How to change your name with Centrelink
Most Centrelink customers need to visit a Services Australia service centre to change their name.
Bring:
- proof of your name change (eg:Â a certificate issued by any Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages)
- government-issued photo identification in either your former or new name. Not all customers will be asked to show photo ID, but it is recommended that you have this available.
- your Centrelink Customer Reference Number, if available
Some simple corrections and changes back to a name Centrelink has previously recorded may be completed by phone. These exceptions are explained further below.
Steps to change your name with Centrelink
- Check that you have an accepted proof-of-name document.
- Find your most convenient Services Australia service centre.
- Take your original proof document with you
- Ask the service officer to update the name linked to your Centrelink CRN.
- Medicare is not linked, but the service officer can update Medicare if requested.
- Confirm that your contact, bank and personal details are correct.
- Report any related change in circumstances that could affect your payment.
- Update the ATO, AEC, banks, super funds and other records separately.
You can attend any Services Australia service centre.
What proof does Centrelink accept?
Centrelink accepts official proof issued by any Australian state or territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
The document required depends on why your name changed.
Marriage
Provide an official Australian marriage certificate issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages.
The ceremonial certificate signed on your wedding day is not accepted as proof of your new name.
Returning to your birth or former name
You can stop using your spouse’s surname at any time. You do not need to be divorced.
Provide:
- your official Australian marriage certificate; and
- either your Australian birth certificate or divorce order.
If Centrelink has previously recorded your former name, check the Centrelink app first. If the name appears on your profile, you can revert online or by phone.
Legal name change
Provide either:
- an Australian birth certificate showing your new legal name; or
- an Australian legal change-of-name certificate.
If you were born in Australia, apply through the BDM registry in the state or territory where your birth was registered.
If you were born overseas, apply through the registry in the state or territory where you live, subject to its eligibility and residency rules.
Foreign-issued documents
Centrelink generally requires proof issued by an Australian BDM registry.
Foreign marriage certificates, court orders, deed polls and overseas change-of-name certificates may be accepted inconsistently.
If your foreign-issued proof is not accepted, you may need to register a legal change of name with an Australian BDM registry.
Can you change your Centrelink name by phone?
Most customers need to attend a service centre.
A name change may sometimes be completed by phone when:
- you are returning to a former name Centrelink has previously recorded
- you are correcting a spelling error
- your names were recorded in the wrong order
- you are affected by a declared natural disaster
- a physical limitation prevents you from attending in person.
Before calling, upload your proof of name change through the Centrelink document portal. The service officer may ask to view it.
Call the Centrelink line related to your payment. The officer will confirm whether the change can be completed remotely.
What if you have a CRN but do not receive payments?
Update your Centrelink record even if you are not currently receiving a payment.
Your record may be needed later when you:
- make a Centrelink claim
- apply for a concession card
- link Centrelink to myGov
- ask Services Australia to verify your identity.
Updating your name now may prevent delays later.
Does changing Centrelink update Medicare?
No. Centrelink and Medicare are separate records, even though both are managed by Services Australia.
You must update Medicare separately, however this can be done by the same service officer during your visit.
Does changing Centrelink update the ATO?
No. You must notify the Australian Taxation Office separately.
Does changing Centrelink update myGov?
Not automatically.
myGov gives you access to linked services, but Centrelink, Medicare and the ATO each maintain separate records.
The name shown on your myGov account is generally drawn from the first service you linked. If Centrelink was linked first, your myGov name may update after Centrelink changes its record.
Keep all linked services in the same name. Services with mismatched details may eventually become unlinked.
Report changes in circumstances
A name change may happen alongside:
- marriage
- separation or divorce
- moving house
- moving in with or away from a partner
- changes to income or assets
- changes involving dependent children.
These changes may affect your Centrelink payment.
Tell Centrelink about any relevant change when updating your name to help avoid overpayments, underpayments or future debts.
Can you claim Centrelink in your former name?
If Centrelink still holds your former name, you may be able to begin a claim using that existing record.
Before submitting a claim, check that:
- Centrelink can verify your identity
- your bank details are current
- the name difference will not delay payment.
You can update your name once you have the required proof or can attend a service centre.
If you completed a registered legal name change, update your Centrelink record as soon as practical.
Centrelink phone numbers
- Families: 136 150
- Employment Services: 132 850
- Disability, sickness and carers: 132 717
- Indigenous Call Centre: 1800 136 380
- Older Australians: 132 300
- Youth and students: 132 490
- Farmer assistance: 132 316
- Centrelink online services support: 132 307
Phone numbers and opening hours can change. Check the Services Australia contact directory before calling.
Find a Services Australia service centre
Use the Services Australia service-centre locator to find your nearest office and check its opening hours.
Regional customers may also be able to use an agent, access point or mobile service centre.
Change your name with other organisations
Most people need to notify 15 to 40 organisations, including government agencies, financial institutions, service providers and memberships.
Easy Name Change helps Australians identify the organisations they need to update and prepares personalised forms, letters and emails.
Choose the organisations you need to notify and receive a ready-to-send name-change kit.
Get started with your personalised Easy Name Change kit.
