Name change
after marriage
Check off the companies you need to notify. Get ready to send paperwork.
How to change names after marriage
Congratulations! You’re married and have decided to take your spouse’s surname! The not-so-great news… it can take weeks to get all your accounts and records changed over to your new name yourself.
We’re here to step you though all the stages of name change. You can do it yourself following our step by step guides, or skip all the research and hassle with a name change kit. On a budget? Use our free checklist creator!
The best part about married name change is that you only need the official marriage certificate to get started! There is no registration for your new name. It’s simply a matter of notifying each company to request your account, identification, membership or subscription is updated.
How do I change names on all my accounts?
There’s no central database of names or one single process to follow. Each company needs to be notified directly and they all have different processes! You may be asked to send an email, letter or form. Some places need you to call, log into your account or visit in person (banks, driver’s licence and Centrelink!) There’s 2 ways to get this information:
Outsource the research and paperwork: Check off the organisations you need from our database and get a personalised pack of forms, letters and emails. The process for each chosen company in explained in the your personalised checklist. Start here!
Do it yourself: Make a list of all the places you need to update. ATO, Medicare, AEC, Centrelink, banks, mortgage, credit cards, insurances, communication, utilities, alumni, subscriptions, toll roads, professional associations. Newlyweds typically have between 12 and 60 different places! You’ll need to contact each one to learn what process to follow. Get the forms, write letters and emails.
What proof do I need?
The official marriage certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages lets either spouse take the other’s surname. It is the only document you need to get started! (There is a different process if you were married overseas). Almost all companies will want to see the marriage certificate. A small number of companies require photo ID (some banks and superannuation funds).
Most companies only need a photocopy of your identification documents. Where companies hold large assets on your behalf or issue identification you are usually asked to provide a certified copy.
Professional registration or key identification, such as AHPRA, NDIS, Working With Children and Passports require full evidence of identity checks, so be prepared!
Which companies should be notified first?
It generally does not matter what order you update your records in. Only about 5 companies have a prerequisite, such as providing updated photo ID. You can read the proof requirements on each of our notifications to know if you have any special requirements.
Although not usually necessary, it can be handy to have your photo ID updated first, as you can show this for in-person name changes, like when you visit the doctor, vet or local library. It can also be handy to get banks and credit cards updated first. If your credit card is reissued with a new number it can be handy to update online profiles with both your name and new billing information at the same time.
What name can I take?
No matter where you live, the same married name choices apply to any person married in Australia;
- You can drop your surname and take your spouse’s
- You can add your spouse’s surname to your own. Names can appear in either order and can be separated by either a space or a hyphen.
- You can change your name on legal documents, but continue using your former name in work or personal settings.
A legal name change is needed if you:
- Want to change any part of your given name/s
- Want a surname other than yours or your spouse’s
- Want to blend a part of each surname together to make a new name (if Smith and Jones became Smones)
How will I know my name has been changed?
Most companies won’t write back to confirm your name was changed. Check that your new name appears when you next log into your account or receive correspondence. Most companies update your name within a few days of receiving your request, but some can take weeks (Medicare, ATO and passport) or months (replacement citizenship certificate).
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CERTIFIED KIT
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Consultation call
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Identification J.P. certified
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Registered mail for identification
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Paperwork checked & lodged
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Phone support
PRINTED & POSTED KIT
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3 x stamps
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Handy folder
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PRINT AT HOME KIT
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INFORMATION HUB
Marriage Name Change FAQ
All you need is the official marriage certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages. There is no special registration – just approach each company and request your name is updated! Some places must be updated in person, some need you to send a request in writing. We explain what to send where.
Read how to change names after marriage article.
Good news – you only need the official marriage certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages! There’s no special registration of your new name. Simply show your marriage certificate where necessary. You might need some certified copies too. A few companies need photo ID.
Read what documents do I need article.
Both spouses have the same 4 options available. As a couple you can have different surnames. Want a different surname or changes to your given names?
Read your married name options article
Yes! You can keep using your pre-married name even if you have changed it everywhere else. You’ve spent years with your name and there are so many reasons to keep it, in some places at least! Watch for these common mistakes!
Read using both married and former names article.
It’s free to update the name in your passport after marriage! You’ll keep the same expiry date, provided you have at least 2 years remaining. Complete the form online and use the link to book your passport interview at a post office.
Read passport name change after marriage article.
Only documents issued by an Australian Births, Deaths and Marriages registry can be accepted as proof of name change. If you were married overseas you won’t have an Australian BDM marriage certificate, so there’s a different process.
Read changing names when married overseas article.
Your celebrant may arrange for your official marriage certificate to be sent directly to you. If not, order from your state Births, Deaths and Marriages. Most states can be done entirely online. Some need certified copies to be mailed in.
Read ordering your marriage certificate article.
You’re provided with a marriage certificate on the day of your ceremony, but it can’t be used for proof of name change as it is missing some security features. Learn the difference between these certificates.
Read marriage versus commemorative certificates article.
All married name change options are available to either or both spouses. As a couple you may have decided to take a totally different surname, so it’s best to apply for a legal name change ensuring it is processed before your wedding.
Read more about husbands changing names.
Overwhelmed and don’t know where to start? Our name change experts provide their top tips to save you time and step you through the process.
Read out 5 top tips for married name change
Hyphenated names are becoming increasingly popular for Australian newlyweds! We explain all the options, pros, cons, legalities and things you haven’t yet thought about!
Want to do your own name change research and paperwork? Create a beautiful & personalised checklist with all the companies you need! Our database is so comprehensive you’ll get all your companies laid out in one list, and there’s a few you might have missed!
Access our FREE married name change checklist here!
