QLD Name Change Only on Australian Documents - Legal under Australian Law?

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Scmay

Member
8 September 2015
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Just wondering if this is legally right under Australian Law. A friend got married and changed her name, but on her overseas passport it is still showing her maiden name. She says she only had a name change on all Australian documents. When she needs to travel she will book with maiden name as that is what is shown on her overseas passport. Seems odd to me, having 2 identities at the same time?
 
S

Sophea

Guest
Hi Scmay,

No this is perfectly fine. After you get married in Australia you have the choice of going by your maiden name, your spouse's name or a combination of both. If you want identification to prove who you are, you must make sure that most of your identification forms in Australia are consistent otherwise confusion can arise. However, when you are travelling, generally the only identification required is your passport. Issues may only arise for example if you need to use your Australian driver's licence for something and your name is different. However these issues can usually be overcome if you carry a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
 
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