Change of Name After Marriage

Your Options After Marriage

After getting married in Newcastle, you have several choices regarding your name.

You can maintain your current surname, adopt your spouse’s surname, create a hyphenated combination of both surnames, develop a combined surname, use your married surname for some purposes while retaining your birth surname for others, or keep your original name professionally while using your married name in social contexts.

It’s important to note that there is no legal requirement to change your name after marriage in Newcastle, New South Wales, or anywhere in Australia. The choice is entirely yours.

Using Your Marriage Certificate

For couples married in Newcastle or anywhere in Australia, changing to your spouse’s surname is a straightforward process. Your official marriage certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages NSW (BDM NSW) provides sufficient evidence for this change. No formal registration is required, and most organisations will accept your marriage certificate as proof of your name change. However, you must use the official certificate issued by BDM NSW, not the commemorative version provided at your ceremony.

Formal Name Change Process

A formal name change application through BDM NSW is necessary if you wish to:

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

To complete this process, you must:

1. Submit an application through BDM NSW
2. Pay the current name change fee
3. Provide required identification (check the BDM NSW website for current requirements)
4. Submit all supporting documentation
5. Meet NSW residency requirements

Organisations to Notify

When changing your name in Newcastle and the Hunter Region, remember to update:

Government Services

• Service NSW (Newcastle office for driver’s licence and vehicle registration)
• Medicare
• Australian Passport Office
• Australian Electoral Commission
• Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
• Centrelink (if applicable)
• NSW Electoral Commission

Financial Institutions

• Banks and credit unions (including local Newcastle branches)
• Superannuation funds
• Insurance providers
• Credit card companies
• Investment accounts

Professional Organisations

• Professional registrations
• Business registrations (including Hunter Business Chamber if applicable)
• Professional associations
• Employment records
• Educational institutions (including University of Newcastle if relevant)

Personal Services

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

Important Considerations

Government Documentation

Your passport must be updated if your name changes. Service NSW requires you to update your driver’s licence within 14 days of any name change. Medicare updates can be processed online through myGov, and Working with Children Checks must be updated if applicable to your situation.

Professional Considerations

When changing your name in Newcastle, consider impacts on:

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

Overseas Marriage Considerations

If married overseas, you may need:

• Formal name change registration in NSW
• Documents translated by a NAATI-accredited translator
• Authentication by DFAT
• Additional requirements if you’re a visa holder

Timeline Flexibility

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

• Make the change immediately upon receiving your marriage certificate
• Wait until current identification documents expire
• Choose never to change your name
• Make the change years after marriage
• Change your name gradually as documents require renewal

Reverting to Previous Name

If you wish to revert to your previous name:

• After marriage: Use your birth certificate
• After divorce: Use your divorce papers or decree absolute
• After separation: You may need a formal name change application
• For professional purposes: Both names can be used with proper documentation

Cost Considerations

When planning your name change in Newcastle, consider costs for:

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

Newcastle and NSW Resources

For assistance, contact:

• BDM NSW: nsw.gov.au/bdm
• Service NSW Newcastle Office
• Newcastle Justice Service Centre
• Legal Aid NSW Newcastle Office
• Hunter Community Legal Centre

Professional Support

The Newcastle Marriage Office can assist with:

• Understanding your name change options
• Ordering NSW marriage certificates
• Document requirements
• General guidance on the process
• Referral to appropriate local services

Additional Support Services

• Free interpreter service through BDM NSW
• Special arrangements for family violence situations
• Support for Newcastle and Hunter Region residents
• Online services through Service NSW
• Local Justice Service Centre support

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.

Essential Tips

When changing your name in Newcastle:

• Maintain certified copies of all documents
• Prioritise updating important documents (licence, passport, Medicare)
• Consider professional implications before changing
• Keep a comprehensive list of places requiring notification
• Allow adequate processing time for each organisation
• Carry both forms of identification during the transition period
• Consider updating documents as they expire to distribute costs

The Newcastle Marriage Office is here to support you through this process, providing guidance and assistance while ensuring all legal requirements are met.