How do I change my name after marriage?

How do I change my name after marriage? – is a question I hear often- hence this blog!

I’d like to start by telling you what the options are- because it is not a legal requirement for one of you to change your surname. It is an entirely personal decision. But maybe you can’t wait to change your last name! Or maybe you like the tradition. Many people I speak with who want to have kids, want the whole family unit to share the same last name. In any case, here are the options:

Change of name options after marriage

In Australia, it’s not a legal requirement for either party to change their name after marriage—it’s entirely personal! So number 1 is, do nothing!
You can take your partner’s surname
Your partner can take your surname
You can combine your name and your partner’s name with a hyphen (the old ‘double-barrelled’ name- fancy!)
You can create an entirely new name- for this option, you need to apply for a Change of Name Certificate through Births, Deaths and Marriages. If you want to go with this option, it’s easier for one spouse to legally register the change before the wedding. Then, after the marriage, the other spouse can simply use the official marriage certificate to update their documents. (see below for more detail).

FAQ:

If I’m changing my name, do I need to use my new signature on my wedding day when I sign the marriage documents?

Answer: No. You use your regular signature, as you have not automatically changed your name through marriage until you complete the steps below.

Steps to take after marriage:

Step one

Get your marriage certificate.

The first step in changing your name after marriage is getting a copy of your official marriage certificate from the Births, Deaths and Marriages* in the state/territory in which you were married in Australia. (as opposed to the commemorative certificate that you keep on the day). This document serves as proof of marriage and is required for any name changes on legal documents such as a driver’s license, passport, etc. (I can organise this for you at an extra cost)

Step two

Decide on the name you want to use (see options above)

Step three

Start updating your documents– once you have decided on the name you want to use, you need to update your name on your documents such as your driver’s license, passport, Australian Taxation Office, Medicare, electoral commission and so on. Each organisation has its own process, so check their requirements and have identification documents ready.

PRO-TIP: don’t book an airline ticket for your honeymoon in your birth name and then turn up to the airport with your passport in your brand spanking new name. They won’t let you on the flight!

Yep, it’s a bit of a pain in the bum to go through the steps to change your name. There are businesses out there to help make the process a little easier for you, such as ‘Easy Name Change’. They will provide a kit that guides you through the name change process.

Just remember, the name you choose should reflect who you are and what makes you happy!