Change of Name After Marriage in Victoria

Your Options After Marriage

After getting married in Australia, you have several options regarding your name:

  • Keep your current surname
  • Take your spouse’s surname
  • Hyphenate both surnames
  • Create a combined surname
  • Use your married surname for some purposes and birth surname for others
  • Keep your name professionally but use married name socially

There is no legal requirement to change your name after marriage in Victoria or anywhere in Australia.

Using Your Marriage Certificate

If you were married in Australia, changing to your spouse’s surname is straightforward:

  • Your official marriage certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria (or other state registry) is sufficient evidence
  • No formal registration is required
  • Most organisations will accept your marriage certificate as proof
  • Certificate must be the official one, not the commemorative version

Formal Name Change

If you want to:

  • Create a new combined surname
  • Use a different name combination
  • Were married overseas
  • Make other name changes

You will need to:

  1. Apply through Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria
  2. Pay the prescribed name change fee
  3. Provide required identification (see BDM Victoria website for current requirements)
  4. Submit supporting documentation
  5. Meet Victorian residency requirements

Organisations to Notify

If changing your name, remember to update:

Government

  • VicRoads (driver’s licence and registration)
  • Medicare
  • Australian Passport Office
  • Australian Electoral Commission
  • Australian Taxation Office
  • Centrelink (if applicable)
  • Victorian Electoral Commission

Financial

  • Banks and credit unions
  • Superannuation funds
  • Insurance companies
  • Credit card providers
  • Investment accounts

Professional

  • Professional registrations
  • Business registrations
  • Professional associations
  • Employment records
  • Educational institutions

Personal

  • Utility providers
  • Phone and internet services
  • Email accounts
  • Social media profiles
  • Rental agreements or property titles
  • Library memberships
  • Loyalty programs

Important Considerations

Government Documents

  • Passport: Must be updated if name changes
  • VicRoads: Must update within 14 days of name change
  • Medicare: Can be updated online through myGov
  • Victorian Working with Children Check: Must be updated if applicable

Professional Considerations

  • Professional qualifications and certifications
  • Business registrations and ABN
  • Email addresses and work credentials
  • Professional social media profiles
  • Work ID badges and security passes

Overseas Marriage

  • May need formal name change registration
  • Documents must be translated by NAATI translator
  • May require authentication by DFAT
  • Additional requirements for visa holders

Timeline

There is no legal timeframe for changing your name after marriage. You can:

  • Change it immediately after receiving your marriage certificate
  • Wait until current ID documents expire
  • Never change it
  • Change it years later
  • Change gradually as documents need renewal

Reverting to Previous Name

If you want to revert to your previous name:

  • After marriage: Use your birth certificate
  • After divorce: Use your divorce papers or decree absolute
  • After separation: May need formal name change
  • For professional purposes: Can use both names with documentation

Cost Considerations

Remember to factor in costs for:

  • Official marriage certificates
  • Updated identification documents
  • Professional registration changes
  • Business document updates
  • International document authentication if required

Victorian Resources

For assistance contact:

  • Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria
  • VicRoads
  • Justice Service Centres
  • Victorian Legal Aid
  • Community Legal Centres

Need Help?

We can assist with:

  • Understanding your options
  • Ordering Victorian marriage certificates
  • Document requirements
  • General guidance on the process
  • Referral to appropriate services

Additional Support

  • Free interpreter service available through BDM Victoria
  • Special arrangements for family violence situations
  • Support for regional Victorian residents
  • Online services through Service Victoria

Note: While we provide general guidance, specific requirements and fees should be confirmed with relevant authorities as they may change. For legal advice about your specific situation, please consult a legal professional.

Important Tips

  • Keep certified copies of all documents
  • Update important documents first (licence, passport, Medicare)
  • Consider professional implications before changing
  • Keep a list of all places you need to notify
  • Allow time for processing at each organisation
  • Carry both forms of ID during the transition
  • Consider updating documents as they expire to spread costs

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