How to Change Your Name After Marriage in WA
After your marriage has been registered by your celebrant with the WA Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages (WA BDM), you’ll need to apply for an official Registered Marriage Certificate. This is the legal document you’ll use to update your name with various organisations like banks, the Department of Transport, and Medicare.
Steps to Apply for Your WA Registered Marriage Certificate:
Wait for Registration: After your wedding, your celebrant will submit the official marriage paperwork to the WA BDM within 14 days. Allow a minimum of 14 days from your wedding date for the marriage to be officially registered. This process ensures your marriage is legally recognised.
Apply Online: Once your marriage is registered, you can apply for your Registered Marriage Certificate through the WA BDM website. The online application process is simple and secure, and you’ll need to provide details like your marriage date, full names, and location of the ceremony. Apply for Registered Marriage Certificate
In Person: If you prefer to apply in person, you can visit the Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages in the City or at any court location in Albany, Armadale, Broome, Bunbury, Busselton, Carnarvon, Collie, Derby, Esperance, Fremantle, Geraldton, Joondalup, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Katanning, Kununurra, Mandurah, Manjimup, Merredin, Midland, Morra, Narrogin, Northam, Rockingham and South Hedland.
Documents You’ll Need:
Your wedding details (date, location, celebrant name).
Proof of identity (such as a driver’s licence, passport, or Medicare card).
Payment for the application fee (this varies state to state).
Processing Time: Once your application is submitted, it typically takes 2–4 weeks to process and receive your certificate.
If you need it urgently, there may be an option for expedited processing for an additional fee and apply in person.
Why Do You Need a Registered Marriage Certificate?
The Registered Marriage Certificate issued by the WA BDM is the only document that organisations will accept to legally change your name or update official records.
The Form 15 Certificate (the pretty one you receive on your wedding day) is a keepsake, but it can’t be used for legal purposes like changing your name on your passport or driver’s licence.
Here are a few key places where you’ll need your Registered Marriage Certificate:
Driver’s Licence: This is one of the easiest changes to make. Head to your local Department of Transport or licensing office with your marriage certificate, and your new driver’s licence can often be processed on the spot.
Medicare: You can update your Medicare details either online through your myGov account or by visiting a Service Australia office. Online updates are typically processed within a few days, while in-person changes can be done immediately.
Passport: Passport updates can take the longest. You’ll need to apply for a new passport with your marriage certificate. Processing times vary but can take up to several weeks, so plan ahead if you have upcoming travel.
Bank Accounts and Credit Cards: Visit your bank in person or apply online, providing a scanned copy of your marriage certificate. Processing times range from a few days to a week.
Superannuation Accounts: Notify your super fund of your name change. This can usually be done online or by submitting a form. Processing times vary between 1-3 weeks.
Insurance Policies (Health, Home, Car, Life): Contact your insurance providers, either via phone or online, to update your name across all your policies. This typically takes a few days to a week.
Utility Providers (Electricity, Water, Gas, etc.): Most utility companies allow you to update your name through their online portals, with changes usually taking 24-48 hours.
Phone and Internet Providers: Updating your phone and internet services is straightforward and often processed within a day or two through your provider’s website or customer service department.
Australian Taxation Office (ATO): You can update your name through your myGov account, and changes are generally processed within a few days.
Australian Electoral Commission (AEC): Update your details on the electoral roll by filling out a form on the AEC website. Processing can take up to 2-3 weeks, depending on your submission method.
Employer, Doctors, and Dentists: Notify your employer and healthcare providers about your name change. These updates are often completed within a week.
Social Media Profiles: Name changes on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn can be updated instantly through your profile settings.
FAQ:
Do You Have to Change Your Name After Marriage?
No, you are not legally required to change your name after getting married in Australia. Changing your name after marriage is entirely a personal choice. Some people choose to take their spouse’s last name, while others may decide to keep their maiden name. It’s important to note that either option is valid, and it’s up to you to decide what feels right for you.
What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Name?
If you decide to keep your current name, nothing will change in terms of your legal identity. You can continue using your name as it is, and there’s no need to notify any organisations about your marriage unless you choose to update certain personal records, such as your marital status with Medicare, the ATO, or your employer.
Can You Have Two Names?
Yes, you can use both your maiden name and your spouse’s surname in certain circumstances. This is known as using a "dual name" or "double-barrelled" surname.
For example, you may choose to use your maiden name professionally like I do, while using your spouse’s surname for personal matters & in my business.
However, keep in mind that official documents such as your driver’s licence, passport, and bank accounts must be consistent. You can only have one legal name on official documents, so if you decide to change your name on your driver’s licence, for example, you’ll need to update it across all other legal documents as well.
If you wish to use both names officially, you can consider a double-barrelled surname (e.g., Smith-Jones or Smith Jones), which combines both your maiden name and your spouse’s name.
What If You Were Married Overseas?
If you were married overseas, your foreign marriage certificate might not be accepted by certain Australian organisations, such as banks or government agencies.
In this case, you may need to apply for an official change of name through the WA BDM instead of relying on your overseas marriage certificate.
What if I live Overseas?
For couples applying for a Marriage Certificate from overseas, there is an international process through the WA Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.
Yes, the certificate can be mailed internationally.
When applying online, you can select an international mailing option, and there may be additional shipping costs depending on the destination.
For specific shipping costs, it’s best to check the WA BDM website or contact them directly, as fees vary based on location and shipping method.
International applicants should also allow for extended processing and delivery times due to postal delays.
What Happens if I Don’t Change My Name After Marriage and We Have Children?
You are not required to change your name after marriage, even if you have children. Your child can have your surname, your partner’s surname, or a combination of both (e.g., hyphenated). Both parents must agree on the surname when registering the birth.
If you keep your maiden name and your child has a different surname, it won’t create any legal issues. Just be prepared to provide your child’s birth certificate as proof of your relationship for things like school enrolments or travel.
Wrapping Up: Making Your Name Change Process Smooth
Changing your name after marriage is a straightforward process with the WA BDM. Once you receive your Registered Marriage Certificate, you can begin updating your name across a variety of organisations, from your driver’s licence and passport to bank accounts and Medicare. Keeping track of the places you need to notify and staying organised will make the process much smoother, allowing you to fully embrace your new identity as a married couple.
Top Tips for a Smooth Process
Practice Your New Signature: One small but helpful step is practicing your new signature ahead of time. You’ll be using it a lot, so make sure it feels natural.
Keep a Checklist: Create a checklist of all the organisations you need to notify—driver’s licence, banks, Medicare, insurance companies, and more. This will help you stay organised and ensure nothing gets missed.
Photocopy Everything: Before submitting any documents like your driver’s licence or passport, make photocopies or take photos for your records.
Change Your Name Quickly: The sooner you update your name everywhere, the less confusion you'll face. Keeping things consistent will help avoid complications in the future.
Remember, changing your name is a personal choice. If you have questions or need guidance on any part of the process, don’t hesitate to reach out.
I’m here to help make your wedding day, and all the steps that follow, as smooth and stress-free as possible!
Call That Celebrant © 2024. Based on the Marriage Act 1961. Updated: Oct 2024.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this guide. Please consult with WA BDM or contact me for the most up-to-date information.
