On 11 October 2021, the Real Property Amendment (Certificates of Title) Act 2021 commenced, which abolished the Certificates of Title (CTs) and the control of the right to deal (CoRD) framework. All existing CTs have been cancelled and CTs will no longer be issued. Existing CTs will not need to be produced, and CoRD holder consent will not be required, for a dealing or plan to be registered. All existing Guidelines subject to this change are currently being reviewed and will be updated to reflect these changes. For further information regarding the abolition of CTs, please see https://www.registrargeneral.nsw.gov.au/property-and-conveyancing/eConveyancing/abolition-of-certificates-of-title

Does NSW LRS have records of changes of name by deed poll?

Yes. NSW LRS holds records of changes of name which were executed by instrument or deed poll between 1875 and 1996.

The records are kept in two separate sets of index books. From 1875 to 1967 they are recorded in the Change of Name Index and from 1967 to 1996 in the Vendors Index. Changes of name by deed poll ceased to be recorded in the Vendors Index from April 1996. Changes of name are now registered with the NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages.

Searches

You can search either in the Change of Name Index or the Vendors Index depending on when the document was registered. Entries are made under both the old and new names. Copies of documents, including certified copies are available (see current fee schedule).

As registration of Instruments of Change of Name was not compulsory, you may receive a ‘Nil’ result. If you cannot visit the Sydney office you can forward a request to Search Services by mail or e-mail. You should include as much detail about your search, your address and contact details in case clarification of facts is required. Search Services cannot guarantee that the search will be successful.

Costs apply to the initial search of the Register (including a copy of relevant folio). Costs will apply to any additional documents supplied. A quote will be provided by the Search Services and will need to be paid in advance.

Please forward your requests by:

  • email searchrequests@nswlrs.com.au;
  • mail to Search Services, NSW Land Registry Services, GPO Box 15 Sydney 2001; or
  • in person, Level 30 at NSW LRS, 175 Liverpool Street Sydney.

NOTE: A change of name of a registered proprietor of an estate or interest in Torrens Title land may be recorded by lodgment of a Change of Name form 10CN.
 

Publication Date: July 2024