Lyla Lindsey
If you're recently married and considering changing your name in Australia, there are a few things you should know. First, if you married in Australia, you don't need to apply for a legal name change; simply providing a copy of your Australian marriage certificate to the relevant organisations is sufficient. However, if you married overseas, you may need to apply for an official change of name. To update your name on important documents like your driver's licence, passport, and bank accounts, contact the relevant organisations directly, as their requirements for proof of name change may vary. It's also important to note that you can change your name back to your previous family name at any time due to separation, divorce, or personal choice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marriage location | Australia or Overseas |
| Marriage certificate | Required for changing name on documents |
| Documents to be changed | Driver's license, passport, bank accounts, Medicare card, ATO, superannuation, insurance, etc. |
| Name change limit | Once in a 12-month period and 3 times in a lifetime |
| Name change fee | None |
| Revert to previous name | Allowed at any time, regardless of marital status |
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What You'll Learn
Marriage certificate
When it comes to changing your name after marriage in Australia, one of the most important documents you'll need is your marriage certificate. Here's what you need to know about this essential document:
Obtaining Your Marriage Certificate:
In Australia, the process of obtaining your marriage certificate typically begins with your marriage celebrant or registrar. They will lodge the completed Marriage Certificate with the relevant state or territory's Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages within 14 days of your wedding. You will then need to apply for an official copy of this certificate, which may involve submitting an application form, providing identification, and paying a fee. The cost and processing time can vary across different parts of Australia and depend on the type of application you choose (e.g. standard, priority, or urgent).
Purpose of the Marriage Certificate:
The marriage certificate serves as legal proof of your name change. It is the document that officially confirms your previous name (or names, if you had multiple surnames prior to marriage) and your new married name. This certificate is crucial when it comes to updating your name across various government agencies, financial institutions, and other organisations that require official documentation of your name change.
Number of Certified Copies:
It's generally recommended to obtain multiple certified copies of your marriage certificate. Changing your name after marriage often involves providing this document to several organisations. Each time you need to update your name on official records, you may be required to submit a certified copy. Keep in mind that marriage certificates are typically issued as a one-time document, so it's important to ensure their safety and security.
Timing of Name Change:
With your marriage certificate in hand, you can start the process of changing your name on various records immediately. However, it's important to prioritise which organisations need to be notified first. Some entities, such as government agencies, may have specific requirements or time frames for processing name changes, so it's best to attend to those promptly.
Customising Your New Name:
When changing your name after marriage, you have the option to customise the format of your new name. You can choose to replace your current surname with your partner's surname, create a hyphenated surname combining yours and your partner's, or use a combination of your current and new surnames. Discuss your preferred option with your marriage celebrant or registrar, as they will be responsible for recording your chosen name on the official Marriage Certificate.
By understanding the importance of the marriage certificate and following the necessary steps to obtain and utilise it effectively, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process when changing your name after marriage in Australia.
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Driver's licence
If you married in Australia, you don't need to apply for a change of name. However, you will need to update your name on documents such as your driver's licence.
To change your name on your driver's licence, you can visit a Driver and Vehicle Services centre, DoT regional office, or agent in person. You will need to bring the originals of any documentation relating to your name change, such as a marriage certificate, change of name, or birth certificate issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages or Freedom of Information (FOI) decision letter.
If you have an old-style paper licence, you must include a recent passport-style photo with your application. If you want to change the photo on your licence, you'll need to include a cheque or postal order for £17, payable to the DVLA. If your licence has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, you'll need to include a cheque for £20, payable to the DVLA.
You can also fill out a D1 form and send it, along with your current photocard or paper licence and any documents that confirm your new name, such as a marriage certificate, to the DVLA.
Marriage Certificate
It is important to note that the commemorative certificate you received on your wedding day is not the official marriage certificate. Most organisations will only accept the BDM-issued legal certificate as evidence. You can obtain this certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
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Passport
If you want to change the name on your passport after getting married in Australia, you will need to contact the Australian Passport Office. You will also need to provide a copy of your official marriage certificate as evidence of your new surname.
If you are taking your spouse's surname, you can get a free replacement passport, provided that your current passport has more than two years of validity remaining. The replacement passport will be issued with the same expiry date as the original. You will need to show proof of your new married name, such as your Australian marriage certificate, at your passport interview.
If you were married overseas, you may still be eligible for a free passport replacement. However, you will first need to legally change your name with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (RBDM) and obtain a legal name change certificate. You will then need to submit your application, along with your legal name change certificate and foreign marriage certificate. If these documents are not in English, you will need to provide a full English translation prepared by an approved translation service.
It is important to note that updating your name on your passport may take some time. Some authorities accept name changes via mail or online, while others require an in-person visit. It is recommended to set aside at least six months to update your name on all necessary documents.
You can choose to leave your passport in your former name until after you return from your trip abroad. To do this, ensure that your passport name matches your booking and bring a copy of your marriage certificate for identification purposes.
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Bank accounts
If you got married in Australia, you don't need to apply for a legal name change. You can simply give a copy of your Australian marriage certificate to the relevant organisations, such as your bank. It's recommended that you update your name on your bank accounts to avoid potential issues with direct deposits, cheques, and identity verification. For example, if your name on your driver's license doesn't match the name on your bank account, the bank may limit your access to your account.
To change your name on your bank account, you'll need to provide supporting documents, such as a marriage certificate, divorce documentation, or government-issued identification. You may also be required to supply additional documents, such as a divorce decree, if your maiden name on the marriage certificate doesn't match your previous name on the bank account. It's important to call the bank and ask for a list of required documents to avoid unnecessary trips.
Some banks allow customers to make name changes online, while others require an in-person visit. The process usually involves providing proof of identity and filling out the relevant forms. The bank may then take a few business days to update or correct your name.
If you wish to add your new spouse to your bank account or open a new joint account, you can often accomplish both tasks in one trip to your local branch.
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Medicare
If you've recently gotten married in Australia and are looking to change your name on your Medicare card, here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Documents Required:
First, you'll need to gather the necessary documents. You will need to provide your official marriage certificate as proof of your name change. This certificate is different from the ceremonial certificate provided by your marriage celebrant on your wedding day. If you were married in Australia, you can obtain this certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). If you were married overseas, you'll need to provide original evidence from the Department of Home Affairs.
Methods to Update Name:
There are several ways to update your name with Medicare:
- Over the Phone: You can call the Medicare program line at 132 011. Have your marriage certificate registration number handy, as you will need to provide this information. Your name will be updated immediately, and a new card will be sent to you by mail.
- By Mail: Send a letter to Medicare, including your current Medicare card number, old and new names, contact details, and the reason for the name change. You can use the Easy Name Change letter provided in your pack or write your own. It can take up to four weeks to process requests by mail, plus a few additional days for delivery.
- Online (myGov): If your Medicare online account is linked to myGov, you may be able to update your name through the Medicare module. However, please note that you can only add an alternate name, and it will not update your primary name or trigger a new Medicare card.
- In Person: You may also be able to visit a Services Australia Centre to update your name and provide the necessary documentation.
Additional Information:
- If your name is long, you may need to have your own individual Medicare card.
- If you have children, you will need to complete the Medicare Transfer Form and send it by post or email.
- Your Medicare card number remains the same, so you can continue using your current card until the new one arrives.
Remember that changing your name with Medicare is just one aspect of the process. You may also need to update your name with other organisations, such as the Department of Motor Transport, the passport office, banks, ATO, superannuation, insurance, etc. Each organisation may have its own unique process, so be prepared to spend some time gathering the necessary documentation and making the required updates.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need an official marriage certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). The commemorative certificate you received on your wedding day is not a legal document. You will also need a standard birth certificate, not a birth extract.
No, you don't need to apply for a legal name change. You can take your spouse's surname or add it to your own without paying a fee for registering an official name change.
You will need to update your name on your driver's license, passport, bank accounts, Medicare card, vehicle registrations, ATO, superannuation, insurance, loyalty clubs, subscriptions, and road tolls.
If you got married outside of Australia, you will have to apply for an official name change with BDM. You will need to contact the relevant authority or business to find out what evidence you need to provide.
