How to change your name after marriage in Australia

Required Documentation

Before starting the process, ensure you have:

  • Your official marriage certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages (the ceremonial certificate from your celebrant won’t be accepted)
  • Current photo ID (such as your driver’s licence or passport)
  • Proof of your residential address (a recent rates notice, utility bill or bank statement)

Priority 1: Essential Identity Documents

  1. Driver’s Licence

    • Visit your state/territory transport authority:
      • NSW: Service NSW
      • VIC: VicRoads
      • QLD: Department of Transport and Main Roads
      • WA: Department of Transport
      • SA: Service SA
      • TAS: Service Tasmania
      • NT: MVR
      • ACT: Access Canberra
    • Bring your marriage certificate and current licence
    • Fees vary by state/territory
    • This becomes a crucial form of ID for other name changes

  2. Medicare Card

    • Update through myGov
    • Or visit a Services Australia centre
    • No fee applies
    • Request a replacement card with your new name
    • Remember to update your My Health Record at the same time

  3. Passport

    • Lodge your application within 12 months of marriage or name change to avoid additional fees
    • Complete the overseas travel document amendment form (available on passports.gov.au)
    • Priority if you’re planning overseas travel
    • Can be done at Australia Post outlets that offer passport services

Priority 2: Financial Institutions

  1. Bank Accounts

    • Most major Australian banks allow online name changes through their apps or web banking
    • For banks requiring in-person visits, bring your marriage certificate and photo ID
    • Remember to update:
      • Transaction accounts
      • Savings accounts
      • Credit cards
      • Mortgage/home loans
      • Term deposits
      • BPAY details
      • PayID

  2. Superannuation

    • Contact your super fund directly (most have online forms)
    • You may need certified copies of your marriage certificate
    • Consider updating your beneficiaries at the same time
    • If you have multiple super funds, update them all

  3. Australian Taxation Office

    • Update through myGov
    • This automatically updates your TFN details
    • Ensures your tax returns and PAYG summaries are correct
    • Update your ABN details if you’re a sole trader or have a business

Priority 3: Employment & Professional

  1. Workplace Updates

    • Notify your organisation’s HR department
    • Update details for:
      • Payroll
      • Work email
      • Security passes
      • Business cards
      • LinkedIn and other professional profiles
      • Professional registrations (AHPRA, Law Society, etc.)
      • Working With Children Check/Blue Card
      • Police checks

  2. Professional Memberships

    • Industry associations
    • Professional bodies
    • Union membership
    • Alumni associations
    • Professional insurance
    • TAFE/University qualifications registry

Priority 4: Other Important Updates

  1. Australian Electoral Commission

    • Update online through aec.gov.au
    • Or complete a new enrolment form
    • This is a legal requirement - you must update within 8 weeks
    • Check your state/territory electoral commission too

  2. Healthcare

    • Update your details with:
    • GP clinic/medical centre
    • Dentist
    • Specialists
    • Private health insurance
    • Pharmacies (especially for prescription records)
    • MyGov vaccination records
    • Ambulance membership

  3. Services & Utilities

    • Electricity provider
    • Gas provider
    • Water service
    • NBN/Internet provider
    • Mobile phone plan
    • Streaming services (Netflix, Stan, Binge, etc.)
    • Flybuys, Everyday Rewards, and other loyalty programs
    • Gym membership
    • Library card

  4. Property & Insurance

    • Rental agreement/Real Estate Agent
    • Property title (through your state’s land registry)
    • Council rates
    • Insurance policies:
      • Home and contents
      • Car insurance
      • Life insurance
      • Income protection
      • Pet insurance

Helpful Tips

  • Get several certified copies of your marriage certificate from JP or chemist
  • Create a spreadsheet to track all your name change requests
  • Take photos of all submitted forms for your records
  • Set up email forwarding if changing email addresses
  • Update social media accounts
  • Consider updating your will, power of attorney, and advance care directive
  • Keep your old ID until everything is updated
  • Some organisations may ask for a Name Change Statement - this is a free form available from Births, Deaths and Marriages

Estimated Timeline

  • Priority 1 items: Complete within first month after receiving marriage certificate
  • Priority 2 items: Complete within 1-2 months
  • Priority 3 items: Complete within 2-3 months
  • Priority 4 items: Complete within 3-4 months

Common Questions

  • You don’t have to change your name after marriage - it’s completely your choice
  • Both partners can change their name after marriage
  • Options include:
    • Taking your partner’s surname
    • Keeping your original surname
    • Hyphenating both surnames
    • Creating a combined surname
    • Using your original surname professionally and married name personally
  • Your birth certificate remains in your original name
  • You can revert to your previous name if you wish (may require additional documentation)

Wondering about what else should you do after your marriage ceremony?