Whether you eloped with a few loved ones, or had the most epic wedding event ever, many of you will want to know how to change your name after marriage.
Before we go into that however, I want to dispel a little myth that women must change their last name to their partners last name, this is not a legal requirement at all, and in this day and age many couples are doing things differently. Here’s some information that could help…
- You do not have to change your name when you get married. It is not a legal requirement.
- Either party can change their last name to their partners last name once married.
- Couples can come up with a new last name together (however, this will require an actual change of name application with Births, Deaths and Marriages).
“It is not a legal requirement to change your last name!”
Qld Change of Name Information:
If you are married in Australia, you don’t generally need to apply to change your name with Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). The same applies if you choose to go back to your previous family name due to separation, divorce or personal choice. Organisations will have different requirements for what proof they need about your change of name, as well as how to tell them, so you should contact them directly. If you are choosing to change your name you will probably need an ‘Official Marriage Certificate’ supplied by BDM, this is different to the certificate you will receive from your celebrant. However, your marriage celebrant can tick a box on the lodgement forms when they submit your marriage documents after your ceremony, so that BDM can contact you directly for payment and supply of this certificate. More info here…
NSW Change of Name Information:
If married in Australia, you can take the surname of your husband, wife or partner, or add their surname to yours, without registering a name change. You can use your official marriage certificate to prove your new name to other organisations that may require proof. The ‘Official Marriage Certificate’ supplied by BDM, is different to the certificate you will receive from your celebrant. However, your marriage celebrant can tick a box on the lodgement forms when they submit your marriage documents after your ceremony. BDM NSW require upfront payment from the celebrant, so if you do require this extra certificate, be sure to let your celebrant know so that they can apply this cost to your invoice, to avoid delays. BDM will then post the certificate directly to the couple. More info here…
All sound too hard? We’ve got you covered! At Easy Name Change we can make a complicated situation, so easy.
You can start using your new name as soon as you get married! To get official records updated you’ll need to wait until the official marriage certificate arrives from Births, Deaths and Marriages, as mentioned above. Most companies need to see this, so get in contact with all the places where you have an account or identification to learn the process. If you’d rather not wait on hold, fill in forms and gruel through the checklist of companies, consider using a name change kit. Simply check off the companies to notify and Easy Name Change will send you a custom pack of forms. Just attach your marriage certificate and send!
I hope this information was helpful!
Not married yet? I’d love to chat to you about your wedding ideas, please feel free to call, email or text me and we can meet up online, or face to face!
Much Love
Shekinah Leigh
Civil Marriage Celebrant and Ceremonial Guide ~ Beautifully Wyld Weddings and Ceremonies...Gold Coast | Byron | Hinterland | Destination Weddings!
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