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HOW DO I CHANGE MY SURNAME? AND DO I HAVE TO?

Posted By Christina Towler  
11/04/2024

Once your Celebrant has lodged the documents with the registry of Birth, Death and Marriages (RBDM), you will receive your Official Government Marriage Certificate – You can apply for this through your Celebrant while completing the initial paperwork, or at any time after your wedding directly through the RBMD for $60 including registered post (April 2024). This is the certificate that you will need as proof of marriage and to change your family name should you wish to. It is not a legally required thing; it comes down to your own personal choice AND it is not required that the bride takes the groom’s last name. He can take hers as well.

If you choose to change your family name when you get married, you will need to tell various government agencies, banks, utility suppliers and other businesses your married name.

Your list may include:

  • passport
  • driver licence
  • car registration
  • bank accounts
  • Australian Taxation Office
  • Australian Electoral Commission enrolment
  • Medicare
  • insurance policies
  • doctors/dentist
  • superannuation
  • subscriptions
  • memberships
  • Insurance companies
  • Electricity, gas and water providers
  • Your place of work
  • Your mortgage provider
  • Landlord
  • Mobile phone provider
  • Internet provider
  • Any store cards you may have
  • RACQ
  • Vet