To return to a former name after an Australian marriage, most people need their official marriage certificate together with either their birth certificate or divorce order. Easy Name Change helps you identify every organisation to notify, then prepares the personalised forms, letters, emails and instructions needed to update your records.
How to change back to your former name after marriage
Returning to your former name after separation or divorce is usually straightforward. If you assumed your spouse’s surname after marrying in Australia, you can generally resume your former name without registering a legal name change.
You do not need to wait until your divorce is finalised. Once you have the right proof documents, you can begin updating your records.
What documents do you need?
All Australian organisations accept an official marriage certificate issued by an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, together with either:
- your Australian birth certificate showing your former surname; or
- your divorce order.
These documents prove the link between your married and former names.
The ceremonial marriage certificate signed on your wedding day is not accepted as proof of name change.
What if you have used several names?
You must provide documents showing a clear link between every name you have used.
For example, if you were married twice and want to return to your birth surname, you may need:
- your birth certificate
- both marriage certificates
- the divorce order from your first marriage.
The exact documents depend on the timing of your marriages, divorces and any registered legal name changes.
When might you need a legal name change?
Returning to a former surname can be more complicated if:
- you previously registered a legal name change
- your Australian citizenship certificate was issued in your married name
- your birth certificate was formally amended
- you cannot produce documents linking all your names
- you want to use a surname that is not shown in your supporting documents.
In these circumstances, you may need to register a new legal name change through an Australian Births, Deaths and Marriages registry.
The Australian Passport Office specifically requires an Australian BDM change-of-name certificate if you formally registered a legal name change after marriage and later want to resume an earlier name.
How do you notify organisations?
You need to contact every organisation that holds your current name. Updating one organisation does not automatically update the others.
This commonly includes:
- driver licence and vehicle registration
- passport
- Medicare and the ATO
- banks and superannuation funds
- employer
- insurers
- utilities
- memberships and loyalty programs.
Each organisation has its own process. You may need to visit in person, complete a form, upload proof, send an email or provide certified documents.
Easy Name Change lets you select the organisations you use, see what each one requires and prepare all your notifications in one place.
How long does changing your name take?
The average Easy Name Change customer has 27 organisations to update.
Researching every company, confirming its requirements and preparing the paperwork yourself can take eight hours or more. With Easy Name Change, you can select your organisations and prepare your personalised paperwork in around 30 minutes.
Check off your companies, get your paperwork, then sign and send.
What is included in an Easy Name Change kit?
Your personalised Easy Name Change kit includes:
- instructions for each selected organisation
- the correct postal or email address
- details of the supporting documents required
- personalised forms, letters and emails ready to send.
Simply attach your proof documents, sign where required and send each notification.
