If you’ve recently gone through a divorce in the Australian Capital Territory and wish to revert to your former name, you’ll need to gather the necessary documentation and follow the proper procedures.
This guide will help you understand what documents are required and how to update your name across various services and institutions in the ACT.
| Registry | Access Canberra (Births, Deaths and Marriages) |
|---|---|
| Usual evidence | Birth certificate + marriage certificate + divorce order — reverting to a birth name generally needs no formal name-change registration |
| Driver licence update | Access Canberra — Access Canberra doesn't publish a specific fee for a name-change licence update — a card replacement fee may apply, so confirm when you attend a service centre or call 13 22 81 |
| If reverting to a non-birth name | A registered change of name with Access Canberra BDM may be required — $152 application fee to register an adult change of name |
What documents you need in ACT
To change your name back after divorce in the ACT, you'll typically need to provide several key documents:
- Your birth certificate
- Your marriage certificate
- Your divorce order
If you are reverting to a name that is not your birth name, you will need to register a change of name. In this case, you should visit Access Canberra to initiate this process.
Updating your Australian Capital Territory driver licence
To update your Australian Capital Territory driver licence, visit Access Canberra. Be prepared to provide evidence of your name change, such as your divorce order and any other relevant documents.
Access Canberra may charge a fee for updating your licence, so it's best to confirm this when you attend a service centre or call 13 22 81.
Notifying banks, super, Medicare and the rest
Once your name change is official, you'll want to notify various institutions and services. This includes:
- Your bank
- Your superannuation fund
- Medicare
- Utilities and service providers
- Memberships and loyalty programs
Taking the time to update your name across these organisations can help you close this chapter smoothly. Change Your Name can assist you in navigating this process.
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Get startedFrequently asked questions
Do I have to change my name back after divorce, or can I keep my married name?
You are not required to change your name back after divorce. You can choose to keep your married name if you wish.
Do I need my ex-partner's permission to revert to my former name in ACT?
No, you do not need your ex-partner's permission to revert to your former name in the ACT.
What if I don't have my original birth certificate?
If you don't have your original birth certificate, you may need to apply for a replacement through the relevant authorities. Check with Access Canberra for guidance on how to obtain a new copy.
I want to move to a completely new surname after my divorce — what's involved in Australian Capital Territory?
If you wish to adopt a completely new surname after your divorce, you must register a change of name. There is a $152 application fee to register an adult change of name in the ACT.