Either spouse has the same options when it comes to changing names after the wedding. You can take any one of the options below. As a married couple, you can have different surnames. The only proof document you need to start the name change process is the official marriage certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages. More information about your marriage certificate is further on in this article
Your married name options are:
- Drop your surname. Take your spouse’s surname in its place. This option is available to both spouses. In traditional couples, it’s estimated that over 70% of brides still choose to take their husband’s surname. Most cite ‘wanting our family to have the same name’ as their motivating factor for this choice.
- You can choose to take a double-barrelled surname which is a combination of both of your surnames. For instance, if Jane Citizen married John Smith you can take the surname Citizen-Smith or Smith-Citizen. It’s your choice whether to use a hyphen or space between the surnames and in which order the names should appear. Check out article explaining double-barrelled surnames in full detail!
- You can use a combination of your married and birth name. Professionally you may want to retain your birth name, especially if you have developed a reputation in your industry. However you can choose to update your passport, driver’s licence and other accounts and membership to your spouse’s surname. As your married name is an assumed name, it’s legal to keep using both names.
- You can leave your name as is and take no action.
Do I need to apply for my married name?
There is no special process to take your spouse’s surname. Simply show the official marriage certificate to any organisations that require proof of your name change. You are presented with a ceremonial marriage certificate at your wedding and this cannot be used as proof of name change as it does not show the marriage has been registered. Once the person conducting your ceremony has registered the details with Births, Deaths and Marriages, the certificate will be ready to order. Check with your wedding celebrant as most will offer to pre-order the certificate on your behalf, saving you filling in application forms later. If you need to order the certificate yourself, visit the Births, Deaths and Marriages website in the state or territory where you were married. Order the official marriage certificate, provide proof and pay the fee.
A married name is an assumed name. This means some official documents never change, importantly marriage, birth and citizenship certificates. You are welcome to use either your married or pre-married name at any stage of your life, regardless of your personal circumstances. Once you decide to change names, make an effort to move all of your accounts and records into your new name, as it can be difficult to prove your identity where you have identification and accounts in mismatched names.
If you were married overseas you cannot order an Australian marriage certificate, so you will need to apply for a legal name change in the state/territory where you were born. If born overseas apply in the state where you live. Read more about changing names when married overseas.
Want an entirely different name?
A couple could change their surname name to a different name entirely, but if it is not one of the above options then they would need to go through a legal name change process via the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). If a couple decides they both want a new name, it is easiest for one spouse to legally change their surname before the wedding. Once married the other spouse can use the official marriage certificate to assume this surname.
Ready to start changing names?
Get your name change paperwork in just 10 minutes! It doesn’t matter if your wedding is still a month or two away, or maybe you’ve already been married for years. We provide ready to send name change forms, letters and emails from hundreds of different organisations! Just attach a copy of your marriage certificate, sign and send!
