Changing Your Name by Marriage in Australia
- Debbie Taylor
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
A Practical Guide for Couples - Tips from A Wedding Celebrant
Getting married is an exciting time and, for many couples, it sparks the question: Should we change our names? Whether you’re considering taking your partner’s surname, creating a double-barrelled name, or simply want to know your options, as your wedding celebrant I will help you navigate the process of changing your name by marriage in Australia.
The information below relates to couples who want to change their name following their wedding in Australia. If you head overseas to marry, this information does not apply to you.
Understanding Your Options For Changing Your Name
Couples have several options when it comes to changing their names by marriage after their wedding in Australia:
· Keep your existing surname: There’s no legal requirement to change your name after marriage.
· Take your spouse’s surname: The most common choice—one partner adopts the other’s surname.
· Double-barrel or hyphenate: Combine both surnames, either with or without a hyphen (e.g., Smith-Jones or Smith Jones).
What You Need: Your Official Marriage Certificate
The wedding certificate that you, your witness and I sign on your wedding day is not enough to change your name by marriage. It is a legal document with a tracked number, so it’s important! It is proof your marriage occurred, but it doesn’t contain your marriage registration information.
To change your name with government departments, banks, and other institutions, you’ll need the official marriage certificate issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) in the state or territory where your marriage occurred.
You can apply for this online or in person - fees and processing times vary, so you just need to check the relevant registry’s website for details. As part of my bespoke wedding package I order your certificate for you – it is included in the package cost.
Where to Start: Who to Notify About Your Name Change
Once you have your BDM marriage certificate, you’ll can begin to update your name. From my experience, as a wedding celebrant and someone who changed her name by marriage, I recommend starting with your:
Driver’s licence: Visit your state’s roads and traffic authority, usually in person, with your official marriage certificate and current licence.
Passport: Apply for a new passport with your new name. The Australian Passport Office will require a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Note: Normally your passport will be re-issued at no cost as long as there is a minimum of six months remaining.
Once you have your driver’s licence and passport you have 100 points of ID and so you can start changing your name with other institutions and organisations including:
Banks and financial institutions: Visit your local branch or update online where possible, providing a certified copy of your marriage certificate and photo ID.
Medicare and Centrelink: You can update your details in person, by phone, or online. Again, a certified copy of your marriage certificate will be required.
Superannuation funds, utilities, insurance, employers, and the ATO: Each may have its own process—check their websites or contact customer service for guidance.
Your workplace – it’s a good opportunity to ensure that all your details in their HR system are correct and your contact details for next of kin are up to date.
Tips for a Smooth Transition Of Your Name Change
Make a checklist of all the places your name appears—don’t forget things like subscriptions, loyalty programs, or your reward cards!
Be patient—some updates can take a few weeks to process, especially for passports and government IDs.
If you’re travelling soon after your wedding – especially overseas, ensure your travel bookings match the name in your current passport. Changing your name on travel documents mid-trip can be tricky. I recommend not changing your name until you have returned from your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Your Name After The Wedding
Is it compulsory to change my name after marriage? No, it’s entirely your choice.
Can both partners change their names? Yes! You can take your partner’s surname, double-barrel your surnames, or keep your own—whatever works for you.
Do I need to register my new name separately? No separate registration is required if you’re using your marriage certificate to assume your spouse’s surname or a combination of your surnames. A legal name change process is only needed if you want a completely new name.
What about combining our names to create a new name?
You can create a new name that both of you adopt but that does not constitute changing your name by marriage. To do that, you need to follow the process outlined by the Births Deaths and Marriages registry office in your state or territory and you will incur a cost for doing this.
Final Thoughts On Changing Your Name After Marriage
Changing your name by marriage is a personal decision and, in Australia, a straightforward process once you have your BDM marriage certificate. Take your time, communicate openly with your partner about your preferences, and remember—it’s your name, your choice!
And, most importantly, as your wedding celebrant, I’ll be there to help you every step of the way!
By Debbie Taylor
- Everyone's Favourite Canberra Wedding Celebrant
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