Changing your family name after marriage, separation or divorce
If you were married in Australia, you don't generally need to apply for a change of name with us.
You may also choose to go back to your previous family name due to separation, divorce or personal choice.
Organisations will have different requirements for what proof they need and how you tell them, so you should contact them directly.
What you will need to change your family name after marriage
How to change your name through marriage
If you choose to change your family name when you get married, you’ll need to tell various government agencies, banks, utility suppliers and other businesses your married name.
Organisations will have different requirements for what proof they need for your change of name; some may want:
- to see your standard marriage certificate
- a certified photocopy of your standard marriage certificate
- evidence of updated photo ID
- a combination of identity documents.
Personal documentation, such as your driver licence and passport, can be changed to your married name using a standard marriage certificate (but not the certificate issued by your celebrant at your wedding ceremony).
Apply for a standard marriage certificate if you need a certificate from us.
What you will need to change back to your previous family name
How to change your name after separation, divorce or through personal choice
If you chose to change your family name when you got married, you may choose to go back to your previous family name due to separation, divorce or personal choice.
Organisations will have different requirements for what proof they need for your change of name; some may want:
- to see your standard birth and marriage certificates
- certified photocopies of your standard birth and marriage certificates
- evidence of separation or divorce (if applicable)
- evidence of updated photo ID
- a combination of identity documents.
Personal documentation, such as your driver licence and passport, can be changed to your previous name using a standard marriage certificate (but not the certificate issued by your celebrant at your wedding ceremony) and evidence of separation/divorce (if applicable).
Apply for a standard marriage certificate if you need a certificate from us.
Learn more about:
- getting an interstate or overseas certificate
- applying for a divorce document
- changing your name on your Australian passport
- changing your name with main roads in Queensland
Contact us
Online: Our general enquiry form.
By phone: Local call* 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
International +61 7 3328 4811 (+10 hours UTC)
(Phone lines open Monday–Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm)
*Costs may be higher from mobile phones and interstate.