How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Western Australia
A WA-specific guide covering BDM, DoT, Synergy, BankWest, and every other update you need to make — in the correct order.
WA-specific tip: The WA DoT requires your official BDM marriage certificate — not the commemorative one from your ceremony. Apply for it immediately after your wedding to avoid delays.
Complete WA Name Change Checklist
Follow this order — most WA institutions require your BDM marriage certificate before processing your change.
Obtain your WA Marriage Certificate
Register your marriage with the WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). Apply online at bdm.dotransport.wa.gov.au. The commemorative certificate given at your ceremony is NOT the official one.
Update your WA Driver Licence (DoT)
Visit a Department of Transport licensing centre in WA with your marriage certificate, current licence, and proof of address. You cannot do this online.
Update your Australian Passport
Apply at a participating Australia Post outlet. Bring your WA marriage certificate, old passport, and passport photos.
Update Medicare
Visit a Services Australia service centre in WA or call 132 011. Bring your marriage certificate and current Medicare card.
Update your bank accounts
Visit your bank branch or update online/phone. Most WA banks accept certified copies. Includes CBA, Westpac, NAB, ANZ, BankWest, and credit unions.
Update with the ATO (myGov)
Log in to myGov and update your name via the ATO link. Your TFN number stays the same. Alternatively call 13 28 61.
Update Superannuation
Contact your super fund directly — REST, Hesta, AustralianSuper, Statesuper WA, etc. You may need certified copies of your marriage certificate.
Update the WA Electoral Roll (AEC)
Update your name online at aec.gov.au/enrol. Takes only 5 minutes and ensures you stay on the WA state and federal rolls.
Update your employer / payroll
Notify your WA employer's HR department with a certified copy of your marriage certificate for payroll, email accounts, and employment records.
Update utility & subscription accounts
Update Synergy (electricity), Alinta Gas, Optus/Telstra/Vodafone, and any other subscription services registered in your name.
WA-Specific Tips
BankWest is WA's largest local bank — they accept digital copies of your marriage certificate if you're an online banking customer.
The DoT (Department of Transport) licence centres in WA are often busy — book your appointment online to avoid long waits.
Synergy (WA's electricity provider) can be updated by phone on 13 13 53 — no in-person visit needed.
If you work for the WA Public Service, you'll also need to update your WA Government employee ID through your agency's HR.
WA BDM marriage certificates come in standard ($50) and commemorative ($57) versions. You need the standard one for name changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to change your name after marriage in Western Australia?
Allow 6–10 weeks for the full process. The WA marriage certificate takes 3–6 weeks, then your driver licence is same-day, passport 2–6 weeks, and Medicare 2–4 weeks.
Can I change my name at a WA DoT without an appointment?
Walk-ins are accepted at DoT licensing centres but wait times can be 30–90 minutes. Booking an appointment online is strongly recommended, especially at Perth metro locations.
Do I need the official marriage certificate or is the church/celebrant copy enough?
You must have the official certificate from the WA Registry of BDM. The certificate signed at your ceremony by the celebrant is not the legal certificate — that is only a commemorative copy.
How much does a WA marriage certificate cost?
A standard WA marriage certificate costs $50 for the first copy. Additional certified copies are approximately $28 each. Getting 3–4 certified copies upfront is recommended for name change purposes.
Can I update my name at BankWest after changing my WA driver licence?
Yes. Most banks in WA including BankWest accept your new driver licence as photo ID for a name change, combined with a copy of your marriage certificate.