How to Change your Surname after Marriage.
After marriage, many females will begin to use their husbands surname. This is a tradition going back for centuries. Although it is not compulsory.
For most people it is a simple thing of just telling people your new name, but that is not the same for everyone, in all walks of life.
Born in Australia and Married in Australia.
All organisations will accept your new name legally, where it is shown on your marriage certificate, normally as the husbands surname. With this you are able to get a driver licence or passport etc., in the new married name.
Born Overseas and Married in Australia.
Most organisations will accept your new name legally, where it is shown on your marriage certificate, normally as the husbands surname, along with your passport, so they can see the link to the changed name. This allows you to get an Australian state driver licence etc., in the new married name.
Born Overseas and Married Overseas.
If you married overseas, you are not able to take your spouse’s family name automatically. You will need to apply to change your name with the BDM in your state.
However, if after a marriage overseas, you get a new passport in the married name, that new name will be your official name in Australia. No need to do an official change of name again.
Sources:
Victoria bdm.vic.gov.au
Queensland www.qld.gov.au
New South Wales www.nsw.gov.au
Some surveys say that up to 20% of married women retain their maiden name, choosing not to be known by their husbands name.
Australian Police Checks for Immigration.
To get a police certificate in Australia, for Immigration purposes, you must submit an Australian Federal Police National Police Check application form.
Use Code 33 at Question 1 on the form and include details of all names you have been known by. This includes a common married name, even when not registered.