Changing your name back after divorce

If you changed your name at marriage and are now separated from your spouse, one of the big things to consider is whether you want to change back to your previous surname. Firstly, you do not have to wait until you are divorced to change your name. You can do this at whatever point in time you are ready. You also do not have to change your name once you are divorced, you can keep your married name if you would like to.

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There are many factors that can weigh in on the decision to change your name or not. For example, do you have children with the same surname as you, have you built a reputation with your married name, how hard will it be to change it?

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The first two questions can be difficult to answer and it may be best to speak with your friends and family before making a decision. However, we can help you with the third question.

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The processes for changing your surname differ slightly between States and Territories, however they are all done through their respective Births, Deaths and Marriages offices.

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In the ACT, if you were born and married in Australia and took your spouse’s surname after marriage, you do not necessarily have to register a change of name. You can revert back to your birth name by presenting your registered marriage certificate and your birth certificate to all of the relevant agencies/departments with whom you have an account or identification. Keep in mind that your marriage certificate is the certificate issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages. It is not the fancy certificate signed at your wedding.

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If you were married overseas and/or originally registered a change of name after marriage with any Births, Deaths and Marriages office in Australia, then depending where you live you may have to register another change of name to go back to your name at birth.

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Your driver’s licence

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A good place to start is by updating your driver’s licence with Access Canberra (or another form of photo identification) so that you have your new name on a form of photo identification which can make the process of changing your name elsewhere easier. In the ACT you can take your current driver’s licence, marriage certificate and birth certificate with you to Access Canberra and they will issue a new driver’s licence.

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Your Australian passport

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If you are changing your name due to the end of a marriage, you can change your name on your passport for free (as long as your passport does not expire within the next two years). The same process applies no matter what Australian State or Territory you live in. To change your name on your Australian passport you need to provide your birth certificate, your marriage certificate and (if you have one) your divorce order/revocation of a registered relationship certificate.

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The Passport Office website has further information in relation to this.

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Other places to update your name

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There is a lot to think about when separating. Some places to consider changing your name with include (but are certainly not limited to):

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• The Australian Electoral Commission
• Your bank/s
• Any insurance provider including home, contents, vehicle and health
• Registration of vehicles/trailers
• Title details on any real property in your name
• Utilities including water, electricity and gas
• Your telephone and internet provider
• If you are renting, your landlord
• Your superannuation details (don’t forget to consider changing your binding death nomination too!)
• Your employer
• Your doctor (also consider updating your next of kin)
• If you have children, their school/child care
• The Australian Tax Office
• Medicare/Centrelink
• Subscriptions including loyalty cards/programs and streaming services
• Memberships to various organisations including clubs, gyms
• Any organisation to which you make regular donations