If you were married overseas then your marriage is legally recognised in Australia, however, you can’t use a foreign marriage certificate to change names. You could find it’s accepted by some companies but it won’t be enough to get your Australian passport, most bank accounts or super funds changed over.
If you want to take your spouse’s surname after marriage then you will need to legally change names. Apply with Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state where you were born. Once successful you will be issued with an amended birth certificate listing your birth and new names. If you were born overseas apply with BDM in the state where you currently reside and you will receive a legal name change certificate. Overseas born applicants must prove residency in the state for the past 12 months. (except NSW where you need to prove residency over 3 years).
I’ve got my BDM amended birth certificate. What next?
Changing names requires separate notification to each organisation where you have an account. Due to privacy, no records are linked. That means changing names with Centrelink. the ATO and Medicare all need to be done separately. Newlyweds have an average of 26 separate places to notify and each one has a unique process! From here it’s best to decide if you will make a checklist then approach each company yourself to request the change, or if you’ll use a personalised name change kit.
I want to do it myself
It’s best to start with a killer checklist. Use our free name change checklist builder to work through government, communications, financial, insurance, travel rewards, professional associations, superannuation, utilities and more. Print off your customised checklist. Set aside about 8 hours to contact each company or research online to learn the process. You’ll need to write a number of letters, fill in a bunch of forms, send some emails. Get all the paperwork done first, then note how many certified copies you need for your amended birth certificate and photo ID.
I hate paperwork. How do I save time?
Skip the research, form filling and letter writing. Just check off your companies from our database. You’ll get a customised company checklist that explains the exact process to follow with each of your nominated companies. You also get a personalised pack of notifications, including ready to send forms, letters and emails. For these companies, just attach the proof listed and send! For companies that don’t allow name change to be sent in writing, we provide step by step instructions on how to access each company’s online name change portal, who to call or where to visit.
For more information about ordering your amended birth certificate or legal name change certificate, read our section on legal name change.
