Previous Names and Change of Name Documents #

When completing your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) application, you are required to declare all names that have appeared in official records throughout your life — not just your current legal name. This article explains what names you need to declare, what supporting documents are required, and what to do if you cannot provide them.

What names do I need to declare? #

You must declare any name that has appeared in official records, y compris :

• Employment records
• Government documents (e.g. Centrelink, ATO, Medicare)
• Financial records (e.g. bank accounts, credit applications)
• Educational records
• Any other formal or institutional records

All names you declare will appear on your NCCHC result.

The three name types #

Maiden Name #

Your name before marriage. This can only be selected once. If you have a birth certificate or other identity document in your maiden name, you will need to provide a change of name document linking it to your current name.

Previous Name #

Any other former legal name — for example, a name from a previous marriage, a name changed by deed poll, or a name reverting after divorce. Select this option if your name was legally changed for any reason other than your most recent marriage.

Alias #

A name that has appeared in official records but was never your legal name — for example, a professional name, a commonly used variation, or a name recorded differently on employment documents. An alias does not require a change of name document.

Supporting documents required #

If you select Maiden Name ou Previous Name, you are required to upload a document demonstrating the legal link between that former name and your current name.

Accepted documents are:

• Marriage certificate issued by an Australian state or territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM)
• Change of Name Certificate issued by an Australian state or territory BDM — this covers deed poll, divorce reversion, gender affirmation, and other legal name changes

Multiple name changes #

If your name has changed more than once, you will need to provide a separate change of name document for each name change where an identity document is provided in a former name.

For example:

• Smith → Jones by marriage: upload the Smith/Jones marriage certificate
• Jones → Johnson by a subsequent marriage: upload the Jones/Johnson marriage certificate

Both documents are required. Each one establishes a link in the chain between your original name and your current legal name.

What if my birth certificate is in my maiden name? #

A birth certificate is a common identity document and is almost always issued in the name you were given at birth. If you have since changed your name — for example, by marriage — your birth certificate will be in a former name.

In this situation you must provide a change of name document (such as a marriage certificate) that links your birth certificate name to your current legal name, even if your other identity documents are all in your current name.

What if I cannot provide a change of name document? #

Step 1 — Order a replacement #

Contact your state or territory BDM registry to order a replacement certificate. Most registries process requests within a few business days. Fees typically range from $30–$60.

Step 2 — Contact us if you are unable to obtain the document #

If you are experiencing difficulty obtaining a replacement document, please contact us via chat or email at [email protected] before submitting your application. We will assess your situation and, where necessary, escalate to the National Police Checking Service (NPCS) for guidance.

Why is this required? #

Your NCCHC is checked against police records held under all names you have ever been known by. Declaring all previous names — and linking them with the correct documents — ensures:

• Your check is run against the correct records
• Your result accurately reflects your history
• Your identity is properly verified in accordance with ACIC requirements

Omitting a previous name or failing to provide supporting documentation can delay your application or, in some cases, require it to be resubmitted.

Questions fréquemment posées #