Your Options After Marriage

After getting married in Brisbane, you have several choices regarding your name.

You can maintain your current surname, adopt your spouse’s surname, create a hyphenated combination of both surnames, develop a combined surname, use your married surname for some purposes while retaining your birth surname for others, or keep your original name professionally while using your married name in social contexts.

It’s important to note that there is no legal requirement to change your name after marriage in Brisbane, Queensland, or anywhere in Australia. The choice is entirely yours.

Using Your Marriage Certificate

For couples married in Brisbane or anywhere in Australia, changing to your spouse’s surname is a straightforward process. Your official marriage certificate from Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Queensland (RBDM) provides sufficient evidence for this change. No formal registration is required, and most organisations will accept your marriage certificate as proof of your name change. However, you must use the official certificate issued by RBDM, not the commemorative version provided at your ceremony.

Formal Name Change Process

A formal name change application through RBDM is necessary if you wish to:

Create a new combined surname
Use a different name combination
Were married overseas
Make other name adjustments

To complete this process, you must:

Submit an application through RBDM
Pay the current name change fee
Provide required identification (check the RBDM website for current requirements)
Submit all supporting documentation
Meet Queensland residency requirements

Organisations to Notify

When changing your name in Brisbane and surrounding areas, remember to update:

Government Services

Queensland Government Service Centres (multiple Brisbane CBD and metropolitan locations)
Medicare
Australian Passport Office
Australian Electoral Commission
Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Centrelink (if applicable)
Electoral Commission Queensland

Financial Institutions

Banks and credit unions (including Brisbane metropolitan branches)
Superannuation funds
Insurance providers
Credit card companies
Investment accounts

Professional Organisations

Professional registrations
Business registrations (including Brisbane Chamber of Commerce if applicable)
Professional associations
Employment records
Educational institutions (including Brisbane universities if relevant)

Personal Services

Utility providers
Phone and internet services
Email accounts
Social media profiles
Rental agreements or property titles
Library memberships (including Brisbane City Council Libraries)
Loyalty programs

Important Considerations

Government Documentation

Your passport must be updated if your name changes. Queensland Transport requires you to update your driver’s licence within 14 days of any name change. Medicare updates can be processed online through myGov, and Blue Cards must be updated if applicable to your situation.

Professional Considerations

When changing your name in Brisbane, consider impacts on:

Professional qualifications and certifications
Business registrations and ABN
Email addresses and work credentials
Professional social media profiles
Work identification and security passes

Overseas Marriage Considerations

If married overseas, you may need:

Formal name change registration in Queensland
Documents translated by a NAATI-accredited translator
Authentication by DFAT
Additional requirements if you’re a visa holder

Timeline Flexibility

There is no mandated timeframe for changing your name after marriage. You can:

Make the change immediately upon receiving your marriage certificate
Wait until current identification documents expire
Choose never to change your name
Make the change years after marriage
Change your name gradually as documents require renewal

Reverting to Previous Name

If you wish to revert to your previous name:

After marriage: Use your birth certificate
After divorce: Use your divorce papers or decree absolute
After separation: You may need a formal name change application
For professional purposes: Both names can be used with proper documentation

Cost Considerations

When planning your name change in Brisbane, consider costs for:

Official marriage certificates
Updated identification documents
Professional registration changes
Business document updates
International document authentication (if required)

Brisbane and Queensland Resources

For assistance, contact:

RBDM Queensland: qld.gov.au/rbdm
Queensland Government Service Centre Brisbane CBD
Brisbane Community Legal Centre
Legal Aid Queensland Brisbane Office
LawRight Brisbane

Professional Support

Brisbane City Celebrants can assist with:

Understanding your name change options
Ordering Queensland marriage certificates
Document requirements
General guidance on the process
Referral to appropriate local services

Additional Support Services

Free interpreter service through RBDM
Special arrangements for family violence situations
Support for Brisbane metropolitan residents
Online services through Queensland Government
Local Legal Centre support

Note: While we provide general guidance, specific requirements and fees should be confirmed with relevant authorities as they may change. For legal advice about your specific situation, please consult a legal professional.

Essential Tips

When changing your name in Brisbane:

Maintain certified copies of all documents
Prioritise updating important documents (licence, passport, Medicare)
Consider professional implications before changing
Keep a comprehensive list of places requiring notification
Allow adequate processing time for each organisation
Carry both forms of identification during the transition period
Consider updating documents as they expire to distribute costs

Brisbane City Celebrants is here to support you through this process, providing guidance and assistance while ensuring all legal requirements are met.

Brisbane River elopement for Adam and Laura with Brisbane city celebrant Josh Withers ⌘

Change of Name After Marriage