How to change your name in Australia

Do you need a formal name change?

This is the question that trips up most people, and nobody explains it clearly. Here is the answer:

Surname Switch asks you a few questions and tells you which path applies to your situation, including which specific steps to follow in your state.

Changing your name after marriage in Australia

Marriage in Australia gives you the automatic right to use your partner's surname, your own surname, or a combination. No registration is required - your Births, Deaths and Marriages marriage certificate is your proof.

What proof do you need?

Your original marriage certificate (or a certified copy). Some organisations will accept a standard copy, but most ask for the original or a certified copy. Order extra certified copies when you get your certificate - they cost around $20-40 each and you will likely need several.

Name options after marriage

• Take your partner's surname - the most common choice
• Hyphenate both surnames - e.g. Smith-Taylor
• Keep your own name - entirely your choice, no paperwork needed
• Your partner takes your surname - same process applies, just reversed
• Both take a new combined name - this requires a formal change of name registration

Married overseas?

A foreign marriage certificate is often not accepted on its own by Australian organisations. The cleanest path is usually to register a formal change of name here in Australia, using your foreign marriage certificate as supporting evidence. The process and requirements vary by state. See the full guide for marriage overseas

Full marriage name change guide

Changing your name by deed poll in Australia

A deed poll (formally called a change of name registration) is how Australians change their name for any reason not connected to a marriage. It is processed through your state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages registry.

The process

1. Apply online or in person through your state or territory BDM registry
2. Provide identity documents - usually your birth certificate and current photo ID
3. Pay the government fee - approximately $130-$280 depending on your state
4. Wait for processing - typically 4-10 weeks for your change of name certificate to arrive
5. Use the certificate as proof when notifying all organisations

Rules to be aware of

• You can generally only change your name once every 12 months
• Most states allow a maximum of 3 name changes in your lifetime (with some exceptions)
• Names cannot include numbers, symbols, or obscene words
• Children under 18 need parental consent and may have different rules

Full deed poll guide

Changing your name after divorce

After a divorce or separation, many people want to revert to their birth name or a former name. In Australia, this is generally straightforward.

Reverting to your birth name or a previous surname

You do not need a formal name change registration to revert to a name you have previously used. Your birth certificate (plus divorce paperwork or marriage certificate if relevant) is usually sufficient proof for most organisations.

Taking a completely new name

If you want a name that is not connected to your birth or any previous marriage, you will need to register a formal change of name through your state Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Full divorce name change guide

Gender-affirming name change in Australia

Australia recognises the importance of names as part of gender identity. The process for a gender-affirming name change is the same formal change of name registration through your state Births, Deaths and Marriages, with respectful and straightforward processing.

Updating your name is separate from updating your gender marker on official documents. Both are possible, but they are handled by different processes.

Full gender-affirming name change guide

The right order to notify organisations

The order matters more than most people realise. Many organisations need to see your new identity documents as proof - which means you need to update your ID first before you can update many other things.

Differences by state and territory

Australian name change law is state-based. While the general principles are consistent, the specifics differ:

Formal change of name registration

Each state and territory has its own Births, Deaths and Marriages registry with its own forms, fees, and processing times. The fees range from approximately $130 (ACT, NT) to $195 (SA). See our cost guide for the current indicative fees by state.

Driver licence updates

NSW and ACT allow online updates using your marriage certificate. All other states generally require an in-person visit to a transport authority service centre.

Processing times

Processing times for formal change of name registration vary by state: ACT and NT are typically faster (2-4 weeks), while NSW, VIC and QLD can take 6-10 weeks during busy periods.

Common name change mistakes to avoid

• Updating the bank before your licence - Many banks need to see new photo ID with your new name. Do your licence first.
• Forgetting about superannuation - Your super is in your legal name. An outdated name can cause complications with contributions and especially with beneficiary payments.
• Not ordering enough certified copies - Each certified copy of your certificate costs money. Order 5-6 upfront; running out means waiting and paying again.
• Leaving loyalty programs too late - Airline loyalty accounts must match your passport name. If you travel before updating, you can face problems at check-in.
• Forgetting the share registry - Shares held in your old name can cause complications when you sell. Update Computershare, Link Market Services, or wherever your shares are held.
• Not telling your will solicitor - Your will should reflect your legal name. Contact your solicitor to update estate documents.
• Assuming everything updates automatically - Nothing updates automatically. Every organisation must be told individually. Surname Switch tracks your progress so nothing slips through.