How to Change Your Name In NZ After You Are Married

​Your NZ marriage certificate has arrived, but it has your maiden name on it. You want to change your name. What do you do now? How do you change your name?  Read my easy step-by-step guide on what to do next.

Easy Guide To Changing Your Name Once You Have Received Your Marriage Certificate

​The NZ Marriage Certificate
Your marriage certificate is the legal documentation sent to you after your marriage licence has been processed. It arrives about 14 business days after the licence has been submitted. It serves as proof of your marriage, similar to a birth or death certificate, and lists the names of both people married.

While a marriage certificate is optional, it is required if you wish to change your name and may be necessary in other countries for legal purposes.

When you marry or enter a civil union you can choose to:

• keep your last name
• take your new partner's last name, or
• combine your names in some way.

The certificate will come with your maiden name because not everyone changes their name. But it is proof that you've gotten married, and getting married gives you access to your partner's surname (and their access to yours). You can apply anytime after you are married and it cost $33.00 NZD
👉 APPLY FOR YOUR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

Using Your Marriage Certificate Overseas 
You need a marriage certificate if you apply for an apostille or authentication certificate. This document proves the signature, stamp or seal on a document is genuine and is required in some countries for those citizens that have married in NZ.  👉 APOSTILLE INFORMATION

Your Marriage or Civil Union Certificate as Evidence of Name Change
Your marriage or civil union certificate serves as evidence of your name change. While some organisations may have specific rules for verifying your identity, some, like doctors, house insurance, etc, sometimes accept this certificate as proof of your new name.

You're Not Required to Change Your Name on Official Documents
You are not obligated to change your surname on official documents. You can continue to:

• Travel with a passport in your original name.
• Use a driver's licence that still reflects your original name.

Important to note: If you've changed your name through marriage or civil union, you don't need to update your passport to your new name. However, keep in mind that any future international travel must be booked using your previous name, as the name on your passport must match the name on your booking.

Electoral Role
When you marry or have your civil union, you will be sent a form to update your details on the electoral roll. Other than this, there are no forms that you must complete.

Name Options
Please note both parties do not have to change their name. Only one can if they choose too.

Example with Names: Leah Myers and Kim Rogers

 - One Partner Taking the Other's Last Name:

• Rogers
• Myers

 - Hyphenated Last Name 

• Rogers-Myers
• Myers-Rogers 

 - When one or both already have a Combined or Hyphenated Last Name 
Please note that not all double names are hyphenated - I have just used that as an example 

• If Emma Davies-Howe was marrying Sarah Walker-Judd                             One or Both could use Davies-Howe or Walker-Judd

 - You cannot just choose to use one name each (Davies- Judd) and combine without changing it through deed poll

Of course, for your last name, you could both use 'Davies-Howe-Walker-Judd' or 'Walker-Judd-Davies-Howe' 

 - Blending Names Together
You cannot make up a blended name, i.e Myers and Rogers become: Mygers

You both need to change your names by deed poll after the wedding or one changing their name before the wedding ( there is a cost for this, and it can take time to process so make sure it is done and you have received it before you apply for your marriage licence ) 

Changing Your Name  
If you have a new name and want to change everything over to that name, you will first need a photo ID and your marriage licence to change your name.

First Stop Is Photo ID
You take the certificate first to change your photo ID (passport or driver's licence). Practice your new signature, and you for your driver's licence. There is a charge for a licence or passport. Passport is done online. Drivers Licence in person at the AA (automobile association).  A new licence with a photo  will be issued. ( They will also do the eye test)

You take your photo ID to the bank to change your bank cards, mortgage, etc. With your new bank card ID and photographic ID, you now have two types of ID in your new name to prove that you are you. 

Then you can move on to: 

• All bank accounts 
• Kiwisaver
• Savings Bonds
• Home and contents insurance
• Life insurance
• Doctor
• Dentist
• Hospital
• Specialist
• Chemist
• Work records or documents.
• Medical insurance policies.
• IRD
• Accountant
• Mortgage Broker
• Vehicle ownership and registration. (there is a charge) 
• Home ownership documents. (This is done through your lawyer and has a charge)
• Business - company register, Business Number etc
• Firearms licence
• Gym memberships
• City council rates. (must have home owners name changed first) 
• Bus cards
• Library card
• Airpoints
• One Card, Fly Buys, and other loyalty programs.
• Vets
• Optician
• WINZ
• University or Polytechnic
• Children 's schools
• Apple ID
• Email
• Social media accounts

There will be items I have missed but this is a good start.

If you decide to update your name on these items, the process and requirements may vary by organisation.

​Practice your signature - and enjoy your new name.