How to Change Your Name After Getting Married in Australia

Changing your name after you get married is a personal decision that every man and women has to make, it's one of the final tasks on the wedding to-do list and has a lifelong impact if you are choosing to change your name.

As a marriage celebrant, I have observed that almost all of my newly-weds who are opting to change their last names are initially confused about how to go about it.

It can be a real process that can take around 8 hours over several days or weeks to complete. This is because every company or institution has their own process and cannot legally share your details with anyone else.

However, hopefully the information and instructions in these articles and linked pages can help save yo a lot of time and even some money too!

Name change after marriage - there are two main methods to go about it in Australia:

1. Do It Yourself (DIY)

or

2. Use Ready-to-send Forms

DIY Name Change Process: Allocate a block of time to contact a company, find out what their name change process is and what they require you to complete, provide proof and then repeat this process 20 times (or more, depending on how many places are on your list to change your name).

Name Change Kit: If you are not a fan of giving up your evenings, weekends or lunch hours for a few weeks to do research and paperwork, I highly recommend Easy Name Change. They provide step-by-step instructions for the companies and institutions you wish to change your name with and a personalised pack of ready-to-send notifications, including letters, emails, and forms. You will then simply attach your marriage certificate, sign and send.

However, please note, no matter which process you pick, there are some companies which you still have to visit in person.

How long do I have to change my name?

There is no time frame requirement, it would be common for a last name change by marriage to take place within a few months of most weddings

Can I change my name before my honeymoon?

If you are planning to travel overseas form Australia within 2-3 months of your wedding date (for example for your honeymoon), it is recommended that you keep all your bookings and travel details in your maiden last name and all of your identity documents until you return home.

You may experience difficulties providing your married last names without an updated passport or driving license and many airlines will charge for a change of name fee.

What documents do I need to change my last name after marriage?

Most people just need an Official Marriage Certificate, your celebrant can request this for you are your marriage is registered. (If you have booked me as your celebrant this is included).

What options do I have for changing my name after the wedding?

There are 3 options for a married name change (this is different form a legal name change):

1. Take your spouse's last name.

2. Create a double-barrelled surname using your 2 surnames, they can appear in any order and be separated by either a space or hyphen.

3. Use your maiden name legally and spouse's last name in social situations. For example, Belinda may have built up a brand professionally using her maiden name, but personally would like to be known by her spouses surname.

If you want to change you name to anything other then what is specified above you would need to go through a legal change of name process via the registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) in the state or territory you were born in, This process also allows you to change any part of your name (first, middle or surname).

Can I use the Marriage Certificate I received at my ceremony to change my name?

No, the cream certificate you receive on the day (commemorative certificate) cannot be used to change your name after marriage. You need to order your official BDM marriage certificate (If you have booked me as your celebrant this is all included in your package). This certificate is the one you can use to began changing your name with institutions and companies.