Name Change Gazette Guidance
After marriage, some people choose to update their first name, middle name or surname. The supporting records and sequence can vary by the authority and the records you need to update.
The practical answer
A marriage certificate and existing identity records are often relevant when a married person wants to establish a consistent new name. A Gazette publication may be considered where it is needed for the records or authority involved.
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Use this as a practical preparation list. The correct sequence can vary, so confirm the requirements that apply to your particular records.
Confirm the exact name you want to use consistently.
Review the documents that support your marriage and current identity.
Prepare the required declaration or application documents for your situation.
Follow the publication or submission process that applies to the authority and records involved.
Common questions
Requirements vary by the record being changed and the authority involved. A Gazette publication may be relevant in some cases, but it is not a substitute for the separate update rules of every institution.
A surname-only change is a common request. Your supporting records and the preferred name format should be reviewed before you begin.
The records you update depend on your needs. Common examples include identity, financial, employment, education and travel records, each with its own rules.
Use the name shown on the record you are presenting until that record has been formally updated. Ask the relevant institution what supporting documents it accepts.
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