Changing your name after marriage in NZ: A handy checklist

If you’re planning on changing your surname after getting married, one of the first things you’ll realise is just how many places your name appears!

Some changes are quick and easy. Others… slightly less so.

To make life a little easier, here’s a handy checklist of places you may need to update your name after your wedding in New Zealand.

• Driver’s License

• Passport

• Inland Revenue employer records/payroll

• Bank/Credit Card

• Insurances

• Doctor

• Koru (make sure it matches your passport!)

• Library

• Community Service Card

• Social Media

• Electoral Roll

• NZTA Waka Kotahi - Car Registration

• Utilities - power/phone/internet

• KiwiSaver

• Investments/shares

• Professional registrations/licences

• Subscriptions

• Koru

• Afterpay / PayPal

• School/daycare contacts

• Vet records

• RealMe login
  

The paperwork you sign on your wedding day is called the Copy of Particulars of Marriage. This is different from your official Marriage Certificate.

Many organisations will require the official Marriage Certificate as proof of your name change. You can order this when applying for your marriage licence, and I highly recommend doing this in advance as it’s usually the quickest and easiest option.

You do not have to change your surname after marriage

In New Zealand, there’s no legal requirement to change your surname when you get married.

Some people:

• keep their existing surname

• hyphenate

• combine surnames

• or change nothing at all

There’s no “right” choice. It’s entirely personal.

Hot Tip: If you already have a will, it’s worth checking in with your lawyer after your wedding. Marriage can affect existing wills in New Zealand, so it’s important to make sure everything still reflects your wishes.

Have I missed anything? Let me know!