Changing your name after marriage in the Australian Capital Territory is a straightforward process, especially if you're adopting your spouse's surname. The ACT generally does not require a formal name change when using your marriage certificate as evidence.
It's essential to follow the right steps to ensure all your official documents reflect your new name. This guide will walk you through the necessary actions you need to take, starting with obtaining your marriage certificate.
| Registry | Access Canberra (Births, Deaths and Marriages) |
|---|---|
| Marriage certificate fee | $53 for a standard marriage certificate |
| 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 |
| Legal basis | In Australia you can take your spouse's surname by marriage alone — no deed poll needed. Your official BDM marriage certificate is the evidence document. |
Step 1 — Get your official ACT marriage certificate
Step 1 is to obtain your official ACT marriage certificate. This is different from the ceremonial certificate you may have received during your wedding.
The official marriage certificate is issued by Access Canberra (Births, Deaths and Marriages) and is typically required by banks, government agencies, and other organisations to update your name.
You can order your marriage certificate through the Access Canberra website. The fee for a standard marriage certificate is $53, and it's worth noting that every organisation will ask for this document as proof of your name change.
Step 2 — Update your Australian Capital Territory driver licence
Step 2 is to update your driver licence with Access Canberra. This is an important step because your licence serves as a primary form of photo ID in your new name.
When you visit Access Canberra to update your licence, bring your marriage certificate and any other identification documents that may be required. Be sure to confirm if there is a fee applicable, as Access Canberra does not publish a specific fee for a name-change licence update.
Updating your licence first ensures that you have the correct ID to proceed with other name changes.
Step 3 — Notify everyone else
Step 3 involves notifying all other relevant organisations about your name change. This can include banks, super funds, Medicare, the ATO, passport agencies, insurers, utilities, and any subscriptions you have.
Our service, Change Your Name, can help simplify this process by providing a clear path for notifying these organisations efficiently. Make a list of all the places that will need to be informed of your new name.
As you go through this process, remember that each organisation may have specific requirements, so it’s helpful to check their guidelines ahead of time.
What order should you do it in?
To make the process as smooth as possible, it's recommended to follow this order: start with obtaining your marriage certificate, then update your driver licence, followed by Medicare and the ATO, and finally update your passport and other memberships.
Keep in mind to bring original documents and, if necessary, certified copies. If you have any travel plans, it's wise to keep your old passport valid until your booked trips are completed.
Following this sequence will help ensure that your name is consistently updated across all official records.
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Get startedFrequently asked questions
Do I need to change my name legally after marriage in ACT, or is the marriage certificate enough?
In most cases, the marriage certificate is sufficient evidence to use your spouse's surname without a formal name change. However, if you wish to completely change your name legally, you may need to consider a registered change of name through Access Canberra.
How much does it cost to change your name after marriage in Australian Capital Territory?
The fee for a standard marriage certificate is $53. Other fees may apply for updating your driver licence, but you should confirm this when you visit Access Canberra.
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate from Access Canberra BDM?
Processing times for marriage certificates can vary, so it's best to order early. For specific times, please check the Access Canberra website for more details.
Can I keep my maiden name for work and use my married name elsewhere?
Yes, you can choose to use your maiden name for work while using your married name in other contexts. It's important to ensure that whatever name you use aligns with your official documents for any legal purposes.
What if I married overseas but live in Australian Capital Territory?
Overseas marriage certificates are often not accepted as name-change evidence by Australian organisations. You may need to register a change of name through Access Canberra to update your name officially. It’s advisable to confirm with each organisation before relying on your overseas certificate.