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Paperwork helper · WA

Western Australia: name and gender marker paperwork

Easy Read

• You can change your name with the WA Registry.
• If you are 18 or older, you can apply to change your sex or gender yourself. There are different rules for children.
• You need a statement from a doctor or psychologist.
• After that, you can update your other documents.
• This is general information, not legal advice. Check the official page before you apply.

General information, not legal advice. Rules can change, so always follow the official page. Each fact below comes from the linked government source. Last checked 14 Nov 2026.

This page is for people whose birth is registered in Western Australia. If you were born in another Australian state or territory, use that state’s page instead. If you were born overseas, the rules for people living in WA are noted where the official pages cover them.

1. Change your registered name

• Apply to the WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The Registry accepts applications by post, in person or online, but not by email or fax.
• The WA page notes there’s no legal requirement to formally change your name if you are using, or want to use, a name other than your registered name. Many organisations will still ask for a change of name certificate.
• Check the page for who can apply, the forms, fees and the identification you need.

Source: WA Government: Changing your name. Last checked 14 Nov 2026.

2. Update your sex or gender marker

• Since 30 May 2025 you apply directly to the Registry. The Gender Reassignment Board has been abolished, and you no longer need to have had a reassignment procedure (WA Government media statement, 30 May 2025).
• You must be 18 or older, with your birth registered in WA.
• A doctor’s or psychologist’s statement is required. It must come from a doctor or psychologist registered with AHPRA and certify that you have received appropriate clinical treatment in relation to your sex or gender.
• You can choose male, female or non-binary. The WA fact sheet says no other description will be accepted (WA fact sheet, PDF).
• Applications are by post or in person at the Perth Registry office.
• If you were born outside Australia and have lived in WA for at least 12 months, you can apply for an acknowledgement document instead.

Source: WA Government: Change of sex or gender. Last checked 14 Nov 2026.

What “appropriate clinical treatment” means: the WA Registry says what is appropriate depends on your individual needs, and is decided in confidence between you and your doctor or psychologist. You don’t need to give details of any treatment in your application. Source: WA Government: Change of sex or gender (see “Appropriate clinical treatment”). Last checked 14 Nov 2026.

3. Update your other documents

There’s no official order for updating your other documents. This is one suggested order, not a rule. Check each agency’s page for what it needs.

1. Your registry: name and/or sex or gender marker

   Get your change of name certificate and/or new birth certificate (or recognised details certificate) first. Other agencies may ask to see them. See the two sections above.

2. Driver licence or photo card (WA)

   Updated photo ID can make later steps easier. Transport WA: Change my name.

3. Medicare

   Name: call the Medicare program line and have a supporting document ready (for example a change of name certificate or reissued birth certificate). Gender: you can update it online in myGov (Medicare > My details > Edit), or by phone, in person or in writing, and Services Australia says you don’t need supporting documents. It notes this may affect cancer screening reminders. Services Australia: Medicare details.

4. Centrelink

   Legal name: bring your Births, Deaths and Marriages documents to a service centre. You can update your preferred name online in myGov if your Centrelink online account is linked. Centrelink may still use your legal name when it writes to you. Gender: update it in myGov (Centrelink > My details). Documents are only needed in some cases, such as Child Support records. Centrelink: update your name · Centrelink: update your gender.

5. Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

   Update your name in myGov (ATO > My profile). You’ll need to verify an identity document such as a change of name certificate or birth certificate. ATO: Update your name.

6. Passport

   If you change your name for reasons other than marriage or relationship status, the Passport Office says to stop using your current passport and apply for a new one. Passports show M, F or X. To change it, you provide one of the following:

   • a registry gender recognition certificate
   • a revised birth certificate
   • a recognised details certificate
   • a South Australian identity acknowledgement certificate
   • a statement from a registered doctor or psychologist on form B14.

   Not all countries recognise X. Check before you travel. Australian Passport Office: Change of name or gender.

7. Electoral roll (AEC)

   Update your enrolment details online. You’ll need a driver licence number, passport number, Medicare card details or citizenship number, or someone who is enrolled to confirm your identity. AEC: Update my details.

8. Banks, super, insurance and utilities

   There’s no single official process. Contact each provider directly and ask what they need. Usually it’s your new certificate and updated photo ID.

About this order: it’s a common, practical sequence, not an official rule. Federal agencies follow the Australian Government Guidelines on the Recognition of Sex and Gender, but each one has its own steps. Last checked 14 Nov 2026.

Help and community

These are independent organisations. Truename isn’t affiliated with or endorsed by them.

• Transfolk WA: peer support and WA resources on changing your legal name and gender

See all community resources.