. If you don’t have documents showing the same name, send what you have and you will be contacted if the Births, Deaths, and Marriages Office needs more information. Accepted documents include:
Rates notices
Electoral roll record
Motor vehicle registration
Student or tertiary identity card
Educational certificate or school report
Trade certificate
Steps to Freedom form
Community Services Card
Utility accounts (including gas, water, electricity, mobile or home phone)
Bank statements (including savings, credit or cheque accounts)
Lease or tenancy agreements
Inland Revenue tax number (provide an IR card or statement)
Certificate of Approval or licence issued by the Private Security Personnel Licencing Authority
Fill out the statutory declaration in front of an authorised person. This means you need to sign in front of any person authorised by law to administer an oath such as a Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, a Justice of the Peace, the Registrar or a deputy registrar of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court or a District Court, a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court. You can find a local Justice of the Peace here.
You can then post your documents to:
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 10-526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
You will need to put your credit card or debit plus card details on the form—the application fee for the gender/sex marker is $55, the fee for a name change is $170,and the fee for a new birth certificate recording the sex maker is $33. Postage will be a little more, usually $5.
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If you are 16 or 17, you can only change your name and the sex marker at the same time with guardian consent. All of your guardians must consent. You cannot change your name if you do not have all your guardians’ consent but you can still update your sex marker with a Letter of Support from a third party. Then you must wait until you are 18 to change your name as well.
If your guardians consent then you can follow the process below to change your name and your sex/gender markers. You can also find the official information on the government website.
You will need to fill out this form. There is an accessible version of this form also available. Your guardians or other nominated person must also sign on Page 6.
You'll need to bring photo ID and a copy of it to be certified by the authorised person above. This needs to have your current legal name. You can bring ONE of the following:
Your passport (New Zealand or overseas)
Your driver’s license (copy of front and back)
New Zealand or overseas school photo ID
Overseas Identity Card.
If you do not have photo identification, you must choose an Identity referee. Fill out the Identity referee declaration form (BDM76) and attach it to this application.
You then need two copies of documents that show your current legal name in community. These do NOT need to be certified by authorised person. This can include a:
Student or Tertiary Identification Card
Educational certificate or school report
Trade certificate
Community Services Card
Bank Statement (including savings, credit or cheque accounts)
Inland revenue tax number (provide and IR card or statement)
Bill (e.g. phone bill)
Fill out the statutory declaration in front of an authorised person. This means you need to sign in front of any person authorised by law to administer an oath such as a Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, a Justice of the Peace, the Registrar or a deputy registrar of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court or a District Court, a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court. You can find a local Justice of the Peace here.
You can then post your documents to:
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 10-526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
You will need to put your or your parents/guardians credit card or debit plus card details on the form—the application fee for the gender/sex marker is $55, the fee for a new birth certificate recording the sex maker is $33, but postage will be a little more (usually $5).
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If you are 15 or under, only your legal parents/guardians can change both the name and sex marker on your birth certificate. All of them must consent to this change. If you don’t think that any one of them will agree or give permission, then you must wait until you are 18 and change it yourself.
If your parents/guardians are agreeable, they will need to follow the below process. Please note that to be eligible you must have been born here, a New Zealand citizen or entitled to live here indefinitely. You can also find the official information on the website.
All of your legal parents or guardians will need to fill out this form. There is an accessible version of this form also available. If one or more guardians do not consent, your consenting guardian can apply for a Family Court order that may direct the Registrar-General to update your sex marker.
Next, you must provide a Letter of Support. This can be from such a registered medical providers, social workers, and counsellors in Aotearoa. You can also provide a Letter of Support from a person aged 18 years or over who has known you for 12 months or more.Please note that the third party is NOT assessing if the change is in your best interest or that they physically conform to the sex marker you have requested. They are only confirming that you understand what it means to change your sex marker and want this.
Now, all your parents/guardians will need to provide a certified copy of an ID. Choose ONE of the following:
New Zealand or overseas passport (photo
page only)
New Zealand or international driver licence
(copy of front and back)
New Zealand or overseas firearms or dealer’s
licence
New Zealand or overseas defence force or
police service photo identity card
Overseas identity card
18+ card or Kiwi Access Card (issued by
Hopitality New Zealand) or overseas proof of
age card
New Zealand Emergency Travel Document
New Zealand Certificate of Identity (issued
under the Passports Act 1992)
New Zealand Certificate of Identity (issued
under the Immigration Act 2009)
New Zealand Refugee Travel Document
A certified copy means a photocopy that has been stamped or endorsed by a person who confirms that the copy is a true copy of the original document. This could be a Justice of the Peace, a Solicitor of the High Court, or a Deputy Registrar at a court (please note that only some courts are able to certify copies). You can find a local Justice of the Peace here. If your guardian(s) do not have photo identification, you must choose an Identity referee. Fill out the Identity referee declaration form (BDM76) and attach it to this application.
Next, your guardians must provide proof of their identity in community. These do not need to be certified copies. Chose TWO documents from the following:
Rates notice
Electoral roll record
Motor vehicle registration
Student or tertiary identity card
Educational certificate or school report
Trade certificate
Steps to Freedom form
Community services card
Utility accounts (including gas, water, electricity, mobile or home phone)
Bank statements (including savings, credit or cheque account
Lease or tenancy agreements)
Inland Tax revenue tax number (provide an IR card or statement)
Certificate of approval or license issued by Private Security Personnel License Authority
Finally, all of your parents/guardians must fill out the statutory declaration in front of the authorised person above, affirming that all the information provided is correct.
You can then post your documents to:
Births, Deaths and Marriages Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 10-526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
You will need to put your or your parents/guardians credit card or debit plus card details on the form—the fee for the sex marker is $55, the fee for a new birth certificate recording the name change and sex maker is $33, but postage will be a little more (usually $5).
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When you become a New Zealand citizen or if you are already one, you can request an evidentiary certificate which confirms your gender and any other changes in details since gaining citizenship.
If you want to change BOTH your name and gender markers, you must apply for a name change certificate first. Please refer to the above guides: 'Getting a name change certificate.'
Once you have a name change certificate, you can order an evidentiary certificate which will state:
your name and gender—as recorded when you became a citizen
your new gender
your new name (if you have legally changed it).
Contact the Citizenship Office to request an evidentiary certificate:
Freephone: 0800 22 51 51 (New Zealand only)
Email: staykiwi@dia.govt.nzThe fee for the name change is $170.00, the fee for a certificate recording the name change is $33. The fee for the evidentiary certificate is $134.00. Finally postage will be a little more (usually $5) for each document.
Change other forms of Identification