What do I write to change my name with a bank or company?

Keep it short and factual: your account or member number, your old name, your new name, one line on why it changed (marriage, divorce or a formal change of name), a note that your proof document is attached, and a request to update all records and confirm in writing. A three-to-five sentence email is enough for most Australian organisations.

What proof do I attach to a name change letter?

For marriage, your official marriage certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages (not the decorative ceremony certificate). For a formal change of name or deed poll, your change of name certificate. For reverting after divorce, your birth certificate together with your marriage certificate usually covers it. A clear photo or scan is accepted by most organisations; some banks ask for a certified copy.

Do I need a certified copy or is a scan enough?

Most organisations accept a clear scan or photo uploaded or emailed with your message. Banks, super funds and share registries are the usual exceptions and may ask for a copy certified by a JP, pharmacist or police officer. If in doubt, send the scan first; they will tell you if they need more.

What subject line should a name change email have?

Use the pattern: 'Name change notification - [old full name] to [new full name]'. It tells the support team exactly what the email is before they open it, which speeds up processing and keeps the request out of the wrong queue.

Is there a fee to change my name with banks or companies?

No. Updating your name on an existing account is free everywhere. The only common costs are government ones: ordering certificates, a replacement licence card in some states, or a passport if yours needs reissuing.

Can AI write my name change emails for me?

Yes. Surname Switch's Powered plan uses AI to write a correct, personalised notification for every organisation on your list, with the right channel for each one (email, form, portal or phone script), so you just review and hit send. The templates on this page are the free do-it-yourself version.

Name Change Letter & Email Templates Australia (Free, 2026)

1. The universal name change email

This one works for almost everything: utilities, insurers, telcos, gyms, airlines, subscriptions. Use the subject line exactly as shown, it keeps your request out of the wrong support queue.

Any organisation, by email

Subject: Name change notification - [old full name] to [new full name]

Hello,

I am writing to update the name on my account. My account or reference number is [account number].

My name has changed from [old full name] to [new full name] following [my marriage / my divorce / a formal change of name]. I have attached a copy of my [marriage certificate / change of name certificate] as proof.

Please update your records and all future correspondence to my new name, and confirm by reply once this is done.

Kind regards,
[new full name]
[phone] | [email]

2. Bank letter (posted or handed in at a branch)

Banks are the most formal of the lot. Many now accept the update in-app or in a branch with your ID, but if yours wants it in writing, this is the letter. Ask about certified copies before you post originals; never post an original certificate.

Bank or lender, by letter

[new full name]
[address]
[date]

[Bank name]
[bank postal address]

Dear Sir or Madam,

Re: Change of name on my accounts - customer number [customer number]

I am writing to advise that my name has changed from [old full name] to [new full name] following [my marriage / a formal change of name]. I enclose a certified copy of my [marriage certificate / change of name certificate].

Please update my name on all accounts, cards and records held in my name, including [list account numbers], and reissue my cards in my new name. Please confirm in writing once the change is complete.

Yours faithfully,

[signature]
[new full name]
[phone] | [email]

3. Employer and payroll email

Send this to HR or payroll. The important extras here: your super contributions and your work email address both flow from what payroll holds, so name them.

Employer, by email

Subject: Name change notification - [old full name] to [new full name]

Hi [HR or manager name],

My name has changed from [old full name] to [new full name] following [my marriage / a formal change of name]. I have attached a copy of my [marriage certificate / change of name certificate].

Could you please update payroll, my email address and display name, the staff directory, and the name my super contributions are reported under. My tax file number and bank details are unchanged.

Happy to provide anything else you need.

Thanks,
[new full name]

4. Super fund message

Most funds accept this through their member portal's secure message or by email. Have your member number ready; the request is useless without it.

Super fund, portal message or email

Subject: Name change notification - member number [member number]

Hello,

I would like to update the name on my membership. My member number is [member number].

My name has changed from [old full name] to [new full name] following [my marriage / a formal change of name]. I have attached a copy of my [marriage certificate / change of name certificate].

Please update my member record and all correspondence, and confirm once done. My tax file number, contributions and beneficiaries are unchanged.

Kind regards,
[new full name]
[date of birth] | [phone]

5. The two-line version for small accounts

Loyalty programs, apps and small subscriptions do not need the formal treatment. This gets it done through any contact form or chat window.

Subscriptions and loyalty programs

Hi, please update the name on my account ([email or member number]) from [old full name] to [new full name] - I have changed my name following [my marriage / a formal change of name]. Proof attached if you need it. Thanks!

Before you hit send

Attach the right proof. Marriage: the official Births, Deaths and Marriages certificate, not the decorative one from the ceremony. Deed poll or new name: your change of name certificate. Reverting after divorce: your birth certificate plus marriage certificate usually covers it.
Scan beats original. A clear photo or scan satisfies most organisations. Banks, super funds and share registries sometimes want a certified copy (a JP, pharmacist or police officer can certify one free). Never post an original.
Do your photo ID first. Update your driver licence and Medicare before the rest; once your ID shows the new name, everyone else accepts it with less fuss.
Keep the confirmations. Ask each organisation to confirm in writing and keep the replies until every account shows the new name.

Or never fill in a bracket again

Surname Switch builds your personal list of every place to notify, in the right order, from $25. On the Powered plan, AI writes every one of these messages for you with your real details and the right channel for each organisation - you just review and hit send. Build your plan.

Name change letter and email templates