Name Change Tips
Name Change Tips
Name Change Tips
Name Change Tips
Changing your name is a time consuming task that unfortunately there is no easy way around. There are companies that offer one stop shops but really you end up putting in just as much effort as you do doing it yourself.
The best I can offer you- in true Toni style- is of course a checklist!!
"From the department of Births Deaths and Marriage-
Changing your name through marriage
Many people choose to use their spouse’s family name once they are married—it’s a custom and not the law.
If you were married in Australia, you don't need to apply formally for a change of name with us. Usually personal documentation, such as your driver licence and passport, can be changed to your married name when you provide a standard marriage certificate.
Apply to get a standard marriage certificate if you need a certificate from us.
How to change your name through marriage
If you choose to change your name when you get married, you’ll need to tell various government agencies, banks, utility suppliers and other businesses your new married name.
You may be asked to:
• send a letter or email
• complete a change request form (online or one they send out to you)
• visit an office in person.
Organisations will also have different requirements on what proof they need, some may want:
• to see your standard marriage certificate
• a certified photocopy of your standard marriage certificate for your account file with them
• evidence of updated photo ID
• a combination of identity documents."
Name Change Tips
1. The first step should be to order your marriage certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages first. Some government departments and financial institutions may insist on your BDM certificate, not the ceremonial certificate issued on the day of your wedding.
2. Get photo ID in your new name as soon as possible. Some companies accept updated photo ID as proof of name change.
3. Take some photocopies of your photo ID under your old name before changing. Driver licenses often need to be surrendered, so it can help to have a copy should you ever need to prove your old name.
4. Set aside a day to get all your name change notifications done at once. Name changes that drag out can occupy a lot of head space and cause problems if you need to prove your identity.
5. Set a deadline for your name change. Aim to get all your accounts, memberships and paperwork into your new name within a month of starting.
Proof of name change
Marriage Certificate (from BDM)
Government-
Driver’s licence
Car registration
Passport
Electoral roll
Australian Taxation Office
Medicare
Council (for property owners)
Centrelink
Utilities
Electricity provider
Gas provider
Water provider
Communications
Home phone account
Mobile phone account
Internet
Pay TV
Finance
Bank accounts
Credit Cards
Store Cards
Building Societies
Investment accounts
Mortgage
Personal loans
Share holdings
Insurance
Home / contents insurance
Car insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Income protection insurance
Memberships
Library memberships
Gym membership
Subscriptions
Frequent Flyer membership
Loyalty programs (eg FlyBuys)
Video libraries
Automobile Clubs
Professional memberships
Sporting associations
Health
Doctor
Dentist
Optometrist
Ambulance subscription
Specialists
Employment & Education
Your employer
Australian Business Registrar (if you are a company director)
Superannuation funds
Alumni organisations
Your children’s school
Other
Your will
Title Deeds office
Real estate agent (if renting)
Lawyer / Solicitor
Accountant
Tollway accounts (e.g. Linkt)
eBay & PayPal
Facebook / Instagram/ LinkedIn/ Twitter
Australian Organ Donor Register
Vet
Pet microchip company
Voicemail