Change your surname after marriage in Australia
If married in Australia, you can take the surname of your husband, wife or partner or add their surname to yours, without registering a name change.
You can use your official marriage certificate to prove your new name. Learn how to change your surname after marriage in Australia.
Surname options
- You can take your partner’s surname
- Your partner can take your surname
- You can combine your name and your partner’s name with a hyphen
For any other change of name, you need to apply to change your name.
New certificate paper
From 2 August 2021, all of our certificates will be printed on new security paper.
You will need an official marriage certificate
To update your married surname, you need an official marriage certificate (not a commemorative certificate) from the registry in the state or territory where you were married.
How to change your surname after marriage in Australia
Update your name on your NSW Driver Licence
- At Service NSW – Take your official marriage certificate and current driver licence to your nearest ServiceNSW centre. Ask for them to update your driver’s licence with your new married name. Once approved a new driver’s licence will be sent to you within 1-2 weeks.
Update your name on your Medicare Card
- At a Medicare Service Centre – Use your official marriage certificate to update your name on your Medicare Card.
- By email – You can also email Medicare Enrolment Services your Medicare Card number, your name before marriage and date of birth, your new married name and attach a copy of the marriage certificate.
Once processed, your new Medicare Card will be posted to you within 1-2 weeks.
Update your name everywhere else
Next, make a list of other places you want to update your details, and contact them. Your updated marriage certificate, and your new driver’s licence and Medicare Card will provide the proof you need in most cases to update to your married name.
Other places to update your surname
State government
- NSW Land Registry, for home owners
- NSW Rental Bond Board, for renters
- NSW Pet Registry, for pet owners
Federal government
- Australian Electoral Commission
- Australian Passport Office
- Australian Taxation Office
- Centrelink
Other businesses
- Banks and building societies
- Insurance and superannuation providers
- Mobile phone and internet providers
- Utility providers