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
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