Until they get proper documents to that effect, government organizations won't acknowledge a change of name. Official documented proof includes a variety of documents. The supporting documents must clearly show the relationship between the name under which they are presently registered and the name they wish to change the entry to.

The following documents are acceptable:

• foreign-issued marriage or civil union certificate a civil union or marriage certificate
• certificate of Affidavit, statutory declaration, unenrolled deed, poll, or change of name deed
• birth certificate, registration certificate, or certificate of naturalization
• adoption judgment or authorization

You must decide if a particular piece of documents is sufficient proof of an elector's name change because this list is not all-inclusive.

Other documents that could be considered for Evidence of a name change include:

• A modified adoption order or certificate that includes both the original name and the newer, altered name. An amended certificate of naturalization, which might happen if the holder later changed their name registration, or in some other situations, an amended birth certificate, which might happen if the holder had their forename altered during the first twelve months of their birth.
• A written or electronic request for copies of the proof should be sent. The applicant may personally provide original documents or copies to your offices if they prefer not to submit copies. Copies of documents submitted by applicants or copies you produce of the original materials must follow the same security safeguards.

You must be certain that the copies or papers you have been handed look to be originals. You can request that the applicant bring you the original document in person or send you the original document so they can be copied and returned if you have any concerns or if the copy is too fuzzy for you to evaluate it. However, you should be aware that you would then be responsible for the document's secure transportation.

The applicant must provide adequate factual evidence to demonstrate a direct relationship between their names as it is currently stated in the register and the name they wish to modify the entry to in circumstances where there have been numerous name changes.