Your Options
After divorce, you can:
No Formal Application Needed
For most purposes, you don't need to apply to "officially" change your name. Your divorce order and birth certificate are usually sufficient.
Changing Documents
Passport
What you need:
Process: Apply as if for a renewal. Select "change of name".
Driver's Licence
What you need:
Process: Visit your state's transport office.
Medicare Card
What you need:
Process: Visit a Medicare office or call.
Bank Accounts
What you need:
Process: Visit branch or contact your bank.
Other Documents to Update
Government
- Centrelink
Personal
- Superannuation
Property
If you're keeping property in your new name, update:
For Children
You generally cannot change your children's surname without the other parent's consent or a court order.
Formal Change of Name
If you want an entirely new name (not your birth name), you'll need to apply through your state's Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Tips
- Start with the most important documents