Change of Name After Marriage

You do not have to change your name after marriage.

You can:

• keep your current name
• take your spouse’s surname
• use different names in different settings where that is accepted

What most people need

If you want to change your surname after marriage, you will usually need the official marriage certificate from NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages.

The ceremonial certificate from the day is not usually enough.

When a formal change of name may be needed

If you want to create a completely new surname or use a name combination that is not covered by normal marriage-name rules, you may need a separate formal change of name process.

Practical tip

Do not start changing records until you have the official certificate if the agency requires it.

That is usually the cleanest way to avoid delays and confusion.