Change of name through marriage
In Australia, many women change their surname when they marry. Institutions such as banks, the Passport Office and transport authorities require a registry-issued marriage certificate to change the bride’s surname on their records.
The certificate issued to you on your wedding day (known as the parties’ certificate) or a commemorative certificate is not sufficient identification for many institutions. Overseas marriage certificates are also not usually adequate proof to change your name.
You should check proof of identity requirements with the institutions that you will be notifying of your name change, for example, the Passport Office and Queensland Transport.
If you require a registry-issued marriage certificate, please complete an application for a marriage certificate.
Do I have to assume my husband's surname at marriage?
It is not compulsory for a bride to assume her husband's surname, so you may retain your own maiden surname or surname that you used at the time of marriage.
If you keep your own surname, there is no need to change identification or legal documentation.
However, you may still be required to present a certified copy of a marriage certificate issued by an Australian births, deaths and marriages registry to adjust your ‘conjugal status’ (which covers changes from never validly married to married, divorced to married, or widowed to married).
Can I use a combination or hyphenated surname upon marrying?
You will need to arrange a legal change of name if you want to adopt a combination or hyphenated version of your maiden surname and your husband's surname, or the groom wishes to adopt your surname.
If you choose a surname which differs from tradition (where a wife takes on her husband's surname), a certified copy of a marriage certificate issued by an Australian births, deaths and marriages registry to show proof of change of surname will generally not be sufficient for most institutions or government agencies.
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