Changing your name after getting married in Tasmania involves a few essential steps, starting with obtaining your official marriage certificate. This document is crucial for updating your name across various legal and personal records.
Whether you’re newly married or recently divorced, navigating the name change process can feel straightforward with the right information. This guide will help you understand the steps involved in changing your name in Tasmania.
| Registry | Births, Deaths and Marriages Tasmania |
|---|---|
| Marriage certificate fee | $60.76 for a standard certificate, plus registered post ($7.55) or express post ($9.00); priority 24-hour service is an extra $43.12 (effective 1 July 2026) |
| Driver licence update | Service Tasmania — $13.24 replacement licence fee when you return your current card ($32.84 if you can't return it) |
| 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 TAS marriage certificate
The first step is to obtain your official marriage certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages Tasmania. Remember that the ceremonial certificate you may have received at your wedding is not sufficient for name change purposes.
You can order your official marriage certificate online through the registry's website. The fee for a standard certificate is $60.76, with additional costs for registered or express post.
Every organisation you'll need to notify will ask for this certificate as proof of your name change, so it's important to have it on hand.
Step 2 — Update your Tasmania driver licence
Next, you'll want to update your driver licence with Service Tasmania. This is the primary form of photo identification, so it's best to address this early in the process.
When updating your licence, bring your official marriage certificate and your current driver licence. If you return your current card, the replacement licence fee is $13.24; if you can't return it, the fee will be $32.84.
Updating your licence first ensures that your new name is reflected in your ID, which will be needed for further updates.
Step 3 — Notify everyone else
After updating your licence, it’s time to notify all other relevant organisations. This includes banks, your superannuation fund, Medicare, the ATO, passport office, insurers, utilities, and any subscriptions.
Our service at Change Your Name can help you streamline this process, making it easier to notify everyone at once and ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Make a list of all the places that require your name to be updated, and use your marriage certificate as the proof of your name change when contacting them.
What order should you do it in?
It's best to follow a recommended sequence when changing your name: start with obtaining your marriage certificate, then update your driver licence, followed by Medicare and the ATO, and finally your passport and everything else.
When handling documents, be mindful of the difference between originals and certified copies. Some organisations may require the original document, while others may accept certified copies.
If you have upcoming travel plans, consider keeping your old passport valid until your booked travel is complete to avoid any issues with identification.
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Get startedFrequently asked questions
Do I need to change my name legally after marriage in TAS, or is the marriage certificate enough?
The marriage certificate serves as proof of your name change, but to update your name legally across various organisations, you will need to follow the proper process of notifying each entity.
How much does it cost to change your name after marriage in Tasmania?
The cost for a standard marriage certificate is $60.76, and there are additional fees for posting options. For licence updates, the replacement fee is $13.24 if you return your current card.
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate from BDM Tasmania?
Order your marriage certificate early, as processing times can vary. It's advisable to check directly with the registry for specific timeframes.
Can I keep my maiden name for work and use my married name elsewhere?
Yes, you can choose to use different names in different contexts. Just be aware that this might require additional documentation if you need to prove your identity or name change.
What if I married overseas but live in Tasmania?
Overseas marriage certificates are often not accepted as name-change evidence by Australian organisations. You may need to register a change of name through BDM Tasmania. It's best to confirm with each organisation before relying on your overseas certificate.