Changing your name after marriage in Australia: passport, licence and Medicare

Why the order matters

Changing your name in Australia after marriage (or after a formal name change following citizenship) is straightforward but requires updating each agency separately — there is no central system. Doing things in the wrong order can create delays: for example, you cannot update your passport without identity documents, and many institutions will not accept a name change without a valid photo ID in the new name.

The recommended sequence is: marriage certificate or change-of-name certificate → passport → driver’s licence → Medicare → bank accounts → other agencies.

Starting point: the marriage certificate or change-of-name certificate

If you are changing your name after marriage, your official evidence is the marriage certificate issued by the state or territory registry of births, deaths and marriages (BDM). This is the document that registers the marriage with the government. If you received a commemorative certificate from your celebrant on the day, note that it is not an official government document — you need the registry-issued certificate.

If you are changing your name for another reason (for example, after citizenship, or a general name change), you typically apply to your state BDM for a change of name certificate. Requirements and fees vary by state.

Updating your passport

Your Australian passport records the name you travel under. To update it after a name change:

• Apply for a new passport through Australia Post (most outlets are authorised passport acceptance offices).
• Submit your marriage certificate (original or certified copy) plus your current passport.
• If your current passport was issued within the last 10 years, you will receive a 10-year passport; if it was issued more than 10 years ago, you may need to re-apply as a new applicant.
• Current fee: check the Australian Passport Office website as fees are updated periodically.

Updating your passport first is recommended because the resulting photo ID in your new name is then accepted as primary evidence everywhere else.

Driver’s licence

Driver’s licence updates are handled by each state and territory separately:

• NSW: Service NSW — online, at a service centre or via the Service NSW app.
• VIC: VicRoads — online or at a VicRoads office.
• QLD: Transport and Main Roads (TMR) — online or at a Queensland Transport and Motoring office.
• Other states: check the relevant state transport authority website.

In most states, you will need to provide your marriage certificate (or change-of-name certificate) and your current licence. Some states will issue a new card immediately; others may send a new card by mail.

Medicare and myGov

Update your Medicare name via myGov → Medicare → Personal details → Update name. You will need to upload a copy of your marriage certificate. Your Medicare card will be reissued with the new name (current processing time is typically 2–4 weeks).

Updating your name in myGov will also flow through to linked ATO records in most cases — confirm at ato.gov.au that your name is also correct there.

Bank accounts

Each bank has its own process, but generally:

• Visit a branch in person, or complete the process through your bank’s app or online portal.
• Bring your updated photo ID (licence or passport in new name) plus your marriage certificate.
• Your account number and BSB do not change; the name on the account is updated.

Update your bank accounts before you update subscription services and employers, as the name on your bank account affects payslips, tax records and direct debits.

Other agencies to update

Once your core documents are updated, work through the following:

• ATO — via myGov (usually flows through from Medicare update, but verify).
• Superannuation — contact your fund directly; most allow online updates with an uploaded certificate.
• Electoral roll — aec.gov.au → Update enrolment.
• Employer and payroll — notify HR so payslips and tax records are correct.
• Centrelink — via myGov → Centrelink → Update personal details.
• Private health insurer.
• Home and car insurance.
• Utilities and internet providers.
• Professional registration bodies (AHPRA, legal regulatory bodies, etc.) — if you hold a professional licence.