Changing your name back after a divorce in South Australia is a straightforward process, especially if you want to revert to your maiden name or a former name. You may need to provide certain documents, depending on your situation.
This guide will help you understand what documents you'll need, how to update your driver licence, and notify various organisations about your name change.
| Registry | Consumer and Business Services (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 | Service SA — $20 replacement licence or permit fee when updating your name with Service SA |
| If reverting to a non-birth name | A registered change of name with SA BDM (CBS) may be required — $322 to register a change of name, which includes a new birth certificate or change of name certificate |
What documents you need in SA
To revert to your maiden name or another former name, you may need to provide a combination of documents. Typically, these include:
- Your birth certificate
- Your marriage certificate
- Your divorce order
If you want to change to a name that is not your birth name, you'll need to register a change of name formally. This involves filling out change of name forms, which must be signed before a Justice of the Peace. You'll also need to lodge these forms along with a certified copy of your birth certificate and two forms of ID.
Updating your South Australia driver licence
Once you have your documents ready, you can update your South Australia driver licence through Service SA. You’ll typically need to present your marriage certificate, divorce order, and any other relevant documents to evidence your name change.
There is a fee associated with updating your name on your driver licence. You should be prepared to pay a replacement licence or permit fee when you submit your application.
For more detailed information about the process and required documents, visit the Service SA website.
Notifying banks, super, Medicare and the rest
After changing your name, it’s important to notify various organisations to ensure your records are up to date. This includes:
- Your bank
- Superannuation funds
- Medicare
- Utilities providers
- Membership and loyalty programs
Closing this chapter of your life shouldn't involve long waits on hold or complicated processes. Change Your Name can help streamline this notification process for you.
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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 prefer.
Do I need my ex-partner's permission to revert to my former name in SA?
No, you do not need your ex-partner's permission to revert to your former name in South Australia.
What if I don't have my original birth certificate?
If you do not have your original birth certificate, you may need to apply for a replacement. This document is often required for registering a change of name.
I want to move to a completely new surname after my divorce — what's involved in South Australia?
To change to a completely new surname in South Australia, you will need to officially register a change of name. This process involves a fee of $322 and includes obtaining a new birth certificate or change of name certificate.