Reverting to Former Name

If you’re going back to the name you held before marriage, the process is much the same no matter what your personal situation.

When you took your spouse’s name after marriage chances are you didn’t legally change your name. Most likely you showed your marriage certificate as evidence of your new name.  This means you assumed your spouse’s name and your birth certificate did not change. You are still entitled to be known by your prior name regardless of your marital status.

What documents do you need?

All organisations require your official marriage certificate, issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). You can reorder your marriage certificate if you don’t have it. You also need to show one of the following documents: a birth certificate showing your former name OR a divorce order.

Where you have been married more than once you must show the link between all these names. If you have a complicated history of names we explain the full burden of proof options. Show documents issued by BDM showing a clear link between all your names. For example, if you were married twice and want to go back to your birth name you will need your birth certificate, 2 marriage certificates and 1 divorce order. If you have legally changed names or if you became an Australian Citizen in your married name you are unable to assume the use of any former name. In such a circumstance you may need to consider a new legal name change.

How do I notify organisations of my new name?

Once you’ve decided to revert to a prior name you need to notify all organisations where you hold an account, membership or identification.

Easy Name Change takes the hassle out of doing all the research and paperwork with our researched company instructions and ready to send name change forms, letters and emails. We include the mail or email address and list the proof documents needed on each notification. Just add your certificate, sign and send!

We have over 800 Australian organisations broken up into 16 categories. Prefer to do it yourself? Our customers have an average of 26 organisations to update. Allow 20 minutes per company to contact them and learn what process to follow, then write your letters, emails or complete any forms. Give yourself at least 8 hours over a few days to get it all done. Get a head start with our free DIY checklist!

Getting your documents

Most organisations need to see proof of your current legal name and former name.  If you don’t have your marriage or birth certificate you can download the application form as part of your Easy Name Change kit.

Free preview & money-back guarantee!

Still not sure how much time you’ll save? Use our free preview feature. You can access our database and choose what companies you need to notify before buying, so you’ll know just how much value you can expect. Our name change kits are cheaper than a night at the movies and are guaranteed to save you time. If you are unhappy for any reason just contact us for a refund within 60 days!

Ready to change your name now?