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.

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. You get to choose to change your name after you are married, and then show your marriage certificate to the right people to change it.

But if you want to

combine names,
create a new surname,
or take a name that’s not legally linked to your marriage,

you will need to go through a legal name change process. That means lodging an application with BDM in your state or territory. The same goes if you’re using a professional name or hyphenating in a non-standard way.

As an Aussie 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, hopefully, 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 For Name Changes: 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 about it
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 to:

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 will actually be changing your name like anyone would in or out of marriage, a process often known as ‘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

You can start using your new name socially right after your wedding, feel free to update social media profiles.

But remember: official ID will still show your original name so if you need to do something official like go through an international airport or immigration setting, applying for finance, undertaking legal processes or actions, your name is what your ID says your name is.

How To Get Your Official Marriage Certificate

It’s simple: Apply through the BDM in the state in which you got married, the BDM is the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

The BDM you apply to is not the state where you live, nor is it the state where the celebrant lives, it is only the state in which the marriage ceremony took place. So if you live in Coolangatta, and your celebrant lives in Melbourne, but you got married at Byron Bay, that’s the New South Wales BSM.

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.

Update Your Official ID Documents

A quick checklist:

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

Should You Change Your Surname After Marriage?

Common options people choose

Changing your surname after marriage isn’t compulsory in Australia-it’s a personal choice.

Here’s what most couples consider:

Taking your spouse’s surname: Still the most common choice, especially among women. It provides a shared family name and can make things simpler when it comes to dealing with schools, travel, and government paperwork. You don’t need to apply for a legal name change if you choose this route-your official marriage certificate is enough to assume your spouse’s surname.
Hyphenating both surnames: This keeps both names visible and can feel like a more equal compromise. For example, “Taylor-Smith” if your surnames are Taylor and Smith. You can both take the hyphenated name or just one of you-it’s up to you. Again, no legal change required, just use your marriage certificate.
Combining surnames into a new one: Some couples ditch tradition and invent a new surname out of their two, like “Smithson” or “Raydon”. To do this in Australia, you’ll need to apply formally to the state Births, Deaths & Marriages (BDM) registry. It is a legal name change and not assumed through marriage, which means you’ll get a change of name certificate instead of relying on the marriage certificate alone.
Keeping your current surname: Plenty of people stick with the name they’ve used all their life. There’s no requirement to change it, and your legal identity, degree certificates, professional history, and personal brand all stay patched to the same name.

Legal implications to think about

Changing your name affects more than your email signature. It ripples through most legal interactions. Here’s where it matters:

Wills and estate planning: If you change your name, update your will to reflect it accurately. Mismatched names can introduce doubts and delay probate processes.
Property titles and legal agreements: Any contracts or titles in your previous name will need updating. Leaving them untouched can complicate property sales, business arrangements or disputes.
Travel documentation: If you change your name but your passport still carries your birth name, expect issues at border control. Tickets and bookings must exactly match the ID you’ll present.

What happens in the event of death

If you die with a changed name, your death certificate will reflect the latest one on your records. If other documents-like bank accounts or super-are under a different name, executors may face hurdles proving they’re all for the same person. That’s why it pays to update everything consistently once you make the change.

Alternatively, if you kept your surname, your personal and legal identity remain stable-much less chance of confusion for your family or representatives cleaning things up when you’re gone.

Key Documents You Need for a Name Change

What You’ll Be Asked to Show

When changing your surname after marriage in Australia, most institutions won’t ask for a formal name change application. They’ll simply update their records once you show the right documents. The process usually follows a straightforward pattern, but every organisation sets its own requirements. Here’s what almost all of them expect to see:

Marriage certificate - not the one you get on the day. You need the official version from your state or territory’s Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The certificate must be either the original or a certified copy. Scans or photocopies won’t be accepted.
Photo identification - like your driver’s licence or passport. Some places want to see both your current ID and your new name documentation side-by-side.
Proof of residential address - utility bills, bank statements, or similar documents with your name and address. Not every institution requires this, but many do, particularly for financial and utility services.

Ordering Extra Marriage Certificates

You’ll need that official marriage certificate more than once. Some institutions hold onto it temporarily to process the change. Others might request a certified copy. To avoid delays, it’s smart to order extra copies upfront.

If you’re planning to travel internationally soon after the wedding and you’ll need to prove you’re married to that authority, make sure to ask for an apostille or legalised copy if required by overseas authorities. Not every country recognises an Australian marriage certificate without it.

How to Update Your Name with Key Government Institutions After Marriage

Once you’ve got your official marriage certificate, the next step is getting your new name recognised by a long list of government bodies. If you skip this stage or delay it, you’ll run into mismatched records, blocked services, and frustrating delays.

Start with Medicare, Centrelink, and the Australian Taxation Office

These are part of the Services Australia network, which links many of your key personal records. Changes you make here flow on to related systems.

Medicare: Log into your Medicare account through myGov and update your details online. You can also visit a Medicare Service Centre with your marriage certificate and a valid form of ID.
Centrelink: If you receive payments or have a record with Centrelink, update your name through your myGov account linked to Centrelink. There’s also a downloadable form (SS351) if you prefer the paper route.
ATO: The Australian Taxation Office pulls personal info via myGov. Update your name there and it syncs across. If you’re a business owner with an ABN, you’ll also need to update your name details through the Australian Business Register.

Updating Your Driver’s Licence

Your driver’s licence needs to match your legal name, and each state or territory handles this through its own roads authority. For example:

NSW: Service NSW
VIC: VicRoads
QLD: Queensland Transport and Main Roads

You’ll typically need to bring the following in person:

Original or certified marriage certificate
Current driver’s licence
Additional proof of ID (depending on your state)
Completed change of details form (available on the road authority’s website)

Licence updates are usually free if you hand in your old card, though some states may charge a reissue or card production fee. Check your state’s process and opening hours before heading in.

Updating Your Passport

Changing your name on your Australian passport means applying for a new passport altogether. This isn’t a simple amendment. You’ll need:

Your full marriage certificate issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages (not the one from your celebrant)
Completed passport application form (PC7 for frequent travellers or PC8 depending on the circumstances)
Two passport photos taken in the past six months
Current passport

You’ll also need to pay the standard passport renewal fee. As of 2024, a standard 10-year adult passport costs $325. Processing typically takes around 3 weeks, but allow more time during busy periods or if you’re posting documents from a regional area.

Updating Bank Accounts and Credit Cards After Changing Your Name

Once you’ve changed your name after marriage, your bank accounts and credit cards need to reflect it. Banks won’t know to update your details automatically-this part’s entirely on you.

Contacting Your Banks

Start by making a list of every financial institution you use: big banks, credit unions, online banks, even Buy Now Pay Later services like Afterpay. Wherever your money lives, it needs the update.

Then, contact customer service or visit a branch. Some banks will process the change in person, while others let you mail in forms. A few allow limited updates through online banking, but identity changes nearly always require in-person or postal steps.

What You’ll Need

No bank will accept a name change without proper documentation. You’ll need to provide:

Your original or a certified copy of your official Marriage Certificate (issued by the state or territory registry, not the one the celebrant gave you on the day)
Government-issued photo ID in your current name (e.g. passport or driver’s licence)
Potentially a completed ‘change of name’ form depending on the bank

Make sure all documents are current and valid. Some banks may also sight ID for your new name before they finalise the update.

Update All Your Accounts

Don’t stop at your main transaction account. Name changes should be made on:

Everyday savings and transaction accounts
Credit cards and store cards
Home loans and mortgage offset accounts
Personal and car loans
Term deposits and joint accounts

Joint accounts often require both parties’ presence or consent, so check individual bank policies if this is relevant.

Request New Cards and Credentials

Once the name is updated, ask for new materials:

Debit and credit cards printed in your new name
Chequebooks (if you still use them)
New online banking credentials where a display name appears

Some online banking platforms will take a few days to show the updated name. If nothing changes after a week, chase it up with your branch or account manager.

This step closes the loop-you want your financial details professionally aligned with your legal name to avoid confusion with customer service, credit checks, or tax documentation down the track.

Update Your Insurance and Financial Accounts After Marriage

Which Insurance Providers to Update

Changing your name after marriage means updating any policies where you’re listed by your previous name. That includes:

Life insurance - for accurate policy details and future claims
Health insurance - to ensure claims are paid correctly and gaps cover continues
Car insurance - name mismatches can cause problems at claim time
Home or contents insurance - especially if the property title changes too

Contact your insurer. Most will ask for a certified copy of your marriage certificate along with a completed amendment form. If you’re listed as a beneficiary or policyholder on someone else’s policy, check if they need to update your name too.

Let Super Funds Know

Super funds won’t automatically pick up a surname change. You’ll need to notify them directly. Most have editable forms online, but you’ll still need to post or upload certified documents to confirm your identity.

While you’re at it, confirm your beneficiary nomination is still accurate. Some marriages automatically revoke previous nominations, depending on how the super fund is structured.

Investment and Loan Accounts

If you hold shares, managed funds, or term deposits in your name, reach out to the provider or broker to update your account details. This also applies to:

Personal loans
Home loans (especially if your property title changes too)
Margin lending or investment loans

Each institution has its own process, but in general:

Prepare certified copies of your marriage certificate and other ID if requested
Ask about any impacts on joint accounts or redraw facilities
Make sure your name matches the title on any linked assets

Ask About Beneficiaries and Nominees

Many providers-super, life insurance, even some bank accounts-ask you to nominate a beneficiary. Changing your name can cause confusion later if the paperwork doesn’t match.

Best move: once your name has been updated, ask for a fresh copy of any beneficiary forms, even if you’re staying with the same person. Then re-submit under your new legal name.

Updating Your Employer and Payroll Details After Changing Your Name

Tell Your Employer As Soon As Your Name Has Legally Changed

Once you’ve received your official marriage certificate from the state registry and decided to take your partner’s surname or make any legal change, the next step is to tell your employer. They can’t update payroll, HR records, or work documents until you give them formal notice and documentation.

Most companies handle this through their HR department. Some will ask you to complete a personal details form or fill out a change request via HR software like Employment Hero, SAP, or Xero.

What Needs Updating Internally?

Once your employer has the new name on file, a few systems will probably need to be updated to reflect the change across the board:

Payroll: Make sure your payslips, tax submissions (via Single Touch Payroll), and superannuation contributions reflect your new legal name.
Email and internal systems: Request an updated email address and signature. This also applies to Slack, Teams, and any cloud-based work platforms.
Bank account on file: If you’ve updated your name with your bank, advise payroll of new account details if there’s been any change at their end.
Internal directories and ID cards: These often get overlooked. Ask HR or admin to update them.

ATO and Super Fund Alignment

Employers report income and super contributions to the ATO under your Tax File Number (TFN). If the ATO hasn’t received the name update from you yet, mismatches can trigger errors in matching records. Lodge the name change directly with the ATO using myGov or the ATO Change of Details for Individuals form (NAT 2817), so your employer’s records stay in sync.

HR Forms and Templates

Many mid-to-large organisations offer standard HR forms for personal detail changes. If your employer doesn’t, a basic name change notice could simply include:

Full name (before and after)
Date of name change
Reason (e.g. marriage, legal name change)
Supporting document (certified copy of marriage certificate)

Hand this to your HR manager or direct supervisor, depending on your workplace structure. Digital HR systems may have a self-service update portal instead.

How to Update Your Name Across Utility, Subscription, and Service Accounts

Everyday Services That Need Your New Name

Once you’ve sorted your name with government departments and banks, it’s time to tackle the more everyday accounts. These might not seem as urgent, but you’re likely interacting with them more often than your passport or Medicare card. Start by making a list-electricity, internet, Netflix, Spotify, mobile phone, local council, and anything else that charges you monthly or knows you by name.

Energy Providers

Most electricity and gas companies let you update your name online via your user account. If your provider doesn’t offer a self-service option, call customer service. You’ll usually be asked to confirm identity with a combination of account details and verification info. Some may request a copy of your official name change document or your marriage certificate (as issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, not the one from your celebrant).

Phone and Internet

Telstra, Optus, TPG, and other major service providers follow similar steps. Log in to your customer portal and look for a ‘profile’ or ‘account details’ section to update your personal info. If that’s a dead-end, call their customer service line. You’ll likely get asked for your account number, current billing address, and one form of ID for verification.

Council Rates and Records

Your local council uses your name for property rates, pet registration, rubbish services, and more. Updating their records makes sure future correspondence matches your ID. Head to your council’s website-many offer an online form. If not, phone or email customer service. Identification and a copy of the marriage certificate are typically required.

Streaming and Subscription Accounts

Netflix, Spotify, Disney , Audible-none of these actually care what your legal name is, but consistency helps. If you’re using automatic payments tied to a bank card with your new name, updating the profile can avoid confusion. These changes are easy: log in, go to your account settings, and type in the new name. No documents needed.

Other Accounts Worth Checking

Gym memberships and fitness apps
Online retailers like Amazon, eBay, or local grocery services
Ride share apps like Uber and delivery platforms like Menulog
Newsletter subscriptions that include your name on invoices or profiles

Common ID Verification Requirements

For most service providers, basic verification involves confirming your existing account details. If the name change affects billing or legal obligations (like utility or council accounts), they’ll ask for a certified copy or high-res scan of your marriage certificate. A few might want 100 points of ID aligned to the new name-usually for properties, insurance-linked services, or regulated utilities.

Updating Your Name on Identification Documents (ID)

Once you’ve legally changed your name after marriage, updating your identification documents is a priority. These IDs form the foundation of your personal, legal, and financial identity, and discrepancies between them can cause real headaches-especially when dealing with banks, government forms, or international travel.

Medicare Card

Start with Medicare. Your Medicare record acts as the bedrock for many other Australian government systems, including MyGov, Centrelink, and the ATO. To update your Medicare card, you’ll need a marriage certificate issued by a state or territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. You can:

Log into your MyGov account and link it to Medicare if it’s not already.
Go to ‘Personal details’ and request a name change.
Upload a copy of your marriage certificate and any other required identification.
Wait for confirmation and your new card to arrive in the mail.

Driver’s Licence

Your driver’s licence is one of the most widely used forms of ID in Australia. Each state and territory has its own process and requirements, but across the board, you’ll need to present your official marriage certificate and existing photo ID in person. Once updated, your digital licence (if available in your state) will reflect the change as well. Here’s a few specific notes:

NSW: Book a Service NSW appointment, bring your marriage certificate and old licence.
VIC: Attend a VicRoads customer service centre with documents in-hand-no online updates allowed.
QLD: Apply at a transport and motoring customer service centre.

Fees may apply, even if it’s just a name update.

Passport

Planning an overseas trip under your new name? Your passport and flight booking names must match exactly, or you won’t be boarding. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade allows a free replacement passport (within 12 months of issue) if it’s a name change due to marriage. After that, you’ll have to pay the full renewal fee. To apply:

Fill out the ‘Renewal Application Form’ or a new application if your passport is older.
Submit a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Provide new passport photos and identity documents.

Visits to Australia Post for submission are standard, and processing takes a few weeks unless you pay priority fees.

Voter Registration

Changing your name with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) ensures your enrolment is valid during elections and referendums. It also prevents issues with jury duty correspondence or fines tied to unmatched IDs. To update details:

Visit aec.gov.au and use their online name update form.
Submit supporting documents like a scanned marriage certificate.

The record update usually applies within a few days, with confirmation sent by post or email.

One Name, Everywhere

Make sure every single ID reflects the same name. Inconsistent records-say, your Medicare card showing your married name but your driver’s licence still showing your birth name-can lead to identity mismatches. These mismatches can delay loan approvals, block international travel, or get flagged in digital ID checks performed by banks, employers, or even Australia Post. Gather a list of all the places you use ID and work through them methodically. Synchronising them all isn’t just neat-it prevents red tape down the track.

Personal Announcements That Stick

Once your name change is official and the paperwork’s sorted, get the word out. The goal here isn’t a massive PR campaign-but clarity matters. How will people address you in the future? How should they update their records or contact info?

Start with a direct email or text message to your inner circle. Keep it short. Include your new name, why you’ve changed it (if relevant), and whether you’d like them to start using it straight away.

If you’ve got a joint email address or household, clarify whether that’s changing too.
If you send out group emails, tag the subject line clearly: “Josh %u2192 Josh Smith: Quick Update”.
Don’t explain it more than you need to - just be clear and polite.

Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn - these are more public, but they’re part of how people know you. Before posting anything, think about your audience. Do you need to make it a whole announcement? Or just update your profile and let people notice?

If you’re in group chats or online communities under your old name, consider changing your display name or adding a note where it makes sense. You don’t need to explain it to everyone-just enough so people aren’t confused.

Address Books and Holiday Cards

Still send Christmas cards? Or annual updates? Now’s the time to tell the extended network. A line in your next card or letter saying “Now going by Josh Smith” gets the job done. Or, drop it into the return address on the envelope.

For anyone who maintains a physical or digital address book - parents, grandparents, old family friends - a simple heads-up keeps them from using the wrong name for years to come.

Professional Contacts and Mailing Lists

For professional circles outside of payroll or HR-which you’ve already handled-update your name where people might reach you directly. This could include:

Online forums or memberships
Email signatures and contact cards
Mailing lists you contribute to

If you operate a business or do freelance work, pin a short note somewhere obvious: your website footer, about page, or booking confirmation email.

Don’t rely on people figuring it out. Name recognition matters. Make the update clear, and remove any doubt about who they’re dealing with.

Updating your name on social media isn’t just about letting friends know you’ve married - it can affect how people find you, especially if you use your accounts professionally. Each platform handles name changes differently, so here’s what you need to know.

Facebook

Go to Settings & Privacy %u2192 Settings %u2192 Personal Details %u2192 Name.
Facebook allows only one name change every 60 days.
You can add your maiden name as an “Other Name” (e.g. maiden name or nickname) to help people find you.
Under “About” %u2192 “Details About You”, you can display both current and previous names.

Instagram

Go to your profile and tap Edit Profile.
You can change both your full name and username here.
If your username is tied to your business or personal brand, keep it consistent or redirect followers via your bio.
Unlike Facebook, Instagram doesn’t verify names, but sudden changes can confuse followers - post a story or update to explain if needed.

Click on your profile photo %u2192 View Profile %u2192 Edit Intro.
Use the “Former Name” field to keep your maiden name searchable.
Update your URL to match your new name but note that custom URLs are first-come, first-serve.
For professionals, consistency across platforms matters - update email signature blocks, bios, and other touchpoints at the same time.

Twitter (now X)

Click Profile %u2192 Edit Profile.
You can change your display name at any time.
The handle (your @username) is also editable, but check availability first.
If switching usernames, consider holding onto your old handle by using a backup account to prevent loss of brand connection.

Keep It Consistent

If your name is part of your business or professional identity, match it across all profiles. That includes:

Email addresses and Google profiles
Your website or blog
Directory sites or digital portfolios

Think about searchability. Will your audience type your maiden name, your new name, or both? Reflect that in your bio, descriptions, and display name. And when in doubt - mention the name change clearly somewhere visible.

How Long Does the Name Change Process Take?

There’s no single answer because every organisation operates on its own timeline. Some institutions update your details on the spot. Others take several weeks, especially where new physical documents are involved.

Government Agencies

Most state and federal departments-including Medicare, Centrelink, ATO, and your state-based driver licensing authority-typically process name changes within 1 to 4 weeks. If you’re providing a marriage certificate from your state or territory’s Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, that’s usually enough to trigger the update. But if you’re also updating multiple details (like address or gender marker), it may take longer.

Passport Reissue

The Australian Passport Office requires a complete reissue when changing your surname. Allow up to 6 weeks after submitting a name change application, though express processing (additional fees apply) can cut that time down to 2 business days once it’s lodged and approved.

Best Order to Tackle the Process

Start with your identity documents, since everything else flows from them. Here’s a practical sequence:

Step 1: Update your driver’s licence and Medicare card. These are commonly used as forms of ID and may be required elsewhere.
Step 2: Notify your bank. Most banks require a photo ID with your new surname before they’ll make any changes.
Step 3: Update your passport-especially if you’re travelling soon. Airlines won’t let you fly with a ticket that doesn’t match your ID.
Step 4: Tackle utilities, subscriptions, insurance, and superannuation providers in bulk. Many allow updates via their online portals once you’ve changed your ID.

If you focus on one category at a time, the process becomes more manageable-and you’re less likely to miss someone important.

Costs Associated with Changing Your Name

Expect to Pay for New Identification Documents

Changing your name after marriage in Australia doesn’t attract a direct name change fee, but updating your ID and official documents does come with costs. These are the most common charges you’ll need to budget for:

Passport: If you want a new passport that reflects your new name, the Australian Passport Office charges $325 for a standard 10-year adult passport. If you’ve got more than two years left on your current passport, you can request a free replacement in your new married name, but this only applies if the name change is on the basis of marriage and you lodge the application within 12 months of the marriage.
Driver’s licence: Each state and territory sets its own pricing. In New South Wales, updating your name on your driver’s licence is free if you’re only correcting personal details. In Victoria, you won’t pay a fee for updating the licence, but you’ll be charged if you need a reissue card. Always check with your state or territory’s transport authority for current pricing and policies.

Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate

The ceremonial marriage certificate you receive on the wedding day isn’t valid for legal name change purposes. You’ll need to order the official marriage certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state or territory where the wedding took place. Prices vary.

You might also want multiple copies, especially if you’re updating several institutions at once. Factor that into your budget-each additional certified copy usually costs between $30 and $60 depending on the state.

Legal Name Change (If You’re Not Using Your Marriage Certificate)

If you’re not taking your partner’s name or doing a non-standard name change (like creating a new surname), you’ll need to apply for a legal name change through the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. These applications generally cost between $120 and $200, depending on your state.

Miscellaneous Costs to Factor In

It sounds small, but these costs add up quickly. Depending on how far you want to take the name update, consider these:

New bank cards (some banks charge for reissues)
Updated cheque books or stationery
Reprinting business cards or promotional material
Time off work to attend in-person appointments
Courier or express postage fees if you’re sending documents

Treat the name change like a micro-move-there’s no one big bill, but small charges will pile up across several touchpoints. Best approach: make a list, prioritise what matters, and update the essentials first.

Name Change Checklist and Templates

Keep Yourself Organised From the Start

Changing your name after marriage involves more than updating your driver’s licence. Most people underestimate how many accounts, documents, and systems are tied to a legal name. Skip the guesswork - use a checklist to track it all and prevent delays.

Download the Name Change Checklist

The downloadable checklist includes major and minor organisations you’ll need to update, grouped by category. You can print it out or use a digital copy to tick things off.

Government departments (e.g. Medicare, ATO, Centrelink)
Financial institutions (banks, super funds, credit unions)
Work and employment-related (HR, payroll, professional licences)
Utilities and services (electricity, internet, phone)
Subscriptions and online accounts (streaming, shopping, memberships)
Social and personal contacts

Use the Tracking Spreadsheet (also included) to:

Record the date you submitted each update
Note reference numbers and contact names
Follow up easily if something gets lost in the system

Editable Letter and Email Templates

You won’t need to start from scratch. Use these fill-in-the-blanks templates to notify key organisations quickly - just copy, paste, and update your personal details.

1. HR Department Template

    Subject: Name Change Notification - [Your Former Full Name]
    
    Hi [HR Manager's Name],
    
    I'm writing to formally advise that I've changed my name following my marriage on [Marriage Date]. Please update your records to reflect my new legal name:
    
    Former name: [Full Former Name]  
    New name: [Full New Name]  
    Effective date: [Date You Want the Change to Take Effect]
    
    I've attached a copy of my marriage certificate for your records. Let me know if you need anything else.
    
    Regards,  
    [Your Name]

2. Bank Notification Template

    Subject: Request to Update Account Name
    
    Hi [Bank Name] team,
    
    I've recently changed my name due to marriage and would like to update the name on my accounts.
    
    Former name: [Full Former Name]  
    New name: [Full New Name]  
    Date of name change: [Date]
    
    Attached is a certified copy of my marriage certificate as supporting documentation. Please let me know the next steps or if any further ID is required.
    
    Thanks,  
    [Your Full Name]  
    [Contact Number]

3. Utility Company Template

    Subject: Request to Update Name on Account
    
    Hi [Utility Company Name],
    
    Please update my account to reflect my new legal name, following marriage.
    
    Old name: [Full Former Name]  
    New name: [Full New Name]  
    Account number: [Your Account Number]
    
    I've attached my marriage certificate as documentation for the name change.
    
    Kind regards,  
    [Your Name]  
    [Email and Contact Number]

Tip: Don’t Try to Do It All in One Day

Use the checklist week by week and group updates by category - for example, knock out all your financial services first, then move on to digital subscriptions and community memberships.

That way, you’ll avoid double handling and reduce the chances of delays or mismatches down the track.