Changing Your Name

Now that you are married, one (or both of you) may wish to change your surname.

I have created a clear 3 - step process to change your name for couples married in Australia. If you were married overseas there is a different process to follow.

There are many resources available online to help, including some name - changing kits you can purchase; however you are not obliged to use one of these agencies.

Please note you do not have to formally change your name.

Many newly married couples use their married name in social circles but keep their birth name on official documentation or for professional purposes.

The Australian Passport Office has detailed information on name changing.

You do, of course, you have many options. You could:

Retain your existing family name

Adopt your spouse’s family name

Adopt a combination of your family name and your spouse’s family name with or without hyphens

Step 1

If you were married in Victoria, the first step is to obtain for a ‘government-issued’ marriage certificate from ‘Births, Deaths & Marriages.’ Order the certificate online here, or visit them at 595 Collins Street, Melbourne.

(Alternatively, if you ordered this me it will arrive via registered post.)

It can take approximately 2-4 weeks for your marriage to be registered after the ceremony, however between November & March it can take longer.

Please note the decorative certificate you received on your wedding day is NOT sufficient evidence for most organisations to change your name, although you can certainly go ahead and change it on social platforms or in other non-legal environments.

Step 2

Once you receive your ‘government-issued’ marriage certificate you will then be able to change your name on your Driver’s Licence and Passport.

The requirements to change these documents are as follows: Driver’s Licence

You must visit a VicRoads office and show them:

• Marriage certificate issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages

• Your Driver’s License (current or expired less than two years ago)

Passport

You will need to complete a Passport Renewal Application Form and submit it at your nearest Passport Office, usually a local Post Office.

You will also need to show them:

• Marriage Certificate issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages

• Your current passport

NOTE: You can still travel on a valid passport in your previous name. In this case, it is recommended that you also obtain your tickets in your previous name – Ensure you buy your honeymoon flights in the same name as what is indicated on your passport!

Step 3

Now that you have your ‘government-issued Marriage Certificate’ from BDM, and you have changed your Driver’s Licence and/or Passport, you should be able to change your name with all other organisations.

The main places you will need to consider are listed below, however this list is not exhaustive and there may be other organisations you need to notify.

I have created this downloadable PDF in case you want to print it off and cross off each place as you go!

Alumni – university, high school

Ambulance membership

Australian Business Register if you’re Director

of a company

Australian Electoral Commission

Australian Organ Donor Register

Australian Tax Office

Bank/s – accounts, credit cards, ATM cards, Loans, cheque books, term deposit accounts

Centrelink

CityLink account

Council – rates and animal registration

Driver’s license & car registration

Frequent Flyer and other loyalty clubs

Insurance – car, house, contents, health, life,

Insurance protection

Internet account

Investments and shares

Medicare

Memberships – DVD library, book library, sports Clubs, gyms etc.

Online – Facebook, Ebay, LinkedIn, Instagram, apps, gaming, AirBnb, Email accounts etc.

Passport

Pay TV account

Phone – mobile & home accounts

RACV breakdown cover

Real estate agency if you’re renting

Regular service providers – hairdresser, Mechanic, vet, accountant, lawyer, doctor, Dentist, hospital, counselor etc.

Schools

Social Media Platforms, Apple ID, apps etc.

Subscriptions – magazines etc.

Superannuation

Utilities – electricity, water, gas

Voicemail

White Pages listing

Your employer or employees

Your will

Websites