Passport Name Change
In order to maintain high levels of security, New Zealand passports are valid for only 5 years. There are different requirements for changing the name in your passport depending on your situation.
Married or Divorce Name Change
If you have been married or divorced you may change the name on your passport at any time. Even if your licence has been updated, you can leave your passport under a different name and you may chose to have your passport updated when it is due for renewal.
If you are not updating the name on your passport straight away, you will need to ensure that all your flights are booked under the same name that appears in your passport. If you were married in New Zealand you will not need to send in a copy of your marriage or divorce certificate as the passports office can access this information directly from the registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (RBDM). If you want to return to your maiden name you can do this at any time or for any reason. You do not need to wait be divorced.
Legal Name Change
If you legally change your name you must change your passport immediatley as you are not legally allowed to be known by two names. Citizens who were born in NZ do not need to show supporting documentation as part of their application as the passports office has access to your records. If you are a citizen who was born overseaas you may need to show supporting documentation.
How do I change my passport?
Your Easy Name Change Guide has full details and procedures for passport name change, including current fees and forms. Further information is also available from the NZ Passports website.
Change Your Name The Easy Waytm
Easy Name Change is New Zealand's only name change service. Our customers can save up to 6 hours with the Easy Name Change kit as you do not need to do any of your own research. We have all the information and procedures you need to change your name quickly and easily.
Whether you are a newlywed, divorcee or performing a legal name change, Easy Name Change name change kits are here to save you hours through the process.
