How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Australia

As a marriage celebrant, one of the most common questions I receive after weddings is about the name-change process. While the decision to change your name is deeply personal, this guide will walk you through the practical steps if you choose to do so.

About The Two Marriage Certificates

Couples married in Australia get a marriage certificate at their wedding ceremony, and also a marriage certificate from the government. Only one can be used for name changing.

Certificate of Marriage (Form 15) - Not Needed

• This is the ceremonial certificate your celebrant or I presents at your wedding
• While beautiful, this certificate alone isn’t necessary or sufficient for official name changes
• This form is only called “Certificate of Marriage”, note it doesn’t say the word “Official” at the start

Official Certificate of Marriage

• Order this from the state’s Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in which you got married
• This is the document you’ll need for all official name changes
• Each state has different fees and processing times
• This form differs from the above form in that it is called an “Official Certificate of Marriage”
• Sometimes I or your celebrant can order your official marriage certificate for you - Tasmania: I can order on your behalf at time of registration - Victoria: I can order on your behalf at time of registration - New South Wales: I can order on your behalf at time of registration and for eight weeks after - Queensland: The BDM will email you - South Australia, Western Australia, ACT, NT: You need to contact the BDM and I would wait six-eight weeks until after your marriage ceremony.

What Names Can You Have?

When you get legally married on Australian soil - even if you wed or elope overseas but don’t do the paperwork there - you have three choices of name after your wedding.

Both parties to the marriage can choose:

• Keep their birth name
• Take their partner’s last name
• Hyphenate with their partner’s last name

If you legally marry outside of Australia you can change to whatever you like, seriously and literally anything, because you’re changing your name like anyone would in or out of marriage, a process often called ‘Deed Poll’. This comes at a price for the name change, but then also for the new passport and drivers license whereas changing your name through marriage is almost always without cost.

Step-by-Step Name Change Process If You Have An Australian Official Marriage Certificate

1. First Steps

   • You can start using your new name socially right after your wedding
   • Feel free to update social media profiles
   • Remember: official ID will still show your original name

2. Get Your Official Marriage Certificate

   • Apply through your state’s Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
   • Processing typically takes 5-10 business days once the marriage is registered which can take upwards of six to eight weeks.
   • Keep both your Form 15 and the Official Certificate in a safe place

3. Update Your Official ID Documents

   • Passport (free if updated within 12 months of marriage)
   • Driver’s licence (often free in most states)

4. Update Other Important Places

   • Medicare card
   • Bank accounts
   • Superannuation
   • Electoral roll
   • Payroll
   • Insurances
   • Mortgage

Important Tips

• Honeymoon Planning: Book flights using the name on your current passport. Don’t book under your new name as you won’t have ID to match
• Timeline: There’s no rush—you can change your name at any time after marriage
• Original Name: Your original name remains legally valid
• State Differences: Fees and processes vary by state, so check your local registry website

Helpful Resources

• Australian Passport Office - Marriage Name Change
• Contact your state’s transport authority for driver’s licence requirements
• Check with your bank about their specific requirements for name changes

Remember, changing your name after marriage is completely optional. Whether you choose to keep your original name, take your spouse’s name, or create a new combination, the choice is entirely yours.