Getting married is an exciting new chapter, but once the celebrations are over, there is often a long list of administrative tasks to work through.
One of the most common questions newlyweds have in South Africa is: How do I change my surname after getting married?
Whether you are taking your spouse’s surname, keeping your maiden name, or combining both surnames, understanding the process can make this part of your new journey much easier.
Do I Have to Change My Surname After Marriage?
No. Getting married does not mean that you have to change your surname.
In South Africa, you can choose to:
- Keep your existing surname.
- Take your spouse’s surname.
- Combine your surname with your spouse’s surname.
- Resume a surname you previously used in certain circumstances.
Your surname is a personal choice, so take some time to decide what feels right for you.
Taking Your Spouse’s Surname
If you have decided to take your spouse’s surname after getting married, the process is generally straightforward.
For example:
Before marriage: Jane Smith
After marriage: Jane Williams
You generally do not need to go through the same formal surname-change process required for someone changing their surname for other reasons. Your marriage provides the legal basis for assuming your spouse’s surname.
The first step is making sure your marriage has been properly registered with the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 1: Make Sure Your Marriage Is Registered
Your marriage officer is responsible for submitting the marriage information to Home Affairs.
Your marriage certificate is an important document, so keep it somewhere safe. You may need it when updating your personal records with different organisations.
If you need additional copies of your marriage certificate, these can be obtained through Home Affairs.
Step 2: Update Your Details With Home Affairs
Once your marriage has been registered, you can have your surname updated on the Department of Home Affairs’ records.
If you are taking your spouse’s surname, you should advise Home Affairs of your preferred surname.
This is an important step because your Home Affairs records form the basis for many of your other official documents.
Step 3: Apply for a New Smart ID
Once your surname has been updated, you can apply for a new South African Smart ID reflecting your married surname.
Your ID is one of the most important documents to update because banks, employers, insurance companies and other organisations may use it to verify your identity.
Keep your old ID and marriage certificate safely until the process is complete and you have received your new document.
Step 4: Update Your Passport
If you have a South African passport and intend to travel using your married surname, you should update your passport as well.
This is particularly important if you are planning your honeymoon or an international trip.
A useful honeymoon tip
Make sure the name on your flight booking matches the name on the passport you will use to travel.
If you are travelling shortly after your wedding, it may be easier to book your honeymoon under the surname currently shown on your passport and update your documents afterwards.
Step 5: Update Your Bank Accounts
Once your ID and surname have been updated, contact your bank to change your personal details.
Depending on your bank, you may be able to update your details through an app or online banking, while some changes may require you to visit a branch.
You may be asked for:
- Your new ID
- Your marriage certificate
- Proof of address
- Other identification or supporting documents
It is worth checking with your individual bank before visiting a branch so that you have everything you need.
Step 6: Update SARS
Don’t forget about your tax records.
Your details with SARS should match your updated identification information. You may need to provide supporting documentation, such as your marriage certificate and updated ID.
If you use eFiling, check that your personal details have been updated correctly.
Step 7: Tell Your Employer
Your employer and payroll department will also need your updated details.
This can affect:
- Your payslip
- Employee records
- Tax information
- Benefits
- Medical aid
- Retirement or pension contributions
Ask your HR or payroll department which documents they require to update your surname.
Step 8: Update Your Insurance and Medical Aid
There are several other important financial and personal records that you should update.
These may include:
- Medical aid
- Life insurance
- Car insurance
- Home insurance
- Retirement funds
- Investments
- Wills and estate planning documents
- Beneficiary information
Marriage is also a good opportunity to review your beneficiaries and make sure your policies and estate planning documents reflect your wishes.
Step 9: Update Your Driver’s Licence and Vehicle Details
Your driver’s licence and vehicle records may also need to be updated.
Check your details with the relevant licensing authority and ensure that your records reflect your new surname.
If you have vehicles registered in your name, don’t forget to check those records too.
Step 10: Don’t Forget the Everyday Accounts
Once the major official documents are sorted, there are plenty of smaller accounts that are easy to forget.
Create a checklist and work through your accounts one by one.
You may need to update your surname with:
- Mobile phone provider
- Internet provider
- Credit cards
- Store accounts
- Loyalty programmes
- Gym membership
- Healthcare providers
- Professional memberships
- Airline accounts
- Hotel loyalty programmes
- Online shopping accounts
- Subscriptions
- Utility accounts
It might seem like a lot, but doing a few at a time makes the process much more manageable.
What If I Want a Double-Barrel Surname?
Some couples choose to combine their surnames.
For example:
Jane Smith + John Williams
could become:
Jane Smith-Williams
or another combination depending on the surnames and the option you choose.
If this is what you would like to do, speak to Home Affairs about the specific requirements for your circumstances before updating your other documents.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The timeframe can vary depending on which document or organisation you are dealing with.
Home Affairs processing times can differ, and banks, insurers, employers and other organisations will have their own processes.
For this reason, it is a good idea not to leave everything until the last minute, particularly if you have international travel planned.
A Simple Newlywed Name-Change Checklist
Save this list and work through it at your own pace:
-
Confirm your marriage has been registered with Home Affairs
-
Keep your marriage certificate somewhere safe
-
Confirm your preferred surname with Home Affairs
-
Apply for your new Smart ID
-
Update your passport if required
-
Update your bank accounts
-
Update SARS/eFiling
-
Notify your employer/HR department
-
Update medical aid
-
Update insurance policies
-
Review your beneficiaries
-
Update your will and estate planning documents
-
Update your driver’s licence
-
Update vehicle records
-
Update mobile phone and internet accounts
-
Update credit and store accounts
-
Update loyalty and travel programmes
-
Update subscriptions and online accounts
Your New Chapter, Your Name
Changing your surname is just one of the many little administrative tasks that come with starting married life.
It can feel overwhelming when you look at the entire list, but you don’t have to do everything at once. Start with your official documents, then work your way through your financial, employment and everyday accounts.
Most importantly, remember that there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to your surname. Whether you keep your own name, take your partner’s surname, or combine the two, choose the option that feels right for you and your new chapter together.
Information in this article is intended as a general guide and may change as South African legislation and administrative processes are updated. Always confirm the latest requirements with the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant organisation before submitting your documents.
