Changing your name

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Professional Memberships

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

Priority 4: Other Important Updates

9. 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

10. Healthcare

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

11. 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

12. 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?