Do I have to use the same name on my Birth Certificate on the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form?

If you have changed your name from the name on your birth certificate by way of an Office of Births Deaths and Marriages issued change of name certificate you must write this name in the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form. This name should be filled out on the NOIM exactly as it appears on the change of name certificate.

If you changed your name by deed poll, you must write this name on the NOIM. Your name on the NOIM should appear as it appears on your deed poll document.

If there was an original spelling mistake on your birth certificate or on your change of name certificate please contact your nearest Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages (OBDM) to find out about having the certificate corrected. If your birth certificate or change of name certificate has been changed, that name should be used on the NOIM.

If you have changed your name unofficially, without contacting the Office of Births, Deaths and Marriage, you will need to apply for a change of name certificate if you would like to use that name on your marriage forms and marriage certificate.

If you have previously changed your name by marriage, and still have your previous spouse's surname, you will need to use that surname on the NOIM, per your previous official marriage certificate or divorce certificate.

If you have a Certificate of Australian Citizenship, you shouldn't use the name on that document on the NOIM, unless you also have an official photo identification in that name, for example a driver licence or a passport.

If you would like to use a different name on the NOIM to the name on their birth certificate for any other reason, please contact your nearest Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages in your state.

The time from application of a change of name certificate may vary in each state and may vary at certain times of the year. Please contact your nearest office to confirm time frames and ensure you allow enough time prior to your marriage to receive the required documentation should you wish to use a different name.

If you do not receive your change of name certificate with enough time to complete the NOIM 30 days in advance of your wedding ceremony, you can use the name on your current birth certificate and your celebrant can update the NOIM when the OBDM change of name certificate is received. This can only be done up until your wedding ceremony, so again, please ensure you allow enough time for this to happen before your wedding day.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions relating to the above or about your upcoming wedding.

Trudy the Celebrant xx