What is this document?
A change of name document is the official record that a person's legal name has been changed. The Australian equivalent is a Deed Poll or a Change of Name Certificate issued by a state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry. In many countries the document is issued by the civil registry or, in some jurisdictions, by a court:
- Mexico — Acta de Cambio de Nombre, issued by the Registro Civil.
- Argentina — court order (Resolución Judicial) or Registro Civil certificate.
- Spain — Resolución Judicial or an annotated Registro Civil entry.
- Colombia — Registro Civil de Nacimiento updated to reflect the corrected or changed name.
- Peru and Chile — typically a court order accompanied by a RENIEC or Registro Civil annotation.
When do you need a translation?
Name discrepancies between an applicant's documents are one of the most common reasons for visa processing delays and requests for further information. If your passport shows a different name to your birth certificate, marriage certificate or a prior visa, the Department of Home Affairs will expect documentary evidence reconciling those names — typically a change of name document with a NAATI certified English translation. Translations are commonly required for:
- Partner visas (subclasses 820/801 and 309/100) where the applicant's or sponsor's name differs across supporting documents.
- Australian citizenship applications, where consistent identity evidence is required.
- Skilled migration (subclasses 189, 190 and 491) where the name on academic qualifications or skills assessments differs from the current passport.
- Any visa application where name inconsistency is flagged at lodgement or during processing.
For broader context on resolving identity differences, see our guide on Name Discrepancy in Visa Documents.
What must the translation include?
A NAATI certified translation of a change of name document covers the full text of the original, including:
- The applicant's full former name, exactly as recorded.
- The applicant's full new legal name.
- The date the name change took effect.
- The issuing authority and jurisdiction (civil registry, court or government department).
- The case, file or registration number.
- Any conditions, reasons or annotations stated on the document.
- All seals, stamps, signatures and marginal notes.
The translation is accompanied by a signed certification statement from a NAATI accredited translator confirming that the English version is a true and accurate translation of the Spanish original.
How to get a certified translation
Upload a clear colour scan of the full change of name document or deed poll — including any reverse-side annotations, court seals or apostille — through the Trans Lingo order form. We deliver the NAATI certified English translation as a PDF within 24 hours of confirmed payment. Pricing is from $59 per page and the translation is accepted by the Department of Home Affairs, all state Births, Deaths and Marriages Registries, and Australian courts.
Related document translations
Where a name change affects other documents in your application, you may also need certified translations of your birth certificate, marriage certificate or passport biodata page.