Change of name after marriage
Many women choose to take their husband's surname after marriage though this is not compulsory.
It is important to realise that the certificate given to you on your wedding day, although it is legal evidence of your marriage is not an identity document and many institutions will not recognise it when you want to change your name. You will need to apply for a registry-issued marriage certificate available from Queensland Births Deaths and Marriages at the current cost of $37.00.
It is also worth noting that once you receive your presentation Marriage Certificate on your wedding day if it gets damaged or lost it can never be replaced.
To be married in Australia, it is best to use your name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate, Australian Citizenship certificate, divorce certificate/previous married name or official Change of Name Certificate. Failure to do this may make it difficult to renew or apply for an Australian Passport.
To adopt your husband's surname, you will need to apply to the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages in the state you were married for a Certified Marriage Certificate at the current cost of $37.00 (in Queensland).
If you decide to adopt a combination surname you need register a Change of Name with the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages (Qld currently $145).
Applying for a Certified Marriage Certificate:
You will need to fill out the enclosed Marriage Certificate application form and send it to Qld Births Deaths and Marriages with three certified copies of identification (see form). Forms are available from www.justice.qld.gov.au/marriage-certificate.htm.
As a service to you, I can enclose your completed form along with your payment made out to BDM when I lodge your marriage paperwork. The advantage is you don't need to supply any further identification but it may still take around 2 to 8 weeks to arrive. For any enquiries please contact Births Deaths and Marriages directly.
You will be posted out your official Marriage Certificate which you can then use to change your name for all of the following.
Bank Accounts/Credit Cards/Superannuation:
Contact your bank or financial institution regarding their requirements.
The Electoral Roll:
Forms are available from Australia Post outlets or www.aec.gov.au. Fill out online or post to your State Electoral Office.
Insurance Policies:
Contact your insurance company regarding their requirements.
Medicare:
Present your original Certified Marriage Certificate at your closest Medicare office. They will confirm your name change and post a new card out to you.
Private Health Funds:
Contact your private health fund regarding their requirements.
Drivers Licence & Registration:
Forms are available from Qld Transport branches or www.transport.qld.gov.au. Complete the Qld Transport Change of Customer Details form but do not sign yet. You will need to present this form, your Original Marriage Certificate and current drivers licence at your local Qld Transport office and have your new signature witnessed.
Tax:
Forms are available from www.ato.gov.au. Fill out the Change of name and address advice for individuals form and mail to ATO with a certified copy of your Marriage Certificate.
Passport:
To change a current passport to your married name:
Passport applications are available at Australia Post outlets. Complete the passport application in black ink and have your guarantor endorse two colour photos. Attend a post office for an interview and bring your application, current passport, original certified marriage certificate and at least two other forms of identification which you have changed to your new name (eg drivers licence, credit card).
There is no charge to change your name on your Australian passport if changed within 12 months of your marriage.
