Use Your Maiden Name Even After a Name Change

Use Your Maiden Name Even After a Name Change

Whether you're changing your name to better align with your new spouse's and kids' names or because you like the new name better, there may be situations where it makes sense to continue using your maiden name.

You could achieve the best of both worlds where:

  1. You change your name after marriage.
  2. You continue to use your maiden name when it suits you.

Let's explore real-life circumstances where it helps to use your maiden name over your married name, whether that's sometimes or even most of the time.

1. In professional contexts

If you've invested time building your maiden name into your professional identity, don't discard it arbitrarily: consider the consequences and prepare for the transition.

Woman riding ocean wave, clinging to orange life preserver
When necessary, reclaim your maiden name like a life preserver.

Even after changing their name through marriage, many people still use their maiden names in professional contexts. You can join the ranks of those who find this approach beneficial.

It's doable without conflict, while ensuring everything is legal and compartmentalized: your maiden name over here and your married name over there, coexisting peacefully.

Our online name change kit can help you complete this transition while you prepare for a future where your maiden name remains prominent in your life.

Everyone knows you by your maiden name

Consider the numerous places your maiden name is firmly plugged into the world, extending far beyond your diploma, professional license, or general reputation.

Woman standing besides electrical tower with cables wrapped around her
Your maiden name weaves through a complex circuitry of connections.

Your colleagues, customers, and clients know you by your maiden name. Your authored articles, references, and referrals from others are linked to your maiden name.

Your professional network converges around your name, weaving a web of recognition. Like Coca-Cola, you've covertly and masterfully branded your name throughout your life.

But now that you're married (or soon-to-be married) and have changed your name, it's like a burst of lightning, short-circuiting these connections.

Like X, formerly known as Twitter, you've warped and fragmented your brand recognition and must carry the "formerly known as" millstone around your neck.

But you might not have to undergo a complete reset…

Starting over with your married name

Changing your maiden name severs your network of associations until you assimilate your married name. Yet, like refreezing melted ice cream, it's never quite the same after.

Woman connecting multiple cables to mysterious device
Changing your name means reestablishing lost connections.

Traces of your maiden name will persist, etched into your birth records, and deeply embedded in genealogy databases, as well as in the memories of everyone you've met.

Covert woman spying in bushes with magnifying glass
Trace elements of your maiden name will never fully disappear.

While you can change your driver's license, you can't erase the historical record. Your yearbook is just one permanent testament to the past.

Yet this article isn't focused on downsides and rejecting your married name, but on completing the transformation while still placing your maiden name at the forefront.

Let's delve into putting your maiden name to work…

Here's one way dealing with name changes can get tricky: people still send mail and write checks to your maiden name even after you've switched to your married name.

Woman with headache experiencing exasperation
Managing the legacy of your maiden name is a necessary burden.

The opposite also is true: checks made out to your married name are problematic when you haven't yet updated your bank records away from your maiden name.

A name mismatch might disrupt check cashing, deposits, and direct payments, including those from employers or potential IRS tax refunds.

Prepare for the inevitable: talk with your bank and make sure they'll allow deposits in both your maiden and married names.

Woman cashing a check at an urban industrial bank
Upon request, your bank should accept checks in either your maiden or married name.

While you're at it, if you have a hyphenated name, go the extra mile by ensuring your bank accepts three name variations:

  1. Your maiden name
  2. Your hyphenated name
  3. Your spouse's surname only (just in case)

If you're well known by your bank's staff, an informal acknowledgment may be enough. But it's better to have an official notation recorded in your account that applies globally.

You should repeat this routine with every new bank account you open.

Notifying your bank is an often overlooked name change task that merits elevated importance alongside updating your social security card but rarely receives the attention it deserves.

Tick off this name change to-do early, as soon as you have a certified copy of your marriage certificate available to show your financial institution.

Doing business in your maiden name

Registering a DBA in your maiden name is useful when you need to conduct official business using your maiden name after changing it due to marriage.

Woman holding an illuminated light bulb
Bright idea: Register your maiden name as a DBA for business.

FYI, DBA stands for "doing business as" and is synonymous with other terms, such as fictitious business name, assumed name, brand name, trade name, or trading name.

This approach ensures seamless continuity and legal compliance, sparing you the need to alter business cards, letterheads, signatures, or the brand you've cultivated.

Put simply, a DBA is a clever way for you to use your maiden name as a legal alias, nickname, or pseudonym for your business or company.

Using your maiden name as a licensed professional

Having the aforementioned DBA in your maiden name is not a sufficient replacement for failing to update the legal name on a professional, government-issued license.

For instance, if you're a registered nurse or doctor, the DBA approach won't work. Instead, ask your state's licensing board about using your maiden name professionally.

Nurse dressed in dark turquoise uniform sits amongst colleagues at conference
Your state licensing board must permit the professional use of your maiden name.

In this scenario, your state's licensing board would record your married name as your legal name and add your maiden name as an alternative name.

This allows you to continue working under your maiden name as your professional name, legally and transparently.

State regulations vary, so contact your state's licensing board to confirm if this practice is permitted and its potential impact on your DEA number, NPI, etc.

Nurse dressed in white uniform looking up with hand on her chin
Obtain solid verification that your state allows use of your maiden name as an alias.

Consider requesting written confirmation from the board to acknowledge working under your maiden name as your professional name, despite your legal name change.

The preceding logic applies to other state-licensed professions too, such as dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, counselors, and physical therapists, among others.

2. In social contexts

Changing your name is a bold move, so it's understandable if you're reluctant to make the switch. After all, you've had the same name for your whole life… until now.

So, why bother changing?

Perhaps you're pragmatic in seeking a smoother experience with insurance and paperwork, or you may simply prefer to embrace the tradition of adopting your spouse's name.

In various situations, you don't necessarily have to strictly adhere to your legal name. Consider the context, exercise sound judgment, and avoid confining yourself to rigid boundaries.

For instance, when you're meeting new people who don't know your spouse and address you by your maiden name, there's no obligation to correct them.

Friends gathered around a crackling open fire barbecue grill
It's okay to use your maiden name socially or informally.

Another scenario is when you're meeting with old friends; you might want to stick with your maiden name, as your longtime friends may have trouble adjusting to your new name.

Most of these events are social in nature, so there are no legal implications to worry about. Feel free to rotate between your maiden and married names whenever you like.

When a security or background check gets ran against you, they'll ask for any previous names you've gone under to get a thorough look at your history.

Woman filling out security clearance document for background check
Revealing your maiden name is expected for a background check.

Background checks are standard for job applications, volunteer positions, and credit checks. In these cases, you're usually legally required to provide your maiden name.

How can you tell if it's required? Check the form; if it has a section for listing other names you've used, you'll typically find instructions mentioning "such as maiden names."

Better safe than sorry, unless you're really set on leaving your maiden name behind. In that case, ask whoever's handling your paperwork if listing your maiden name is mandatory.

Your legal name is the name on your social security record, which is also the name you'll use for tax filings, job applications, and W-2 forms.

Cheerful woman holding up a certificate showing her name
Always use your real name in legal contexts, paperwork, and contracts.

Beyond the talk of DBAs and social contexts, you must use your real name when filling out legal or government forms that asks for your name, current name, or legal name.

So if you've officially changed your name after marriage, but use your maiden name in social or formal capacities, your legal name and real name is your married name.

For instance, if you're an actor or singer with a stage name, you must sign your contracts and file your taxes using your real name. This is where artistry meets reality.

4. Paperwork not finished

One compelling reason to temporarily stick with your maiden name, whether you like it or not, is when you have paperwork and ID that still needs updating.

Woman drifting asleep atop a cluttered pile of paperwork
Your maiden name remains primary until your married name paperwork is done.

Before moving from your maiden name to your married name, the former will play a key role in preserving your legal identity before passing the baton.

When using your maiden name is unavoidable

Similar to methodically repairing a complex mechanical device, changing your name is a step-by-step process, addressing one document at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Woman repairing complex mechanical device
Name change is like a performing a complex fix or rebuild: one component or document at a time.

But you've also got to navigate when to strategically and temporarily hold onto your maiden name on a case-by-case basis, especially when time constraints or logistical challenges make updating everything in sequence impossible.

But sometimes the decision is out of your hands…

Certain documents are interconnected, requiring your names to match. In such cases, updating one ID necessitates changing others simultaneously.

For example, if your driver's license is in your married name, but your passport has your maiden name, international airline tickets must match the name in your passport.

Another example is if you've updated your social security card and nothing else, you must still file your taxes to match the name social security has on file.

Don't crack out of turn

Picture changing your name as a high-stakes game where you're juggling two identities: your maiden name and your married name.

Woman in seedy underground world playing high-stakes poker
Stay in character: Keep your maiden and married name in check.

Much like a con artist guards their words to avoid "cracking out of turn" and revealing their true intentions, you must master the art of smoothly transitioning from one name to the other.

Only when you've updated all your documents can you finally shift from your maiden name to your married name, preventing any identity "cracks" in your smooth changeover.

Managing multiple identities

You're managing conflicting identities, but each credential, from your social security card and driver's license to your bank accounts, allows only one name to prevail.

Woman with clown makeup holding a comedy tragedy mask
Transitioning names means handling two identities: old and new.

Keep a checklist of who has confirmed your name change. This will ensure that you never find yourself in an embarrassing situation where you're unsure which name to provide.

Woman writing on a blackboard covered with sticky notes
Maintain a list of where your name has changed: every document and organization.

Before obtaining official approval for your new name, introduce yourself with your maiden name, and then explain that you're in the process of changing it.

This is often enough to satisfy requirements at places such as banks, as they understand the time-consuming nature of the name change process.

5. Haven't decided to go through with it

For some, the decision to undergo a name change is a can they keep kicking down the road, sometimes for years.

Women sitting down with palms on chin, immersed in indecision
Uncertainty is a normal part of every name change decision.

It's a procrastination that can make them wonder if they've missed an unspoken name change deadline that'll snare them with penalties or consequences.

Buying yourself some time

You might choose to slow-walk the process by updating your legal name on certain documents while you mull over whether you genuinely want to undergo a name change.

Woman gazes at a dark atmospheric wall adorned with analog clocks
Don't rush your name change, lest you regret your decision.

You might even welcome the idea of name change at first, only to backtrack when it comes to signing documents and introducing yourself with an entirely new name.

You're not alone if you're not sure if name change is right for you at this time. Maintaining the status quo is a tempting alternative to indecision.

You can legally change your name, but if you ever want to switch back to your maiden name, you can do so at any time. It's a reversible decision.

At a minimum, make sure your preferred name is chosen before applying for a marriage license to avoid your marriage certificate missing your married name.

Closing thoughts on using your maiden name

Some people think changing or keeping their name after getting married as a Hobson's choice. In reality, you have room to maneuver.

You can legally change your name and still use your maiden name at work or with friends. So, you're not boxed in. It's about what feels right for you in the moment.

If you're interested in starting the name change process, our online name change kit provides expert guidance through the transition.

Our name change kit helps you change your name, either before or after marriage.

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3,167 Comments

  1. I elected to change my name to my marital name when we got married. However, it’s been 4 years and I still haven’t changed my name on my SS card and license. Would I still be able to do so or would I have to go to the court to change it now since it’s been so many years? I want to change it on my license and SS card now but I don’t know if the time that has passed will matter or not.

    • Would I still be able to do so or would I have to go to the court to change it now since it’s been so many years? I want to change it on my license and SS card now but I don’t know if the time that has passed will matter or not.

      You can still change your name without going to court. The four years that's passed doesn't change that.

  2. Apply for goverment RDP house 13 years ago.I was stil single Get married almost 2years ago.I am on the waiting list under my maiden name.Do I need to use my married name when I went to update to get a house or can I just use my maiden name as it is on the list

  3. Hi there!!

    I married my husband in California and elected to take his last name for the purposes of the marriage license only. I don't plan to take his last name – but added it to the marriage license just so I have the option later in life.

    Can you please confirm that this DOES NOT mean that I have legally changed my name, as I will not be updating my SSN or DL to take his last name.

    It is complicated as my husband is enlisting in the Navy, and they are giving him a hard time since all my legal documents are in my maiden name except for the marriage license. I already checked but I can't reprint the marriage license without his last name.

    Do you know if this name discrepancy on the marriage license only would be an issue as I am applying for permanent residency as I'm Canadian?

    Thanks!!

    • Can you please confirm that this DOES NOT mean that I have legally changed my name, as I will not be updating my SSN or DL to take his last name.

      That's correct. You are not required to change your name to match what's on your marriage certificate.

      Do you know if this name discrepancy on the marriage license only would be an issue as I am applying for permanent residency as I'm Canadian?

      No, it shouldn't be an issue. A new name choice on a marriage record is non-binding.

    • Hi Anisha,

      Did you get confirmation on this? I've been trying to get an answer as this is what I plan to do when I get married in October. If you elect your partner's last name (or hyphenated name) on the marriage certificate, can you legally leave your SS card/DL/passport with your maiden name?

      • If you elect your partner's last name (or hyphenated name) on the marriage certificate, can you legally leave your SS card/DL/passport with your maiden name?

        Just because a new name after marriage is specified on your marriage certificate doesn't mean you have to actually go through with it. Name change is not required following marriage.

  4. I changed my name on my drivers license but with nothing else…can i go back to the secretary of state and request a drivers license with my maiden name again since I haven't attached my spouse name to anything else

    • Hi Shadae. You'll need to present them with a court ordered name change document to change your name back.

  5. I am a physician and am getting married in June. Due to building my profession with my maiden name, I was not planning on changing my name. Someone told me I could have an official alias meaning that legally I can use my maiden name AND I can use my name with my soon-to-be husband's last name. Is this true? How do I go about doing that if it is?
    Thanks!

    • Hi Priscilla. You can contact your state's licensing board about obtaining a fictitious name permit, including the procedure, fees, and renewal fees.

  6. I am in Texas, divorced with children and engaged to be married in 2 weeks. I would like to take my new husband's name, but my son would like me to at least keep my married name/his last name on my official documents (at least until he is 18). I also have a very large amount of deeds to mineral rights in FirstName MiddleName DivorcedName which would be a nightmare to change. I was wondering if I sign my marriage license as my FirstName MiddleName DivorcedName NewMarriedName this might solve the problem. I understand that I do not have to change my name on my SSC to match what is on the marriage certificate, and I could just go by NewMarriedName socially and informally until such time as I wanted to change it on my SSC. But, if I did ever change it on my SSC, would that mean I need to change all of the deeds which are in DivorcedName? I am concerned that, after I die, my children may have a hard time transferring the mineral rights to their names if I have changed my name on SSC to FirstName MiddleName DivorcedName NewMarriedName and the deeds are still in just FirstName MiddleName DivorcedName. What do you recommend? Thank you so much!

    • I was wondering if I sign my marriage license as my FirstName MiddleName DivorcedName NewMarriedName this might solve the problem.

      Texas marriage license applications don't provide a blank space to specify a new name after marriage, so it's moot.

      But, if I did ever change it on my SSC, would that mean I need to change all of the deeds which are in DivorcedName?

      No, it shouldn't be an issue because your identity and prior name usage can be verified by you or your children. Your marriage certificate would explain the name change.

  7. Hi I got married in nov 7 2015 and I thought I had to change my last name To my husbands last name but I did not know I could keep my maiden last name I really want to take my last name back can I just go to the DMV and get I.t change back on my ID

  8. I have a question, we are in Alabama, myself and my fiancee are getting married within the next few weeks (a few months earlier than anticipated) but we have a trip planned in which we are going to be flying out of the country in May of 2018(tickets are booked, and were booked using her maiden name). She definitely wants to change her name, but since the trip is still about 4 months from now, and we will be getting married within the next 2 weeks, how should we approach this? Her passport, which is not a US passport, is in her maiden name, as is plane ticket.

    Is it possible to name change on the marriage certificate, but delay changing her ID, social security card, etc? So that she is able to fly without any issues

    What would be the best way to approach this situation?

  9. Hi Valera,
    I have been married for 12 years and never changed my name to my husband’s even thought I did check the box that I would take his name after marriage. We got married in NY but now live in FL. Will there be any consequences as for me keeping my Last name?

  10. I am a widow and I have spent the last 30 years with my deceased husband's name. I also have had a professional career for the last 30 years. Now I am going to re-marry and my fiance wants me to take his last name. So, three things….. 1. I really loved my first husband and don't want to drop the surname I've used for the past 30 years. 2. As stated, I have a professional career and have a lot of history linked to my surname. 3. I very much love my fiance and do wish to take his last name but want to figure out how to not lose this other name. I need a win-win solution. Can you help? I live in New York State.

    • Hi Susan. 1) You could take his name on the license and certificate and simply not formally change your name. Just use it informally. 2) You could hyphenate. 3) You could combine a portion of both names into one.

  11. Hi,
    I got married recently and I changed my name with the social security office, but I haven't changed it anywhere else, will this affect anything I do while filing my taxes?

      • Question:
        I got married a year ago. I file my 2017 taxes under my maiden name because I was not expecting to change my last name but i just recently did change it (last week) on my SS card . However, my taxes were already file . Will I have tax issues ?

        • Hi Mia. The IRS may be able to accommodate your name difference internally. If not, they'll notify you to correct the discrepancy.

  12. I was married in Costa Rica. I live in North Carolina. I have my SS card changed and my driver license changed. I need to get my driver license to REAL ID. The DMV will not verify me to get REAL ID because my marriage certificate does not have my husbands last name as mine. Women do not change their names in Costa Rica. I asked the attorney that married us to add the Todd name to the end of my name. He would not. Now my son is in military and I can’t go on military grounds without having the REAL ID. It seems like a simple thing since the DMV used my married name on my driver license. Why can’t they verify me if they acknowledge the name change? It has been a nightmare. I have been sent to many offices at the courthouse without luck. I am getting the run around. Please help.

    • Hi Teri. A certified marriage license or certified marriage certificate is considered valid for a Real ID card. Can they provide written documentation citing this requirement?

  13. My daughter's name is Leslie Marie Ruth. Her husband's last name is Salas. In NJ, should her married name be Leslie Ruth Salas?

  14. Hi, I've been married for 15 years and still use my maiden name, I'm now ready to make that change …..how do I go about doing that?? Will I get into trouble for keeping my maiden name so long with ss??

    • I'm now ready to make that change …..how do I go about doing that??

      Obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the government office that recorded your marriage license. Then use that document to change your name as your normally would.

      Will I get into trouble for keeping my maiden name so long with ss??

      No such penalty exists.

  15. Hi, i recently got divorced last Dec. 15,2017 and restored my last name from my husband's last name. But then i realized is it going to be a problem for my daughter if we dont have the same last name? I still didnt update anything yet, all my id's are still on my husband's last name even my citizenship certificate, passport, driver's license, banks, car loans. Please help thank you

    • Hi Cyhrene. A name restoration order in a divorce decree is non-binding. You don't have to follow through with it if you don't want. Ignore it and your name will not change on any identity documents.

  16. I got married a year ago and i only took my husbands last name now i want to have my maiden name with his last mame in it. Do i just go to the SSA and change it there. That’s what i did at first when i changed my last name to his. Help please

    • Hi Ana. Since you've already changed your name with the SSA, you can't do it again using your marriage certificate. You'll need another document to justify a followup name change, such as a court order.

  17. Hi, Thank you for an informative article and I've been reading the comments and your responses which have been helpful. A slightly different question, not sure if you've addressed it already. I was married last Summer, and like many, I didn't feel ready to make a decision about a name change, and put on my license that I will be taking my husbands last name. I haven't changed any of my other documents or accounts to reflect that change so technically it's not official yet. However, I am now regretting not having selected my maiden name to be apart of my new name after marriage. I would like to take on my husbands name but also keep my maiden name, thus having both mine and his as part of my new gal name.Hope that makes sense! haha Am I still able to do this, even though in my marriage license I only chose his last name as being part of my new name..? Again, I have not gone to change any passports, social security cards, bank accounts, etc.

    • Hi Sarah. Whether or not you're able to deviate from your original new name choice depends on the state. Most aren't particularly lenient, requiring you to stick with your original choice.

  18. Hello , my social security number is in my maiden name and I have been married twice and never changed my ssc to anything other than my maiden name . My drivers license are in my married name and when they expired I went to them renewed and the lady tells me that my ssc and drivers license are different because of last names and I am separated and starting the divorce papers , so I will go back to maiden name . How can I get my license done without all this rigmoroe

    • Hi Robin. The driver's license office wants to match the name that's on file with the SSA. You'll have to provide a supporting document that restores your maiden name, such as a divorce decree or court order. As your legal surname is your maiden name, your divorce decree could simply reaffirm your right to revert to your maiden name on various legal documents (e.g., driver's license).

  19. Hi,
    I recently got married and am planning on doing some international travelling. I have not changed my name on any of my documents, including my passport. I am just wondering if I am able to use my passport to travel abroad? What other legal documents will I need with me incase I have any trouble? I'm from Canada, I'm not sure if that will make a difference or not. Thanks for your help!

  20. I am widowed in my 60’s and have always been known as FirstNameMaidenNameMarriedName. Now I am committed to a new man and we wish to have a “wedding” that will be a commitment ceremony only rather than a legally registered marriage, purely for practical financial/family reasons, but would like to live and be known as a married couple. I would keep all of my legal documents including SS, passport, bank, drivers license in my original name. After we are “wed” can I use his last name socially and otherwise without legal complications?

  21. Hi Valera,

    I got married 9 years back and changed my name to take husbands name and surname. All the documents like driving license/Passport have this new name after marriage. Now I want to actually go back to my maiden name as my legal name. Do I need to go to the court and follow the regular procedure or can I use my maiden name on all my legal documents without any court orders? I just want to go back to my maiden name. I am a citizen of India and currently residing in California on Green Card status.

    Thank you

    • Do I need to go to the court and follow the regular procedure or can I use my maiden name on all my legal documents without any court orders?

      Yes, you would have to go to court.

  22. My husband and I bought a house last year and our loan officer did the paperwork in my married name which involves a change in my middle name. I haven't had a chance to go to the social security office yet to change it with them because I need my adoption papers and am still waiting on them to be sent. How can we file our taxes on our home if my taxes are being filed in my maiden name but the loan is in my married name? Should I go to the ssi office this month and get it changed or wait until after tax time?

    • Hi Toni. The SSA will notify the IRS of your name change, so if you're looking to avoid a name mismatch the sooner you update the SSA the better. The alternative is to modify the name on your loan.

  23. Hi, i got married and dropped my maiden name and took husbands after i did this i wished i had not dropped maiden name. At SS office i got SS card with maiden name as middle name and then married last name. DMV wouldnt allow me to get this on id since i didnt have enough points for proof. When i formed business, i created business name and as a counselor, im the provider. I do not want to change my name on my license as dont want to go through the hassle of changing my name with insurance providers and state license can i just remain Jen Madien name for professional purposes? I struggle with what name to go by professionally as i realize it is no longer legally my name. what are my options? can i leave my state license as is and for work purposes always go by maiden name?

      • is that the same thing as do business as? I already formed an llc as business name but then there is my name i cant even wrap my mind around where to begin with changing everything. Dont think they have a fict. name permit

        • Hi Jen. You could register a DBA in your professional name. The question you'll have to ask the licensing board is if that would be acceptable to use.

  24. I’ve been married for almost 12 years. When we were married I took my husbands name. I was wondering if it’s possible for me and my husband to switch to my madden name?

  25. Hello,
    I'm using my husband last name since we got married. When I became a US citizen I decided to remove my maiden name for a reason. Now I wanted to put my maiden name back since I'm in the processb of divorce. How can I do it? Do I have to go to immigration to change my name or hired a lawyer?

    • Hi Beth. You can ask your divorce judge to restore your maiden name in your divorce decree. Afterward you can use the decree to change your name.

  26. Hello. I got married 6 months ago and changed my name on my social security card but nothing else. I need to renew my passport and no longer want to use the married name. I want to go back to my maiden name only. What do i need to do? How does one petition the court if need be?

  27. Hi, My wife and I have been married for a year, she continue to use her husband's (decease) last (as her middle name) and my last name. I thought once she was married again she would drop his last name and use her middle name and my last name. By the way her maiden name is the same as my last name. Please tell me how it should appear thanks.

    • Please tell me how it should appear thanks.

      If your wife has already legally changed her name to take on your surname, she'd have to go to court to change it to anything else. At that point, she can choose to take on any name combination she'd prefer.

  28. Hi. I got married last year and was kind of pressured to take his last name. SO wrote that I would go by his last name. Then afterward I wanted my maiden name still so I went through the court and included my maiden name so that I have 2 last names (maiden and married). My name is now First Middle Maiden Married. I made the change with SSA in May. However, I am not happy about it and just want my maiden name (more for professional reasons as I work in research and all my publications are in my maiden name). Can I go back to the courts and ask to return to First Middle Maiden if I am still married?

  29. I got married two years ago but never changed my name. Now that we have a baby I’d like to have the same name legally as my husband and child. Is there a way to change names just for things moving forward, such as daycare/school stuff, hospital forms, even my license, but not have to change it professionally or even go through the hassle of switching all my credit cards, professional licenses, and different types of accounts?

  30. Hello,

    My husband I married about three years ago. I waited till this year to update my last name since my passport is expiring. As I am getting ready to move on with this new chapter in my life, I realized that updating my last name to his is going to definitely cost some small fingers (not an arm and a leg but still a few $$$), we are considering keeping my maiden name as is. I have not updated anything at SSA or DMV yet. However on the marriage certificate, I have dropped my maiden name and took his last name. If I didn't change it at DMV and SSA, is this okay? Or will I eventually have to change it since it is on the marriage certificate?

    Please advise.
    Thank you.

    • If I didn't change it at DMV and SSA, is this okay? Or will I eventually have to change it since it is on the marriage certificate?

      Yes, it's OK. You don't have to go through with the name change. There are no legal repercussions for not following through.

  31. If I was to hyphenate my last name (would need to petition the courts), would I also then need to change my passport and driver's license to reflect the change, or could I continue using these documents with only the one last name listed?

    • If I was to hyphenate my last name (would need to petition the courts)

      You shouldn't have to petition the court for that.

      would I also then need to change my passport and driver's license to reflect the change, or could I continue using these documents with only the one last name listed?

      Name change isn't required, regardless of what's specified on your marriage application, license, or certificate. You can keep your identity documents unchanged if you'd prefer.

      • Thanks for your response!
        So to clarify – my current name is First Middle Married, and I want to change it to First Middle Maiden-Married. I don't need to go to court to make this change? Only SS? What documents would be required?
        And then I can keep my passport as is? Thank you again!

        • So to clarify – my current name is First Middle Married, and I want to change it to First Middle Maiden-Married. I don't need to go to court to make this change?

          Correct.

          What documents would be required?

          Certified copy of your marriage certificate.

          And then I can keep my passport as is?

          Yes.

          • I am in a similar situation. My name is First Middle Married, I am in Ohio and want to change it to First Middle Maiden Married, basically hyphen without the hyphen. There is no legal loop rope to jump for this?

  32. Hello. My driver's license was expired I went in to DMV to renew it but then the technician asked me if I was married, I said yes she said she couldn't update my info and tells me she needed my marriage certificate.. she ended up changing my maiden last name to my married last name…. I didn't think no big deal of it at the time.. but now I'm starting work and I'm having issues. I don't want my married last name. I haven't done the process in changing it through the Social Security Department because I'm choosing to stay with my Maiden name. What route would I have to take to keep my maiden name regardless of marital status? Thank You!

    • Hi Raquel. The name on your social security card takes precedence over the name on your driver's license. If you want to restore your maiden name on your driver's license, you'll likely have to present the DMV with a court order.

  33. I got married in 2012 kept my maiden name and added my husband last name been mine keep forgetting to claim marriage and work file w2 still say single and we have been filing single. But now I want to drop my maiden and a correct my w2 file and claim marriage with new last what should I do will I get fine for telling them I was married .

  34. My polish passport expired 5y ago, i got married 12y ago in USA. I only changed name on my DL to hyphanated my SS is still in my maiden name. Now i go to renew my polish passport and i hear that they won't do it unless first they record my marriage in poland and do all paperwork (which cost way more than i can afford) plus i don't really need/care for it as im considering divorcing/separating in next year/s. Anyway i called DMV and asked if I can change back my last name to maiden only and they said only with divorce papers and court order allowing me to go back to my maiden name! (Honestly i think cheapest way would be just divorce now and change it so i don't have to go to that hassle 2times) but is there any other way?

    Also I didn't think putting my married name on DL was LEGALLY CHANGING it (is it?) in all my 3 kids Birth certificates as my legal name i put my maiden name how it appears on my SS. I thought only changing in in SS office makes it legally changed

    • (Honestly i think cheapest way would be just divorce now and change it so i don't have to go to that hassle 2times) but is there any other way?

      No, there's no other way. You must either present a divorce decree restoring your maiden name or a court order.

      Also I didn't think putting my married name on DL was LEGALLY CHANGING it (is it?) in all my 3 kids Birth certificates as my legal name i put my maiden name how it appears on my SS. I thought only changing in in SS office makes it legally changed

      Social security is the primary, not your driver's license.

  35. Hello. I have been married for 14 years and have always kept my maiden name. Lately my husband has been hounding me to get my last name changed to his. I finally caved. However, I don't want to use his name all the way around. I'd like to use his name for legal documents such as drivers license, bank accounts, taxes, insurance, social security card, etc. I can even be Mrs. HisLastName socially, but I still want to use my name professionally. So for example, at work when I'm signing documents, my work email, and with a book I want to write. Is it possible to change my last name to his legally while keeping my maiden name professionally?

    • Hi Scarlet. Yes, it is possible. You may want to look into registering your maiden name as a DBA for professional use.

  36. Hello hopefully someone can help me I got married literally a week ago but realized I kept my last maiden name as well. I want to take it out and just keep my husbands. Is there a time limit where there’s no fee or complications like going thru court orders and stuff? We live in California. I haven’t changed my SS,DL or passport yet because I would like to make that change . Or could I just do it without changing it on marriage license? Because in the end it’s in SS that it counts right?? Idk

    • Hi Del. If you got married in California and didn't specify your preferred new name on the marriage license application, you'll have to go through the court system to change your name.

  37. Hi I recently got married and I took his last name, but I dont want to change all my documentation yet. I am young and still a dependent on my parents taxes, health care etc. Just graduated college so I would like to keep my name for many reasons even though I do plan to go through the motions to change it later. Is there a time frame on when I have to do that by?

  38. I was divorced in 2004. I had 529 BlackRock funds set up for my children. When I went to with draw the money from my youngest daughters account, it has taken me 2 months plus to withdraw this money. Now, they wont release the money because I didn't sign the part where I had to sign it as my former last name. I even attached the document of my divorce decree, where it says my name changed legally, after 2 medallion stamps from the bank. So my question is can they make me sign it like that? or am I at their mercy because of this issue? I am so frustrated!!

    • Hi Sara. Even though your divorce decree contains an order restoring your previous name, it doesn't take legal effect until you change it with the necessary government institutions.

  39. After marriage my daughter changed her PAN CARD name to new after marriage name based on marriage certificate (Change took place around 3 months back), now after realising the complexities of massive document changes she would like to revert back to her original name on PAN.

    All other documents like Bank Acccounts, investments, Passport etc are in the original name. How to go about reverting back to original name on PAN?

    Can Marraige certificate can be used as the source document to revert back. She is having both PAN cards with same number but different name can it be used to revert back to old name? The changed new address is to be retained as permanent address. Please advise the process to revert back to original name on PAN Card.

    • Hi
      You may not have answer to my question because it is outside USA based, I was under impression you advise on global level problems.

      • Thanks for your reply, I just want to confirm whether it can be done from any PAN service center and does not invite any problems as currently Income Tax Return is having her new name. Please confirm that the basis for this reverting back to old name is going to be same source documents like Marriage certificate and old and new pan cards and AADHAR card. Only thing is AADHAR card address is having old address and new PAN card is having new address, would like to retain new address on PAN and only name is to be reverted back to old. Please advise whether this reverting back is permissible and would not invite any problems. Sorry for the trouble…

        • Hi Vivek. If the AADHAR card is in the old name, she should be fine. Bring in any supporting documentation, whether in the old or new name. To be safe, call the center to confirm documents they'll accept.

  40. I never took my husbands last name, but on our mortgage renewal contract I used his last name when I signed it. Is our mortgage renewal still legal?

  41. Hello, when I went to apply for my marriage license in '13 they kept my last name and didn't change it to match my husband's last name. (They also wouldn't put both of my natural names since i grew up with my mom's and dad's names. They only picked one name.)
    Then, they also wouldn't add my husband's name onto mine when i asked. They told me i needed documentation to change it but the marriage license is the only documentation i could have to show my new last name so why on earth was there a problem? Were those people just incompetent and if so can i amend it?

    • Hi Tiana. They could have been mistaken, but it's possible the marriage license application didn't provide a space to specify a new name. Not all states design their applications with new name blocks. That doesn't prevent their residents from changing their names though.

  42. Hi Valera, I live in Mass and I got married in April of last year and I haven't changed my last name yet is it to late to do so?

    • I got married in April of last year and I haven't changed my last name yet is it to late to do so?

      No, there's no time limit to change your name.

  43. Hi I got married in June 2016 and kept my maiden name but used my married name hyphenated (Brown-Bell). My ID, SS and green card is in the hyphenated name. Now I wanna drop my maiden name. How do I go about doing this

    • Now I wanna drop my maiden name. How do I go about doing this

      Now you'll have to petition the court. A secondary name change wouldn't be related to your marriage.

  44. Hi Valera

    I just got married oct 31st 2017. On the license my name is now Jane (middle name) husbands lastname (hyphen) my last name. I dont want to change it anymore and would like to keep my maiden name only.
    Im a resident of California.

    I havent changed anything at all with ss, dmv etc.

    If i dont want to change my name afterall what should i do?

    Also, getting joint bank accounts, will i need to use the name on the certificate?
    Taxes, car, house etc?

    Thank you so much

    • If i don't want to change my name afterall what should i do?

      If you don't do anything, then nothing changes.

      Also, getting joint bank accounts, will i need to use the name on the certificate?

      No, you'll use your current legal name. Forget about the certificate.

  45. I have applied for a marriage certificate to take on my husbands last name but want to use my maiden name as an official legal middle name.
    Do I need to complete a Change of name application form to do this as I'm not hyphening the two last names? If so should I forget about the marriage certificate and apply using my maiden name now? The form read that I needs proof of name and everything is still in my maiden name.
    or
    Can I simply "Legally" tack the new name on the end using the marriage certificate.

    • Hi Kia. Have you already married? If so, did your marriage license application provide a space to specify a new name and was that name reflected on your marriage certificate?

    • Yeah! Before I marry perfer to keep my madien name and then my husband last name on my marriage certificate. Mary jones leesburg sound okay.

  46. Newly married a USA citizen and spouse about to file for change of status (green card) for me.
    Is it okay i maintained my maiden name without changing it to his.
    I want my last name to be as it is in all my documents and profession as i have a very special bond between i and my late Dad, his name is one of the memories i keep, won't like to change or add any name to it.
    My question is can he file for me with my maiden name
    Without me changing to his name.
    If yes, how can i go about it
    He is a professor and is cool with it.
    We live in New Jersey

  47. Hello!

    I got married on 11/12/13 and on our marriage certificate indicated that I would hyphenate my name (Horton-Cassada). I have not started the process of changing anything. All of my legal documents are just my last name right now (and I'm not positive that I'm going to change anything). However, I'm starting the process of obtaining my passport and I'm wondering what I should do? If it all out with just my last name?

    Thank you!
    Jolene

    • Hi Jolene. You don't have to change your name on any document if you don't want to, if that's what you're asking.

  48. Hi I got married 2yrs ago in NY changed my last name to my husbands I want to go back & add my maiden name. The only thing I have changed since gotten married was my drivers license. Will I have a problem?

  49. I still use my maiden name on certain document… And I've lost my ID with my maiden name can I still obtain a driver license in my maiden name

    • can I still obtain a driver license in my maiden name

      You can if it's still your legal name. However, if the driver's license office performs a lookup against the SSA database and discovers a mismatch, the SSA name will take priority.

  50. When filling out a w4 for work do you have to use your married name.. Ive only changed my name on my Social security card and nothing else. When i file taxes i still use my maiden name and SSC with my maiden name and not married name.

  51. Hi. I already used the surname of my husband in my Maxicare card (health card). Now i would like to used it for my check up, but the rest of my valid id state my maiden name. The ospital needs the id for validation.. Is it ok to used my maxicare card with my husband surname then give id for validation with my maiden name??

    • Hi Ana. You may want to include an additional document to explain the difference in names, such as a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

  52. Hi there. Thank you so much for this post, it's very informative. I'm wondering if it's truly essential to have the name match on my passport and license for travel. I have only my maiden name on my passport, however, my maiden name precedes my married name on my license. I'm hoping to avoid having to change it on my passport so I can avoid paying another $100+. If you might have the time to advise me on this matter, I would truly appreciate it. All the best to you!

  53. Hello,
    I am divorcing and selected to go back to my maiden name, how long do I have to update everything back to my maiden name?
    Do I have to update everything back to my maiden name?

    • Hi Misha. There's no time limit to abide by. You don't have to update everything, but you'll have to manage name mismatches and its side effects.

  54. V,
    On a property warranty deed, the buyer, a divorced women still using her legal married name wants her name written as follows: first, middle, last (nee maiden first, maiden middle, maiden last, mother) and first, middle, last (son)…..joint tenantes she said it is more precise taking her lineage back to her birth certificate. Is it OK to have current and maiden names on a legal document like the property warranty deed?
    thanks, joe

  55. When I got divorced from my abusive husband, I had my name changed in my divorce decree to "maiden-married" and intended to drop the married when my youngest turned 18. I haven't done it yet as I can't seem to afford the $300+ fees. It has been extremely difficult for me to move on in my life with this name and will try to get a fee waiver from the court. But until then, can I just not use my married name on legal documents?

    • But until then, can I just not use my married name on legal documents?

      If your legal name is just "married," then that's what you'll have to use. If it's actually "maiden-married," then that's what you'll have to use.

  56. When you change your name with the DMV, does the old name get destroyed? Is there a way to have them remove the old name completely from their systems? I changed my name because I was a victim of an abusive past that caused me all kinds of trauma. At the DMV when I asked that question they told me that they do destroy all traces of previous names you had as if you never had them, but I wanted to be sure they gave me the right info. The person who said that they did destroy records of the old name was the one actually administering the new snapshot.

    • Hi Brian. That's a state-level issue that would be governed by state statutes. If it's not specified in state law, the DMV may have leeway to do what it wants. You'll have to ask for formal documentation confirming this cleanup procedure.

      If you're concerned about privacy, you may want to look into your state's address confidentiality program and how your DMV interacts with it.

  57. I got married in August of 2017. The only thing I changed was my name on my social security card. Can I rechange it to my maiden name because I still haven't changed anything else.

    • The only thing I changed was my name on my social security card. Can I rechange it to my maiden name

      Not without a court order.

  58. So I have an unusual circumstance, so pardon my use of a pseudonym in my comment.

    I am married to a registered sex offender, who has very much been rehabilitated, and we have a very unusual last name. He will never be off the registry.
    I am thinking about returning to university, first as a psychology major and then a masters for counseling.

    However, because I don't want anyone to connect my last name to my husband during this process, I would like to use my maiden name for university and my licensing.

    Is this possible to do without legally changing my name back? I don't want to hurt my husband's feelings by doing this.

    Also, I was previously married and widowed, so I have not used my maiden name since 2009. I have no degrees currently, but some of my college work is in my previous name.

    • Hi Nienna. That entirely up to your university to accommodate if you explain that you want all school documentation to reflect your maiden name. Ask if it's allowed and what procedures and documents are required.

  59. Hi,

    I just got married a few months back and my passport expires in Nov… I am renewing it now and want to change my name (to my married name) on my passport so we can travel as a "family" but i do not plan to change anything else to my married name …. is that an option to change my passport and nothing else ????

    sorry if you have answered this already

  60. Hello,
    I recently just got my citizenship and i changed my first name on it but all my bank account and driver license still had the old name and i dont want to change it to the new name yet so can i keep the old name on these stuff?

    • Hi Lam. If your legal documents are showing a different first name, you may run into problems down the road with the inconsistency. It's up to your bank to accommodate you. As for your driver's license, if the DMV performs a lookup against the SSA database and discovers a name mismatch, you may have a problem with renewal/reissue until the names match.

  61. Hi Valera ! My Passport have a maiden name still now,but when a married in my country I didn't change my status on my passport ,the others documents i used the married name,but now I am a WIDOW.
    which one I have to used to ask for a US Status migration ?.
    please let me know.
    thanks.

  62. Hello,
    I am a medical doctor in private practice engaged to be married in 9 months. I would like to take my husband's last name socially and legally and keep practicing under my maiden name.
    Question 1: Is this possible?
    I would anticipate major problems if my legal last name (husband's) and the last name on prescriptions, paychecks, liability/malpractice insurance, and credentialing paperwork will no longer match.
    Question 2: How to I address this?
    If this topic should have already been addressed elsewhere in this blog, I sincerely apologize, but am grateful for any information you can provide. THANK YOU!

    • Hi Lena. That's typically up to your state's licensing board. Notify them of what you're seeking and if they're able to log your married name while maintaining your professional name as-is.

  63. I am a us citizen married in another country. My estranged ex husband no longer lives in that country and he's not in the us. I'm no longer allowed to leave the united states ( my passport was revoked). I don't have any documents. How can I resume using my maiden name?

  64. K I am 34 weeks pregnant married but been separated from him for 4 yrs the baby isn't his it's a man I Been in a relationship with for 2 yrs my question is can I get my license put in my maiden name and my Medicaid n my maiden name so that way until I have a judgement done for my child's biological father to be put on my child's birth certificate the baby will take my maiden last name instead of my ex's

  65. Hi

    I just got married a couple weeks ago before my baby comes this month.

    I haven't changed my name on social security yet because I am afraid it will mess up my insurance in the hospital when baby comes as I do not want to go through the process of alerting my insurance yet.

    Will it mess it up? Or will it not be noticed and me and baby will be covered when she's added after birth?

    • Hi Chantel. The SSN is matched using the primary ID, which is the nine-digit number. It would be odd for a problem to arise because a secondary identifier, such as your surname, changing. You would have to ask the hospital and insurance company if it could cause an internal conflict and if it's advisable for you to wait until later to complete the change.

  66. Hi I'm a widow of 7 years I'm getting married on June 16th 2018 that's 8 months time I would like to change back to my maiden name but we have done all the documents at the register can I still change it and could I also have my maiden name and my new husbands name in a double barrel name and would it cost

    • Hi Sue. You may be able to restore your maiden name after marriage, but it depends on the state. Can you specify the state you'll be getting married in? Double barrelled isn't as widely supported though.

  67. Hi, I'm looking to elope but not tell family because we are going to do the big wedding thing. Do I have to change my name yet or can I wait till after our ceremony a year later? This includes all personal and professional doings.

    • Do I have to change my name yet or can I wait till after our ceremony a year later?

      You can wait until later.

  68. Hi there,

    I changed my name on only my DL and not my SSN…
    I would like to keep my maiden name, will i be able to visit the DMV and request a new license w my maiden name?

    Or do i have to finish going through with the name changes at SSN

    • will i be able to visit the DMV and request a new license w my maiden name?

      You'd need a new document showing another name change, such as a court order.

      Or do i have to finish going through with the name changes at SSN

      You don't have to, but you'll now have to juggle a name mismatch.

  69. I've been married for 23 years. Recently I've deceided that I would like to hyphen my name with my maden name. Is this something that i can legally do? Also the change would be updated on my DL and SS. What is the process for making this change.

  70. Hello!
    When my husband and I married 7 years ago, I put his last name on our marriage certificate. However, I never went to the SS office to change it from my maiden name, and I haven't been using my married name at all (except for reservations and things like that).
    Now I have a drivers license and passport renewal to do. Can I renew them both just using my maiden name?
    Thanks for your help!

    • Now I have a drivers license and passport renewal to do. Can I renew them both just using my maiden name?

      Yes, you can.

  71. hi. i used my husband surname in all my id's including my passport, but we are separated for almost a year (not legally)…it would be possible for me to change my all id's and passport to my maiden name?even if im still married?

  72. Hello, thanks for all the information.
    I got married 13 years ago, and the only thing document not having my new last name (husbands last name) is my drivers license. Now that we are settled down, retiring from the military, and bought a house to stay put finally, I want everything to be correct. When I go in to have my license changed, will it be easy even though it has been so many years?

    • When I go in to have my license changed, will it be easy even though it has been so many years?

      As long as you can provide documentation (e.g., marriage certificate) that allows a marriage name change to be processed you should be fine.

  73. I'm getting married in a month and eventually want to change my surname to my married name, but I don't want to go through all the paperwork for another few years. Is it possible to put my new married name on the marriage license, but not change it officially on any documents (license, passport, etc.)? Is there no conflict on official documents when doing this? What are the repercussions of having a married name on a marriage license without correcting it anywhere else?
    Thank you!

  74. I am about to change my name after marriage. We are planning on hyphenating the maiden with married name. Mostly because I want to keep the last name my daughter carries (she took my maiden name- father is not involved). Once my daughter is grown I am sure I will want to only carry my husbands name. How hard will it be to drop the hyphen down the road?

    • Hi Jennifer. It wouldn't be difficult to drop the hyphen later. You'll just have to petition the court for a regular name change.

  75. Hi, I recently got married in PA and am preparing to file paperwork with the USCIS. All my immigration and ID documents are in my maiden name. I am wanting to take my husbands last name (and have his last name on my SSN and green card). My marriage certificate only lists my maiden name and did not give me an option to change it. Is my marriage certificate enough evidence to legally change my name and submit paperwork to USCIS in my married name? I would list my maiden name as a previous name. Thanks!

  76. My husband is filling up a USCIS form for me becoming a citizen, but when we got married I kept both our last names without a hyphenation. My question is, when we fill out the papers how do I use the last names? Do I put down my given name, and as a middle name I use my madden name, and as last name do I use my husbands last name?? Or do I write both last names where it says (Family Name), and no middle name, because I do not have a middle name. I have my name and both last names. I am a little confuse and need help with this.

  77. Thanks for your blog, very informative. I am a physician who recently got married. All of my medical boards and medical paperwork have my maiden name. I will be changing my name legally (SS, driver's license). Can I keep my maiden name for my professional career (Dr. Maiden name), while every other document will have my married last name? I am worried about (legal) conflicts in the future.
    Thanks again.

    • Hi Doc. You may be able to maintain your maiden name professionally, but that would be up to the licensing boards and your employer to accommodate.

  78. Hi Valera,
    I am getting married next week, and contemplating keeping my name as is, or adding his last name onto mine so it would be First Middle Maiden Married (no hyphen). I am a business owner and want to keep all my professional materials under my maiden name. Can keep all important business legal documents the same? If I understand correctly, I will need to legally change my name on my SSC, driver's license, and passport. My fiance and I recently refinanced our home, and the deed is in my maiden name. I am wondering if I can leave that as is, as well as my existing credit cards, student loans, insurance, and bills. Is there anything I would have to change besides SSC, driver's license, and passport? I live in Wisconsin. My understanding is that with a double barrelled name I can choose if I go by Maiden, Married, or Both. Is that correct? Will I ever have trouble if we move to another state?

    • I also want to clarify. When we picked up our marriage license, the woman there had us sign it right away. I signed my birth name. Will I need to change my signature if I want to change my name? Again, I live in Wisconsin. Thank you!

      • When we picked up our marriage license, the woman there had us sign it right away. I signed my birth name. Will I need to change my signature if I want to change my name? Again, I live in Wisconsin.

        No, your signature does not need to be changed.

    • I am a business owner and want to keep all my professional materials under my maiden name. Can keep all important business legal documents the same?

      Consider looking into a DBA filed under your maiden name.

      My fiance and I recently refinanced our home, and the deed is in my maiden name. I am wondering if I can leave that as is, as well as my existing credit cards, student loans, insurance, and bills.

      It's possible to leave them as-is, but it's worth putting forth the effort to get your name synchronized across the board.

      Is there anything I would have to change besides SSC, driver's license, and passport?

      Those are the primaries. You've got it covered pretty well.

      My understanding is that with a double barrelled name I can choose if I go by Maiden, Married, or Both. Is that correct?

      Yes, informally. Use your full name on government documents, taxes, or anything that might cross-reference the name on your social security record.

      Will I ever have trouble if we move to another state?

      No, it's unlikely.

  79. Hi!

    I am having a symbolic wedding in Tulum Mexico and was going to get my marriage license in Califronia. My question is- I want to get marriage license before Mexico so im legally married- and I will put on marriage license new name. Will this effect my out of country travel if my ID and Passport have my maiden name?

    • Will this effect my out of country travel if my ID and Passport have my maiden name?

      No, it will not.

    • Hi Ivette. If you've formally changed your name already, then you'll have to obtain a court order to change it back.

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