The wedding is over, the champagne is gone, and you've returned from your honeymoon glowing — only to be met with a pile of paperwork. Changing your name is one of the most common post-wedding tasks, and it can feel surprisingly overwhelming when you don't know where to start.
The key is working through it in the right order. Always start with official government-issued identity documents first — every other organisation will want to see one of those as proof before updating their records.
Your name change progress
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1
Marriage Certificate
Do this first — most organisations require it as proof.
Before you start: Get at least 3–5 certified copies of your registered marriage certificate. Note: the decorative/commemorative marriage certificate from your celebrant has no legal standing. See your Name Change Kit for a full explanation of what's legal and what's not, and instructions on how to do this.
Order your registered marriage certificate
This is different from the commemorative certificate your celebrant provided on the day.
Order 3–5 certified copies
Having multiple copies means you can submit to several organisations simultaneously and you don't have to worry about your only copy getting lost. Your name change kit will tell you how to do this.
2
Government & Identity Documents
Update these before anything else — they can be used as proof when notifying some other organisations.
Passport
Standard processing can take 6+ weeks — prioritise this if you have upcoming travel. Your options are to get a replacement passport or apply for a new one, depending upon your circumstances. Don't pay the full fee for a new passport if you don't need to!
Driver's licence and Registration
Visit your state's roads authority (VicRoads, Service NSW, TMR, etc.) in person with your marriage certificate, current licence and completed name change forms (required in most states). Unforunately this does require an in person visit.
Electoral roll
Update via the Australian Electoral Commission form or online.
Tax File Number (ATO)
Your TFN number stays the same, just the name attached to it changes.
Medicare card
A new card in your new name will be posted to you.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
If you are a student receiving government financial assistance it is important that your name across your USI, TFN and MyGov are the same, to avoid interuptions to your payments.
Other Services Australia Services
Centrelink, NDIS, Child Support, Veteran's Affairs etc.
3
Banking & Finances
Most banks require an in person visit with your marriage certificate.
Bank accounts (everyday & savings)
Contact each bank where you hold an account. Most require an in branch visit; some now allow it via their app or by emailing a letter with your marriage cerfificate.
Credit cards
Contact your credit card provider to update the name on each card. You'll receive a replacement card.
Superannuation
Contact your super fund directly. A great time to also review and update your nominated beneficiary.
Investment / brokerage accounts
Update with your broker or investment platform — most have an online form or require a certified copy of your certificate.
Home loan or mortgage
Contact your lender — usually straightforward with your marriage certificate.
PayPal and payment apps
Update your legal name in account settings. Some platforms may require identity verification.
Overwhelmed yet?
Let me hold your hand and we'll get it done together.
Get Your Name Change Kit Here
4
Employment & Professional
Let your workplace and professional associations know.
Employer / HR department
Notify HR to update payroll, employment contracts, email addresses, business cards, and your employee file.
Work email address
Ask IT to update your email and set up an alias for your old address so you don't miss messages during the transition.
Professional licences & registrations
Includes nursing, teaching, legal, medical, engineering, psychology or any regulated professional registration (e.g. AHPRA, Law Society).
LinkedIn
Update your name and consider noting you formerly went by your maiden name so colleagues can still find you.
Qualifications, degrees & transcripts
Contact your university or TAFE if you need a replacement certificate in your new name. Some institutions charge a fee.
5
Insurance & Property
Keeping these current ensures your policies remain valid.
Health insurance
Contact your health fund. A great time to also review combined couple or family cover options.
Car insurance
Notify your insurer of your name change and marriage status.
Home & contents insurance
Update the policyholder name with your insurer.
Life & income protection insurance
Update your policy and review beneficiary nominations — important now that you're married.
Property
If you own property you will need to update your title. If you are renting you may need to change your name on your lease and with your state's bond authority.
6
Utilities & Household
Easy to forget but worth ticking off in one sitting.
Electricity & gas provider
Call or update online — most utilities will update their records over the phone.
Internet
Update your account details with your internet service provider.
Mobile Phone
Update your account details with your mobile service provider.
Local council rates
Contact your local council if your name appears on rate notices.
Water
Update your account details with your water service provider.
7
Health
It's important that your name matches your Medicare and health insurance details. Do these first, some medical practitioners won't update your details until you have your new Medicare card.
Doctors and specialists
Don't forget to give them your new Medicare number (you will get an updated number on your new Medicare card when you change your name).
Dentist / orthodontist
Optometrist
My Health Record
Health screening registries
Cervical Screening Registry, National Cancer Screening Registry, Breastscreen
8
Online Accounts & Social Media
Save these for last — no marriage certificate required for most.
Personal email address
Consider creating a new address under your new name and gradually migrating. Keep the old one active for a long transition period.
Facebook
Update in Settings → Personal Information. Facebook may ask for ID if the change looks unusual.
Instagram
Update your display name and consider changing your handle if it includes your old surname.
Google account
Update in Google Account → Personal Info. Flows through to Gmail, Drive, Google Pay and more.
Apple ID / iCloud
Update your name at appleid.apple.com.
Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, Stan, etc.)
Update account details and the name on any linked payment methods.
Loyalty & rewards programs
Qantas Frequent Flyer, Velocity, Flybuys, Everyday Rewards — update each so your points are correctly attributed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to change your name after marriage?
The full process typically takes 4–12 weeks. The longest waits are usually your passport (allow 6+ weeks) and your registered marriage certificate from the registry (allow 2–4 weeks after applying).
What documents do I need to change my name?
Primarily your registered marriage certificate — the official one from Births, Deaths & Marriages, not the decorative certificate from your celebrant. Most organisations will also want current photo ID such as your driver's licence or passport.
Do I have to change my name after marriage in Australia?
No — there is no legal requirement to change your name after marriage. Around 15–20% of brides now keep their maiden name. Some women hyphenate or use different names in different contexts. The choice is entirely yours.
What order should I change my name in?
Always start with government-issued ID: driver's licence and passport. Almost every other organisation will want to see one of these as proof. Once updated, work through banking, employment, insurance, utilities, and finally social media and online accounts.
Can I still travel on my maiden name passport after marriage?
Yes — your passport remains valid in your maiden name until expiry. However if your air ticket was booked in your married name, there could be a mismatch at the airport. Bring your marriage certificate to explain the difference, or update your passport before travelling.
How do I change my name on my super?
Contact your super fund through their member portal or by phone. You'll need a copy of your marriage certificate. It's also a great time to review and update your nominated beneficiary.
