Congratulations on being married! Once you have recovered from all the celebrations, and the honeymoon is over, it’s time to get down to the paperwork. There are two different types of marriage certificates that you will receive once you are married in Australia, and only one of them can be used to change your name or use as proof of marriage.
Commemorative vs. Official Marriage Certificate
On the day of your wedding you will be given a Commemorative Marriage Certificate by your marriage celebrant or religious celebrant. A Commemorative Marriage Certificate cannot be used for ID purposes such as changing your name. You will need an Official Marriage Certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages to change your name on legal documents.
Certificate For Name Change
The Official Marriage Certificate is the most commonly required document when changing your name after getting married. This certificate will include your full name at the time of marriage, your spouse’s full name, the date of the marriage ceremony, and the location of the ceremony, and the name of the officiant. This marriage certificate proves that you have been legally married within Australia.
Ordering an Official Marriage Certificate of your marriage certificate from your local State Government is a legal process that includes a $60 fee. The quickest way to request a copy is online via your celebrant when they lodge your paperwork. Be sure to ask your celebrant about this before the wedding day.
Once your wedding has been registered by the celebrant, and your certificate applied for, the BDM office will send off your Certificate within 2-6 weeks. Getting hold of a paper certificate is a valid proof of your marriage and can be used to support your passport application and more.
Apply For Virtual Certificate Yourself
Get your marriage certificate in a few simple steps when you apply directly to Births, Deaths, and Marriages in the state where you were married. Many states provide the option to pay a fee online and then pick a day that suits you for the certificate to be ready.
If your celebrant did not apply for your Official Marriage Certificate on your behalf, or you need a replacement, you could consider ordering a copy from BDM yourself using your wedding registration number. Certificates will arrive by registered post, and will need to be picked up at the post office.
Online
You can also order a marriage certificate through Easy Name Change, who can assist you in getting your certificate as promptly as possible. When requesting a certificate from BDM, please follow the instruction on the application form. Most Australian states now provide online ordering, which reduces the time it takes to receive a certificate.
In Person
You may also order a printout at your local BDM office if you prefer. In some instances, an additional fee may apply to this service.
Error On The Official Marriage Certificate
If you notice an error on the Official Marriage Certificate, you will need to fill out the ‘Correct An Entry’ form and put it in an envelope with the original Marriage Certificate. This needs to be sent to the BDM in your State.
It’s Time to Change Your Name
Once you receive your accurate Official Marriage Certificate you can begin changing your name an institutions, and with Government Bodies. This will be necessary for many financial institutions, government offices, and health care. An original copy of the Official Marriage Certificate will need to be shown.
Easy Name Change can help you order your marriage certificates, name change documents, witness forms, and other related paperwork. Their system offers you the ultimate ease and convenience in changing your name.
