Driver licence name change

How to change your name on your driver licence

Your driver licence is the smartest first update in a name change, because it becomes the photo ID everyone else accepts. Here is how to change it, state by state, and what proof you need.

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The short answer

Update it with your state road authority. Driver licences are issued by each state and territory, so you change yours with the relevant road authority, usually in person at a service centre, taking your proof of name change. Once your licence shows your new name it is easy photo ID for banks and everyone else.

Step by step

The driver licence name change, step by step

1

Find your state road authority

Use Service NSW, VicRoads, Transport and Main Roads (QLD), the Department of Transport (WA), Service SA, Service Tasmania, Access Canberra (ACT), or the MVR (NT).

2

Bring your proof of name change

Take your marriage certificate or change of name certificate, plus your current licence and any other ID your state asks for.

3

Update in person, or online where available

Most states require an in-person visit; some allow part of the process online. Your state's requirements are confirmed in your plan.

4

Receive your updated licence

You are issued a licence in your new name, which then serves as your primary photo ID for the rest of your switch.

Where this fits in your name change

Do your driver licence first. Updated photo ID in your new name makes every later change, especially banks, far smoother, which is why your Surname Switch plan puts it at the top.

Your licence is just one of around 55 updates. Enter your details once and Surname Switch prefills your official forms, drafts every email, and gives you one ordered checklist of your actual companies, so nothing is forgotten. See the full checklist.

driver licence name change questions

Your questions, answered

Straight answers to what people actually ask about changing their name on their driver licence.

How do I change my name on my driver licence in Australia?

You update your licence with your state or territory road authority, such as Service NSW, VicRoads or Transport and Main Roads in Queensland, usually in person, taking your marriage certificate or change of name certificate as proof.

Can I change my name on my licence online?

It varies by state. Some road authorities allow part of the process online, while most require an in-person visit so they can verify your proof and update your photo ID.

Is there a fee to change your name on your driver licence?

Many states reissue a licence with a name change at little or no cost, though some charge a card fee. Check your state road authority for the current amount.

Why should I change my driver licence first?

Because it is widely accepted photo ID. Once your licence shows your new name, banks, super funds and other organisations accept the change with far less fuss, so doing it first saves time everywhere else.

What proof do I need to change my licence name?

Your official marriage certificate or your change of name certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages, plus your current licence and any extra identity documents your state requires.

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More of your name change

Update your licence, and everywhere else

Your forms prefilled, every email drafted, and one ordered checklist of your actual companies. Plans from $25.

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