You don’t need to register your new name with Consumer and Business Services (CBS) if you:
- get married in Australia and take your partner's surname
- decide to go back to your surname before marriage.
You should provide a copy of your official marriage certificate to the relevant authority (ie Australian Passport Office) as evidence of your new surname.
If you were married overseas and want to take on your partner’s surname, you should contact the relevant authority or business, such as your bank or the Australian Passport Office to see what evidence you need to give them.
To change your name on documents such as your passport or driver’s licence, you must do so directly with the relevant authority, such as Service SA or the Australian Passport Office. They'll tell you what evidence you need.
Who can register
You can register a change of name with CBS if:
- you were born in South Australia
- you were born overseas, but you are an Australian citizen or a permanent resident and have lived in South Australia for at least the last twelve months.
CBS can accept one name change every 12 months, and you can only change your name three times in your lifetime. Permission from the relevant authorities is required for:
- serious sex offenders
- serious violent offenders
- prisoners
- parolees.
What you'll need
You’ll need to provide information:
- your new name
- any previous names used
- the reason for changing your name.
We'll email you a declaration to be signed in front of a registry approved witness. Registry approved witnesses include:
- justices of the peace
- notary publics
- police officers
- practising solicitors/lawyers.
You'll need to upload the signed declaration, together with copies of your ID and evidence which have been certified by a registry approved witness.
Processing times
Check estimated processing times on the CBS website to work out how long it will take to register your change of name.
Priority service is only available in exceptional circumstances (for example urgent travel) and you must provide evidence to support your priority application.
For more information about priority applications contact Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Contact Births, Deaths and Marriages
Phone: 131 882
International: +61 8 8204 8532
Post:
GPO Box 1351
Adelaide SA 5001
