Change of Name In Marriage

Your Options After Marriage

After getting married in Australia, you have several options regarding your name:

  • Keep your current surname
  • Take your spouse’s surname
  • Hyphenate both surnames
  • Create a combined surname
  • Use your married surname for some purposes and birth surname for others

There is no legal requirement to change your name after marriage.

Using Your Marriage Certificate

If you were married in Australia, changing to your spouse’s surname is straightforward:

  • Your official marriage certificate (as issued by the Births, Deaths, and Marriages Department) is usually sufficient evidence
  • No formal registration is required
  • Most organisations will accept your marriage certificate as proof

Formal Name Change

If you want to:

  • Create a new combined surname
  • Use a different name combination
  • Were married overseas

You will need to:

  1. Apply through the Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state you were each born.
  2. Pay their standard name change fee
  3. Provide required identification
  4. Submit supporting documentation

Organisations to Notify

If changing your name, remember to update:

  • Driver’s licence
  • Medicare card
  • Passport
  • Bank accounts
  • Electoral roll
  • Australian Tax office
  • Superannuation
  • Insurance policies
  • Professional registrations

Important Considerations

Government Documents

  • Passport: You’ll need your official marriage certificate
  • Driver’s licence: Marriage certificate required
  • Medicare: Can be updated with certificate

Professional Considerations

  • Professional qualifications
  • Business registrations
  • Email addresses
  • Social media accounts

Overseas Marriage

  • May need formal name change registration
  • Documents might require translation
  • Additional requirements may apply

Timeline

There is no legal timeframe for changing your name after marriage. You can:

  • Change it immediately
  • Wait for a while
  • Never change it
  • Change it years later

Reverting to Previous Name

If you want to revert to your previous name:

  • After marriage: Use your birth certificate
  • After divorce: Use your divorce papers
  • No formal process required unless registered

Need Help?

We can assist with:

  • Understanding your options
  • Ordering marriage certificates
  • Document requirements
  • General guidance