When you get married in Victoria, you can start using your new married name immediately. However, to officially update your driver’s licence, passport, and other important documents, you’ll need the registered marriage certificate issued by the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages (BDM). Most organisations will require this official certificate to update your identification and accounts.
Updating your name with various organisations is a straightforward process, but each organisation may have its own specific requirements. Generally, this involves submitting the BDM-issued marriage certificate along with any required forms. It can take several weeks to complete this process, as you’ll need to gather forms, write letters, and possibly make phone calls. If you find the paperwork daunting, services like Easy Name Change can help streamline the process by providing pre-prepared forms, letters, and instructions tailored to each organisation.
If you’re planning to get married in Victoria, Marriage Victoria offers comprehensive services to assist you. From lodging your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) to conducting your wedding ceremony, they provide all the necessary support. They also offer a fast-tracked NOIM service, which is particularly useful if you’re short on time or need assistance with visa-related documentation. Marriage Victoria can help you with everything from small, intimate ceremonies to larger celebrations, and their team is available seven days a week to answer any questions you may have.
For those needing help with the Notice of Intended Marriage, Marriage Victoria provides a step-by-step guide to ensure that you meet all legal requirements before your wedding day. This is everything you need to know about change name after getting married. This guide covers everything from eligibility criteria to the legal formalities of the ceremony, making the process as smooth as possible.
If you have any questions or need further assistance with getting married, including help with the NOIM or understanding the legalities involved, Marriage Victoria is an excellent resource to consult.
A married name change is distinct from a legal name change. When you marry, your new surname is considered an “assumed name,” which means you’re not legally required to use it at all times. You can choose when to start using your married name, and there’s no deadline to make the switch. You might keep your current name for now and decide to change it later, such as when starting a family. Importantly, you retain the right to revert to your former name at any time, regardless of your circumstances.
To update your name with various organisations, all you need to do is present the official marriage certificate issued by the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages (BDM). The organisation will then update your name on your existing accounts. This means you can have some accounts or identification documents under your former name while others are in your married name.
For simplicity and consistency, it’s generally easier to have all your accounts under the same name. However, it’s worth noting that legal documents such as insurance policies or wills do not need to be updated immediately, as your former name remains legally valid.
One crucial legal aspect to keep in mind is that marriage automatically voids any existing will. Therefore, whether you currently have a will or not, it’s advisable to create a new one soon after your marriage to ensure your wishes are legally recognised.
Your marriage certificate, as issued by BDM, will not display your new married name but will instead show your pre-marriage name as required by law. To update your name with organisations like VicRoads, banks, and utility companies, simply present your official marriage certificate. They will then link your new name to your existing accounts.
Here are some quick links to help you get started:
You have the option to either handle the name change process yourself or purchase a name change kit to save time and effort. If you choose to manage it on your own, starting with a comprehensive checklist can be very helpful. You can either create your own or use a free online checklist builder. Contact each company on your list to find out their specific process, which may include waiting for replies, completing forms, and sending letters. Some updates, like changing your driver’s licence, bank details, and Centrelink information, may require in-person visits.
There are two types of marriage certificates: the ceremonial certificate and the official marriage certificate. The ceremonial certificate, which you receive on your wedding day, is a decorative document that holds no legal standing. It cannot be replaced if lost or damaged, so it’s best to keep it as a memento.
The official marriage certificate, issued by BDM, contains more detailed information and is the only document legally accepted for name changes in Australia. Organisations such as government departments and identity services will require this certificate for verification purposes.
At Marriage Victoria, we can order your official marriage certificate as fast as it can get. This service is only available until we have submitted your marriage documents to BDM.
BDM typically takes about 25 business days to process and mail your certificate. Please note that if we do not order your certificate, we won’t be able to follow up on any delays as we won’t have access to the system.
Remember, marriage nullifies any existing will, so it’s crucial to draft a new one as soon as possible to ensure your legal affairs are in order.
For any further assistance or questions, feel free to contact us at Marriage Victoria. We’re here to help make your name change and marriage process as smooth as possible.
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