Passport name change
Changing your name on your Australian passport is treated as a new passport application. Here is exactly how it works, when it is free, what proof you need, and how it fits with the rest of your name change.
Get StartedIt is a new passport application. The Australian Passport Office does not amend an existing passport; instead you apply for a new one in your new name, with your proof of name change. If your current passport was issued less than 12 months ago, the name-change reissue is usually free; otherwise standard passport application fees apply.
Step by step
Have your official marriage certificate, or your change of name certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages, ready. The decorative ceremonial marriage certificate is not accepted.
Apply for a new passport using the Australian Passport Office application, the same process as a renewal, selecting that your name has changed.
Submit your name-change proof and a compliant passport photo, and lodge your application at a participating Australia Post outlet or as directed.
If your passport was issued within the last 12 months a name-change reissue is generally free; otherwise standard passport fees apply.
Do your passport early in your switch, especially if you have travel booked, because your passport name should match your tickets. It is fine to update it before or after your licence and Medicare.
Your passport 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.
passport name change questions
Straight answers to what people actually ask about changing their name on their passport.
You apply for a new passport with the Australian Passport Office in your new name, providing your marriage certificate or change of name certificate as proof. A passport cannot be amended, so a name change always means a new passport in the updated name.
If your current passport was issued less than 12 months ago, a name-change reissue is usually free for the remaining validity. If it is older, standard passport application fees apply, the same as a renewal.
A new passport is typically issued within about three weeks of a complete application, with a faster priority service available for an extra fee. Apply well before any travel.
Your passport name should match your travel bookings, so if you have changed your name and have trips coming up, update your passport early or book travel in your current passport name until it is done.
Your official marriage certificate (for marriage) or your change of name certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages (for a formal change). The ceremonial wedding-day certificate is not accepted.
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