Change of name after marriage, WA

How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Western Australia

Getting married is a big milestone, and for some couples, changing your name is an exciting way to mark the beginning of your new chapter. In Australia, changing your name after marriage in WA is a matter of custom, not law, which means there’s no legal obligation to take your spouse’s name—it’s entirely your choice.

If you do decide to change your name, a certified marriage certificate from the Australian Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages is typically all you need to update your personal documents. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process, whether you were married in Australia or overseas.

Step 1: Understand the Rules

In Australia, anyone who marries can assume their spouse’s surname simply by custom. A formal name change is not required, and you don’t need to apply through the Registry if:

• You’re using your spouse’s surname.

• You’re hyphenating or combining surnames with your spouse.

If you were married overseas, some Australian organisations may require a formal name change through the WA Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages before accepting your new surname.

If you decide to revert back to your maiden name later, you don’t need a formal name change to do so. However, registering the change with the Registry can make the process smoother and avoid potential complications when updating documents.

Step 2: Obtain a Certified Marriage Certificate

The ceremonial certificate you received on your wedding day isn’t sufficient for updating your name. You’ll need to apply for an official, certified marriage certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages in the state where you were married.

Here’s how to get it:

1. Apply Online or In Person: Visit the WA Registry website or their office.

2. Provide Identification: You’ll need valid ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.

3. Pay the Fee: There’s a $55 fee for issuing the certificate.

4. Wait for Delivery: Once processed, your certificate will be mailed to you.

Step 3: Update Your Personal Documents

Once you have your certified marriage certificate, you can start updating your personal documents. Different organisations have their own processes, so it’s important to check what each one requires.

Primary Documents to Update

• Driver’s License:
  Visit a Department of Transport (DoT) office with your marriage certificate and current license to update your name.

• Passport:
  Apply for a name change with the Australian Passport Office. You’ll need your marriage certificate, current passport, and a completed name change form. If your passport is less than 12 months old, the name change may be free.

• Medicare:
  Update your name online, in person at a Services Australia office, or via post. Bring your marriage certificate and complete a Medicare Change of Details form.

Step 4: If You Were Married Overseas

If your marriage took place outside Australia, some organisations might not accept your foreign marriage certificate as evidence for a name change. In this case, you may need to formally register a change of name with the WA Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.

Step 5: Returning to Your Maiden Name

If you decide to revert to your maiden name after taking your spouse’s surname, there’s no legal requirement to apply for a formal name change. However, registering the change with the Registry can help you avoid potential issues when updating documents or providing proof of identity.

Tips for a Smooth Name Change Process

• Start with the Essentials: Focus on updating your driver’s license, Medicare, and passport first. Most other updates will follow naturally.

• Keep Copies Handy: Always have a certified copy of your marriage certificate for reference.

• Be Patient: Processing times can vary between organisations, so don’t worry if updates take a little time.

Changing your name after marriage in Western Australia can feel like a big task, but it’s actually easier than expected. Whether you’re taking your spouse’s name, combining surnames, or keeping your own, the process is flexible and straightforward with the right steps in place.

If you have questions or need further assistance, the WA Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages is a great resource to guide you or you get in touch! Here’s to your next chapter!