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:
- You change your name after marriage.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
Navigating the tricky transition
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.
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.
While you're at it, if you have a hyphenated name, go the extra mile by ensuring your bank accepts three name variations:
- Your maiden name
- Your hyphenated name
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
3. Legal disclosure obligations
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.
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 your "real name"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hi, I was married in August 2015. I changed my name on my bank only. I am in the middle of selling my home and the paperwork is all in my maiden name, so is my passport but Is it possible for me to add my maiden name back to me bank account so any money can still be paid into this from the sale of my home ?
Hi Jane. Yes, you should be able to work that out with your bank.
Just recently got married and hyphenated my last name with my husband last name so I have both my maiden name and my married name on my marriage license.
Wanted to know do I have to use both on my passport because I am doing the application to change my name or can I just use my new married name on my passport I do not want to change any of my other IDs.
Hi Dee. It's possible it'll be allowed. It may come down to the agent's willingness to be flexible.
I am in the process of moving. I lost my social security card with my married last name. Will a new a employer take my birth certificate with my maiden and my drivers license with my married name?
Hi Annabela. That's up to your employer. Are you certain they need your social security card, or just any document containing your social security number, such as a tax document? If you need to bridge your maiden and married name, you can supply them a copy of your marriage certificate.
Hi Valera,
I got married a few weeks ago. At the clerk's office, I chose to add my husband's last name to my maiden name because I wasn't sure what to do. Such a huge decision. Can I continue using my maiden name or do I have to now notify folks that my marriage certificate is my maiden name along with my husband's last name? So confused.
Hi Gwendolyn. You can continue using your maiden name as long as you'd prefer.
Thank you so much!
Hello- I got married to my same sex partner in CA 3 years ago. I put her last name on the paperwork for my name change. However I never changed my license, social security or any other paper work as I decided after I wanted to keep my name. Can I continue to do this or do I have to get the certificate changed? My license is up for renew and I don't want an issue. I dont live in CA.
Yes.
No, you do not.
You won't face any problems.
After a divorce many years ago, I kept my ex husbands name to match my kids. Also I'm a doctor and didn't want to change my name for professional reasons. I recently got remarried and when renewing my govt ID for work they insisted I must use my legal name. This has presented many difficulties now professionally and personally, though I like the new name better. Is it possible to go back to my previous name for professional reasons only including my govt work ID?
Hi Jean. I assume your "legal name" is your new married name and not your ex-husband's. If you're just looking to change your name at your place of work, you'll have to work that out with your employer. They may be willing to accommodate the use of an alias.
Hi,I recently got married a few weeks ago. I’m still processing everything around with paperwork to make it legal. But the only thing I haven’t done was change health insurance yet. I’m going to do soon. Would I still be able to use whatever is left on my old card before I renew it? I have a month and a half I believe.
Whenever I do use it,would I have to explain that I changed my name? And what I’d would I have to show? My maiden or married name?
Hi Melissa. You shouldn't have a problem with the continual use of your health card. If you need to explain the name discrepancy, you can present a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
My maiden name is Kelly Michelle Clark. My married name is Kelly Michelle Fuller. I need to change my social security card and drivers license. I would my the name is appear as: Kelly Michelle Clark Fuller. Will I be able to have this name on my drivers license and social security card? I thought I registered my new legal name as Kelly Michelle Fuller on my marriage certificate, but I can't find it anywhere.
Hi Kelly. Space (or double-barrelled) names aren't well supported in most states.
I defaulted to use my spouse's name as my surname after marriage, as I was not prepared to make that decision at the town clerk's office when applying for the license, so that is what we wrote down. However, I want to keep my maiden name, and want to have no legal record of my last name as the spouse's last name. Is that possible?
Yes, do nothing and no change will occur.
Hi, I have three questions:
1) If my name is Liz Anne(middle) Smith and his is John Doe can I change my name to Liz Anne Doe Smith..? I have seen most commonly the name Liz Anne Smith Doe but I feel it would be almost degrading to him to use my last name first.
2) Is it uncommon to do this? In your opinion do you think it would be weird?
3) Am I correct in assuming that if I don't hyphenate I can use both last names interchangeably? ( I am aware I would have to use both to fill out legal docs.)
note: I don't want to lose my middle name or else I would have considered using my last name as a middle name.
Thank you in advance,
Spaced names aren't typically supported when it comes to marriage-based name changes.
It's uncommon due to it's lack of support.
You could use it that way informally.
Hi – I got married June of 2017. I want to legally change my name to my husbands last name but I own an LLC. I have had the same career for many years and am well known by my maiden name. How am I legally able to keep my maiden name with the business and professionally but legally have my husbands last name?
Hi Sara. Consider looking into something like a DBA (doing business as) registered under your maiden name.
Thanks Valera, I wasn't clear, this is 2nd marriage I am sending a condolence and want to know should I put my current name and then maiden in parens or my 1st marriage name. The condolence is for an x family member also. thank you
Hi M. As it's informal, you can put what you're most comfortable with.
If you remarry and you sign your name do you use your 1st married name or maiden? which is proper?
correction to prior comment: when you put previous name in Parenthesis.
Hi M. You'd sign using whichever is your current legal name.
I'm married my name is changed but I want to open an ISA in my maiden name I don't think I have any old id in my maiden name can I still do it if the application is online?
Hi H. The ISA application asks you to specify the name that's on your passport.
I am recently married. I am going on my honeymoon, out of country, in October. I wanted to go ahead and legally change my name on everything EXCEPT my passport, since I probably wouldn't have it back in time and don't really want to pay for the expedited fees. I bought all of my plane tickets in my maiden name, so that they will match my passport. I plan on bringing my marriage certificate, birth certificate, social security card, etc. with me, just incase there is an issue. Do you think I'll have any issues?
Or should I just wait and change my name after the honeymoon?
Thanks!
You shouldn't have any issues.
It's up to you to change everything except your passport now. What matters most is that your passport and airline tickets match and you have supporting documents to bridge your maiden and married name.
Hi so when I got married I only changed my name on my drivers license not SSC. I have been a stay at home mom so hasn't been a problem up till now I'm going to be looking for a job and applying for graduation from college (who still uses my maiden name) as well as applying for a loan. I'm unsure what last name I should use for these? I would just go change my name with ssc however we are going to be getting a divorce and will want to go back to my maiden name anyways..
Hi Andrea. You'd use the name that's on file with the SSA, which is your maiden name.
Hi. I'm getting remarried soon, in the state of NC, and my fiancee wants me to "lose" my ex-husband's last name. I was granted the ability to change my name back to my maiden name in my divorce decree but never did. Can I change it when we get married? Also, I want to hyphenate my maiden name with my fiancees name and keep my middle name…can that be done?
Yes, you can change it then.
Yes.
Hi i just got married in california. I put my maiden name as my new last name Jane Doe
New name Jane Doe Smith
I just went to SS office change it but i have bank accounts and property under my name with family. They dont know about my marriage and i dont want to go through the hassle of changing it. Do i have too even though i kept my maiden name as my middle name?
Also i dont want them to know i got married.
In California, that's where the confidential marriage license is more useful. If you opted for a regular non-confidential marriage license, then your marriage certificate is a public record.
No, you don't have to go forward with the name change if you've changed your mind, regardless of what you specified on the license.
I have in the divorce papers that I want to go by my maiden name. But I've still been using my married name on everything. Is it ok that I do that? My ex husband doesn't want me using his name.
Yes, it's fine.
Even when my ex is fighting me on it?
Hi Kellie. Yes, it's still up to you.
My ex daughter in law is signing papers to release child support arrears on my son. Child support office has my son's last name since she filed for child support under the married name. She has been remarried with a new last name, however the child support papers releasing all child support present and arrears (child is now 29 years old and arrears are $40,000+) is in my son's last name. How does she sign the papers? Does she sign both last names or does she sign her now married name although the child support papers are in my sons last name, or does she sign what's on the document although it's no longer her last name?????
Hi Norma. She'll have to sign precisely as the document instructs. If it says name, legal name, or current name, then it would be her new name. If it references prior names, she can reference her previous name(s).
HelloValera,I am from a different country, I didn't remove my marriage name, I only added my husband's name when I did my news paper publication as is the case in my country,now I have done a new publican and removed his name entirely and I want to change my bank accounts here in the US to my maiden name but I am facing some difficulties as I have been asked to again do the name change here officially in the US. My problem now is that no one knows how that works around here for such changes and I really need my names changed on my account. What am I supposed to do please?
Hi Ada. They're likely referring to you obtaining a court ordered by way of a court petitioned name change.
I'm getting married next week and have been trying to wrap my head around my option re: last names. I work as a licensed therapist, and do not want to legally take his last name as my professional name. I would however like to be known as his last name socially, and even be able to use it on bank accounts, financial forms etc that we share, and in the future have the same last name as our kids. In my profession, many of the forms need to be signed by my legal name/ name matching my license to practice. What if any are my options to separate my professional name (First Maiden) and personal (First Hislast) while still having things legally above board?
Thank you
If you're not changing your name, then you'll just have to use your "personal" last name unofficially in social situations. Your bank may be willing to issue and accept checks in your preferred name as well.
I'm in a similar situation. I think what I am planning to do (not 100% decided) is this:
Change my legal name to: First Maiden Hislast
Change license from First Middle Maiden to: First Maiden Hislast
Everything personal: First Hislast (unless it is legally required to match my name)
Professional Correspondence: First Maiden (For example the "From" in my emails)
Professional signatures and email signatures: First Maiden Hislast
Hi! I arrived in the States in 1999 and I started using my husband's last name to make things easier, without legally changing my name. On my driving license, though, for some reason I put both my maiden name and my husband's and it has been like that all along.
I became a US citizen now and I kept my maiden name on my passport and social security, while I still have the double name on my driving license. Now the time has come that I need to renew the driving license. Can I still keep the two names so that I can still show one document with my husband's last name? Indeed in these last 18 years my name on the driving license has never matched my name on the passport…
Thank you for any help!
Hi Elisabetta. If your DMV queries the SSA database for a name match/mismatch, you may not be able to renew in the same name. Not all offices do this. If they do not perform such a lookup, you should be able to renew in your preferred name.
I got married in 2015 and chose to take my husbands last name. I still haven't updated my lisence or ID. I just got caught up with work and moving that I never got around to updating my info. My lisence is expiring this month and thinking of updating everything then. Will this be a problem?
Hi Jasmine. It shouldn't be a problem, although it's a good idea to update with SSA first.
Hello!
My situation is as Michael Cabal described above, but I would like a little clarification. When I married my husband 30 years ago, I changed my name from First Middle Maiden to First Middle Married. Recently my father passed away and I executed his estate as First Middle Married AKA First Middle Maiden Married, because if the way the will was written.
Now that both of my parents have passed, and I have been signing the estate documents as First Middle Maiden Married, I find that I would like to continue with my name in that context. What must I do legally, if anything, to be known this way?
You'd simply petition the court for a legal name change.
Hi,
I just recently change my last name to my husband's last name. I took my maiden name out. I regret taking it out. Now I'm wondering if I could add it back to social security and dmv haven't change anything else yet.? I still want to keep my married name just add maiden name.
Thank you for your help.
Hi Gisel. If you haven't actually changed it with the SSA or DMV, then there's nothing that you'd have to do. If you're saying you changed it with the SSA but not the DMV, then you'll need to obtain a court order to update the SSA again.
I got married September 24th 2016 and I haven't changed my maiden name to my husbands last name yet. My marriage license is in my husbands last name and my social security card is to. Will I get extra fined if I do it tomorrow?
Some DMV's may impose a modest fine for those who don't notify them of a name change within a certain number of days. It varies by state and is sometimes not even enforced. If you're referring to another type of fine by a different institution, please clarify.
hello, my husband just got his u.s citizenship and he wanted to do petition for me, however i am not using his surname in all of my documents, do i really need to change my family name using his surname?
No, you do not.
I have a question. When my wife and I got married, she took my last name only. Now she wants to add her maiden name to her legal last name, which is my last name. She wants to have a hyphenated last name. What is the process for that?
Hi Michael. If she's already legally changed her last name to yours, she'd have to petition the court to modify the name again.
My husband died in 2016 and I want to go back to my maiden name what do I need to do? and I need to know will it hurt me ss
Hi Lenora. You'd have to petition the court. Changing your name shouldn't affect your SS.
Hi, I'm currently in a situation that I really need help with. I got married 25 years ago in Czech Republic. Shortly after our wedding we came to the united states and I never had a chance to update my passport. I came to the United States under my maiden name passport. I've lived in the United States for over 25 years. Since my passport with my maiden name was the only I.d. I had, I was forced to use it on all my papers. After 25 years I got my green card and they put down my maiden name. Now I would like to go back to my country. I had to renew my passport and my new passport came back under my married name. Now I am dealing with a situation where I have two different names. The maiden name on my green card and my married name on my new passport. My question to you is, would they give me any problems at the airport when I am returning? My attorney told me I am good to go as long as I provide my marriage license and proper documents. what would your advice be for my situation?
Hi Eva. Your attorney's advice makes sense. Problems arise when there is insufficient supporting documentation. If you have the documents, you should be ok.
I just got married and took my husbands name on, on our marriage certificate.
Do I legally have to change my name to his, or can I continue to use my maiden name and not change anything?
I have heard this will make our marriage void unless I legally change to the name I chose on the marriage certificate.
You do not have to go through with the name change.
It won't void your marriage.
Hi,
I changed my last name legally but my passport ends in 4 years from now, so they told me its not necessary to renew my passport because they are adding this info to Page 9 on my passport. Page 9 now says (This person has legally changed her last name) and it says what the new last name is.
so at the first page of my passport it shows my old last name, but it says (look at page 9 – name changed). I already booked a trip to Vietnam with my new last name (that's on page 9).
Is that going to get me in a lot of trouble?
Hi Mar. I doubt it'll be an issue as the change is referenced within your passport.
Hi!! I just got married but I can't get use to my married last name. Do I have to change it or can I keep my maiden name? I have NOT gone and changed it at work or my social security card yet. If I do decide to keep it for now, how will I change it down the road lets say in 5 years if I decide that I do wanna take his last name?
Hi Julie. You don't have to change your name if you don't want. If you have a change of heart and want to change it later, you can. There's no time limit involved.
Thank you so much.
I changed my last name to reflect my husband’s last name on our marriage certificate. I’m realizing now that I want to keep my maiden name. My name on drivers license, social security, passport, etc is still all under my maiden name. Do I have to let someone know/fill out a form to change my name back on my marriage certificate? If not, will my name on my marriage certificate possibly affect me in the future?
THANK YOU!! :)
No.
No, it won't cause a problem.
I got married in 2014 and kept my maiden name. My husband says it bothers him that I dont have his last name. So I decided to change my last name to his. How do I do that?
Hi Teresa. It can vary by state. You may be able to just take your marriage certificate as-is and have it changed with various government institutions. Some states, such as California, require the new name choice be reflected on the certificate to avoid a court-petitioned name change.
Hi, my name is Lorena. I married my USA husband in Chile (where I am from). I currently have a 2 year green card. in Chile we don't change our names when we get married, so I kept mine.
I did all my green card paperwork with my "real" name. we bought a house, car, etc.
Now it is time to apply for my new green card and I would like to change my name and have my husband last name. would I have to change the name in our house deed ? car? everything?
Also, if I have all my current immigration papers under "my" name and I changed it just before applying for this new green card, would I have any problems? or just filling the "a.k.a." part should be enough?
thank you so much!!
Hi Lorena. House deed should be fine as-is, as you should be able to confirm your identity in the event of a name change. When you change your name on your license, you can update the car title as well. Name change is common when it comes to green cards. The agents aren't going to be flummoxed and it won't cause you a problem as long as you present evidence of the marriage and name change.
Hi there! I was recently married (October 2016) and hyphenated my last name on the marriage certificate (ex: Katie Smith-Jones). I would like to use my husbands last name (Jones) for my banking, drivers license, social security card, medical benefits, etc. but have yet to change any documents because I am in an artistic profession where I'd like to solely use my maiden name (Smith) as a stage name for recognition purposes and for any checks/money I may receive. Should I change my middle name to Smith and have it written as Katie Smith Jones for my bank account/taxes and use Katie Jones in all other areas such as credit cards, benefits? Should I change my drivers license to include both names? With the hyphen or without? I understand I would need to get a court order to change my middle name. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance :)
Hi Katie. You could do all of those things, but there's one you omitted: registering a DBA of Katie Smith, for professional purposes. That name you could put on your checks and credit cards.
I have only changed my name on my drivers license but not through ss or anything else yet. I decided I'd like to keep my maiden name as well as my new last name but on my dl I had it changed to only my married name. Can I go back and have my maiden name added back in?
Hi Katie. It's unlikely you'll be able to get your driver's license changed without another supporting documenting reflecting a new name change.
Hi.. My name is Marilyn Harris I just got married on July 14 2017… But I keeping my maiden name… So what can I use my husband name on… if I don't have his last name.. Can I get a passport with his last name if my marriage license have my maiden name or I have to go with my maiden that on my drive license
Hi Marilyn. If you update the name on your passport but nothing else, you may get into name mismatch problems down the road. Your passport should match your legal name.
I got married 3 years ago and changed my name with SS and DMV to my complete maiden name and added my married name, it is not hyphenated, my middle name and my maiden name are basically my middle "names." Professionally, I have maintained my licenses and HR information in my maiden name until recently HR questioned it … please guide me in understanding how to do this correctly.
Thank you
Hi Cynthia. It's up to your HR department to work with you. You'll have to explain that you prefer to maintain your prior name professionally and that they submit taxes, and other equivalent documents, using your legal name.
Kat
I have been married for 14 years and even though I did take his name I have never used it on anything we are now about to divorce but I'm unsure if I have to sign in my married name or the name I use plz help I'm in the uk
Hi Katrina. If you never formally/legally took your husband's name, then you'd sign with the name you've always used.
Hi.. I got divorced 10 years ago. I didn't realized I had checked the box to change to my maiden name once my divorce was final. I am still using my ex- husband's last name. Everyone at work calls me by my married last name.My passport, social, bills etc is in my ex's last name. I am about to get married. Will this be an issue? I live in New York
Hi Cheryl. No, it's not an issue. Checking the box gave you the option to return to your maiden name, but it didn't mean you were obligated to follow through.
Hi my name is Ntombi,I got married 2011 & separated with him 2013 since then we both moved on until last year he served me with divorce papers bcos I was pregnant with another man's child I now want to register the birth certificate of my child with my maiden surname not marriage surname as we are divorcing waiting
Hi Ntombi. Yes, you should be able to change your child's name as you prefer.
Thanks for the reply,forgot to ask if it's possible for me to use also my maiden surname on my child birth certificate as im also going to register her with my maiden surname
Hi Ntombi. Yes, that shouldn't be a problem.
Wow is that possible though im not yet divorced?meaning both of us me & her the birth certificate will have my maiden surname
Hi Ntombi. Yes, a prior name should be fine.
Thank you so much for the reply Monday im going to home affairs I wonder why they refused @ the hospital the lady from home affairs when I tell her im not divorced but want my maiden surname when registering the birth of my child now the child is 2months no birth certificate I will b stated as a mother with my maiden surname & my child's name with my maiden surname
Hi Ntombi. Did you provide them documentation displaying your prior name?
Yes I did,now im coming from home affairs they told me I can't use a maiden surname on registering the birth of my child I have to use a marriage surname. The child is not from my marriage when I explain they told me to do the DNA test to prove is not from my marriage
Affidavit of denial of paternity from the man you are married to is what is needed if you want to list baby's biological dad on the birth cert. Otherwise, you can name your child ANYTHING you want. The baby does not have to have the same surname as anyone. You could make one up! It's only a matter of if you are married, that's the only man who can be the listed father unless he signs a official affidavit denying paternity.
Am married to a US citizen, and I used my husbands name. But I want to go back to school and I don't want to use my marriage name on my certificate since my previous certificates as my maiden name, so can I use my maiden name when renewing my green card? Since it will expired soon. Thank you.???
Hi Harriet. If you haven't legally changed your name, you can continue using your maiden name.
Hi. I have Medicaid and was wanting to get married. I would love to change my name to his but I do not want to lose Medicaid. What should I do?
Name change doesn't affect your Medicaid status. Getting married might. You'll have to discuss how your marital status might affect your medicaid coverage with your caseworker.
About to apply for 1st time passport, please advise. Divorced 17yrs, drivers license was never changed from maiden name. Only ss# was changed when married. Will this be a problem when appling for 1st time passport? Is there anything additional i will need to provide to get passport, other than drivers license & birth cert?
Hi Lori. You'll have to apply in your legal name. You'll also need to provide two 2×2 color photographs that were taken within the last six months.
If I get married in the court, and take his last name on the marriage certificate, can I keep my maiden name on everything else until I am ready to fully change to his last name? Also, if I do go through with the name change now, would it show up on my parents insurance since I am on theirs? Also, could we file taxes jointly if i use my maiden name on all my legal documents, SS DL etc but on the marriage certificate it shows i have his last name?
Yes.
Unlikely. You'll have to contact the insurance company to update their records.
Yes.
My mum opened my bank account using her marriage certificate since I was under 16 so my bank account is under my family name but this was never my name legally my bank has always been in this name and employers have never had an issue with it. I'm now applying for a mortgage will this be an issue or not as it's still me?
Hi Hetty. It won't prevent you from getting a mortgage, it will likely have to be in your legal name.
Hello,
When we got married I signed my new name as a hyphen of maiden-husbands last name.
I have since decided for several reasons to keep my maiden name and just go by his last name in social situations. Do I need to get a new marriage certificate? Can I not change any other legal document and my marriage certificate and documents be legal? Thank you in advance. I have not done any name change except on the marriage certificate.
No, you don't need a new certificate.
Yes, that's fine.
Hi,
The CA dmv gave me a new license with my husband's last name. My social security card is still my maiden name. Now I am getting a divorce and trying to get my passport. I need my new drivers license with my maiden name but the lady wouldn't do it because my old drivers license has my husband's name even though my social security says my maiden name and also on the dmv computer it says my husband's Last name AKA my maiden name. Should I just go back to a different dmv and see if someone else will do it? I don't have time to wait for the name change documents.
Hi Esther. You can provide secondary identification instead.
My fiancee is unsure about changing her name at the moment. Is it possible that she writes down her future last name, and just doesn't change it until she feels like it, even if it's years down the road? Will that make the marriage license illegitimate? Could she just use the marriage license with here "future" last name to change it any time down the road? Thanks a ton!
Yes, she could do precisely that.
No, it wouldn't have any negative impact.
I filed my maiden name back with SS with the divorce decree. Regret now for not having the same last name as my school aged children, When I call their DR, i use my married name, as well as phone calls to school..My Question is can I get in trouble for using my married name casually,? On documents with school I sign my legal name sometimes adding the married name to the end of it is that a problem? Maybe throw a little fka on top of that?:) Thanks fro answering all these important questions for people. Many people call/write my married name knowing I changed it back to maiden, including my kids so i know its important to them.
Hi Lisa. Since you're not trying to commit fraud or avoid debts by using your previous name, it's fine to use casually.
Good day! I'm married for more than a year already but I haven't gone through the process of changing to my married name and haven't updated my marital status to "Married" in any of my documents (bank account, drivers license etc). Even my passport is still under my maiden name and I applied for it when I was single. But I do have my marriage certificate already, I just didn't have the time to update my documents. So my questions are, if for example I want to apply for a Visa (for Tourism purposes only):
1. Should I indicate my married or maiden name in the application?
2. Should I still declare myself as "single" in the marital status or should I already indicate "married" even though I haven't updated any of my documents yet?
Thanks in advance.
Maiden, since you haven't changed it.
Married. Marital status doesn't have anything to do with your name.
Hi…I recently got re married….all my photo id has my old married last name…including the deed to my house…can I hyfinate my new married name to my old one. So the name on my deed is still part of me. Or do I have to change everything?
Hi Kris. As long as you're able to verify the name on the deed is you, it really doesn't matter what you change your name to.
I think you've already answered this but basically I CA whe I went to do marriage license I did not intend to take my fiances last name as I have my own business under my current name The clerk basically talked me into moving my current last name to my married middle name and taking my fiances last name because she said if I wanted to do it sometime later it would be really difficult to not have it on this doc. I have been freaking out since this point and my questions are
1. When we have the marriage solemnized does that mean the new name on the bottom is my legal name? (The part I filled out with my maiden name as middle and his name as last)
2. Can I write in or change the doc before the wedding as I really don't want to change my name at all?
3. When we have the doc solemnized is the onus solely on me to enact the legal name change by updating it with social security?
I guess I'm confused because surely this marriage certificate gets filed somewhere and your new name gets put in some system?
Thank you in advance for your answer; I have been worried sick
No, it'll just give you the option if you choose to change it.
No, you shouldn't alter the issued license. You can return to the clerk and request it be amended.
Yes, if you don't initiate the name change, nothing changes.
Once it's returned, it'll get registered as a vital record. But the clerk doesn't know nor care if you follow through with the name change. It's not their concern.
I am getting married in Oct and I was thinking about keeping my maiden name as well as take his last name . example ( missy short long) I take care of my father and in his Will I am left with everything. i was wondering if by me keeping my madien name and along with my married name, My name is on the deed of the house but with my birth name. do I have to change it to say my madien and married name. Can I use both names in the future without changing anything?
Hi Rosalind. You wouldn't have to have the name on the deed changed as long as you can verify your identity, which shouldn't be a problem.
My maiden name not changed after marriage. I have applied for a green card in 2007. DS 140 form also is in my maiden name.whether I should change My sir name for further processes. I have one experience from my previous employer having sir name of my husband. ,mam I would like to know whether it will be a problem during my visa interview .please tell me whether I should change My maiden name and add my husband's sir name in all documents .
Hi Reni. If you're asking if you must change your surname to your husband's, then the answer is no. If you're asking something else, please clarify.
Hello,
I recently got married in NYC, and checked the box on the marriage license application to change my last name to my husband's last name. Since we've gotten married (and gotten our official marriage certificate, which indicates I have a new last name), I haven't changed my name anywhere else…and I'm not sure I want to. Am I legally obligated to, or would there be ramifications if I didn't, change my name in certain places (SS card, passport, driver's license, bank, any others)? Is it possible to just keep my husband's name legally/on my marriage license, but NOT change it anywhere else? Would that cause problems for me down the line? (Filing taxes, etc.?) Thanks in advance for your help.
No, you're not required to follow through with the name change.
Yes.
No, it won't be a problem.
My daughter is listed in my Last Will and Testament (in Florida) with her "married" name but she has been separated using her "maiden" name for over 5 years. Her US Passport uses her maiden name. Is it necessary for me to do a Codicil making the change from her married name back to her maiden name (my last name)?
Hi Stephen. You won't have to change your daughter's name in your last will and testament as long as she's able to prove she's the beneficiary. Her marriage certificate would be sufficient proof.
So my daughter applied for Fasa and has appealed it -when she first applied I used my maiden name (had nothing changed)but about a few months ago I just changed to my married name and I've been using my maiden name still when signing papers -well she has now appealed Fasa /financial aid for assistants for college funds and i just realized I sign with my maiden name and not married and submitted the appeal(all docs had my maiden name ) – and I've changed my name with the dmv and SS office – do you think this will matter ?
Very helpful-glad we can leave comments
Hi Ms. Taylor. I doubt it would cause a problem, since your parental information is linked to your social security number. However, it is possible for her to update her FAFSA profile.
Hello, all is f the above are very useful but I have a question.
I was recently sent a chance to cover miss sold PPI for a crefit card I had taken out in my maiden name many years ago.
I went to HSBC with birth cert, marriage cert and passport plus letters from the finance company it they would not allow me to pay in the checks. I am worried if I sent them back to the originator that they may take ages to reissue. Is there anything else I can do?
Hi Ana. What was the reason given? Did they require additional supporting identity documents?
Hi,
Can i keep mu maiden surname on all legal documents like PAN card, driving license, passport, bank accounts even if i have changed my name legally by doing a gazette.
Can i continue using my maiden name will it have any legal implication in future
Hi Vrushali. Yes, you should be able to keep it.
so I will not face any legal implication while claiming a property which is on my maiden name
Hi Vrushali. No, as you'd able to prove you are the same person.
Hi Valera,
I am very confused as to what to do. I went through a divorce in 2013, in which my lawyer filed a name change decree which was approved by the judge, so that I could use my maiden name. Due to other issues, I never changed my name back to my maiden name with social security on my license. For most purposes, I still use my married name. I am planning to purchase a home. Should I continue using my married name which is on my ss card and id, or is it too late to get them changed back to my maiden name?
Hi Melissa. It's not too late to use your divorce decree to restore your maiden name. If your home purchase is imminent, you should factor in the processing time it would take to complete your name change.
Hi, I have been married for 30 years, and want to add my maiden name back because my husbands name is so hard to pronounce "Eckardt" and spell! Ha! My maiden name, "Courtney" I always loved!
So if I just start adding it as my middle name, do I legally need to change everything? I don't care if my social security card, drivers licence, bank, etc. statement is in my legal husbands last name, my concern is just with convenience, socially, and I just miss my name,mostly in social situations, after all I identify with being Debbie Courtney.
My husband does not have any issues, he understands his name is hard to spell, (everybody wants to put in an H) pronounce, etc. and says to go ahead. Can this be a problem?
Hi Debbie. If you're just using it in social situations, you don't have to undergo a formal name change.
Hi I have a question I have a daughter who married an American. She decided to keep her maiden name as her middle name. Can she still renew her drivers license and passport in her maiden name only?
Hi Leena. If she changes her name with the SSA and the DMV queries the SSA's database, they'll likely want the names to match.
i have been married since 2015 to a woman and i am also a woman. i changed my last name to hers and i am still working under my maiden name and filing taxes as single/head of household in my maiden name as well. me n my spouse has been separated for a year but still married even tho we never really made any legal separation. we are just working on us. is this is illegal
Hi Shavera. Did you actually go through a formal name change? If not, then it would make sense for you to continue filing in your maiden name. Since you're married, the marital status when filing should have been as married.
i have a social and license in my married name. i didnt want to use my married name for work which is what led to my taxes still being in my maiden name as well. if i file separated on taxes they want me to be legally separated. if i file married they want her info and we are not on that page as of now.
but twist is i also have an id and ss with my maiden name so thats how ive been getting by with no issues. when my id expires then me n spouse would know by then if we are going to be together or not and whether i have to renew the license with the married name or work on just switching it back to my maiden.
Hi Shavera. Presumably the IRS has your married name on file, as it would match the SSA's record. When you're filing with your maiden name, a name mismatch would occur and would have to handled by an automated or manual process. This doesn't necessarily mean it'll result in a rejection, but it has to be accommodated. Apparently, yours have just been accommodated.
I'm getting married and I'm now getting my fiance's last name, but I don't want to change any of my identification documents just yet because we're both still in school and it's just too much paperwork right now. Is it okay that I leave everything under my maiden name for about 3 more years? And if it is okay, for fasfa can I also do this while still putting that I'm married?
Yes, that wouldn't be a problem.
Yes.
Hi my name is Maria Reyes I am legally married but have not changed my last name in my passport, social security, and license we will soon baptize my son and they asked me if I wanted my husbands last name on the certificate. I am fine with this as maybe in the future I will eventually change my last name as we have been married for 10 years. My only concern is if I can do this?
Yes, you can do this.
Can an employer require the usage of an employee's maiden name on employment documents, such as an employment contract, even though the employee is married and assumed her husband's last name? Does it make a difference if the name after marriage is: Jane Maiden or Jane Maiden Married or Jane Married Maiden?
Thank you.
Hi Christine. I don't understand how or why they'd want to enforce this. For tax purposes, they'd be filing under a name that wouldn't match what the IRS has on file.
I was married 25 years and got divored but kept my ex last name now I'm remarried and have my husband last name on SS card and driver's license bank accounts but not up dated some other accounts can I leave some Credit cards in ex last name ?
Hi Shortcake. Yes, you can.
I recently got married in CA and had them change my last name to my married name. I had intended to also change my middle name to my maiden name and completely forgot during the paperwork.
Here is a generic example of what I am talking about:
Maiden Name: Mary Lynn Smith
Marriage Certificate Name: Mary Lynn White
Intended Name: Mary Smith White
Is my legal name change with social security dependent of what is listed on my marriage certificate? If so, is it too late to change it? I basically want to drop my middle name altogether but not sure if I can now.
Hi Kristen. In California, it goes by what's on your certificate, so you're looking at having to petition the court to modify your middle name after the fact.
I recently changed my name after I got married last month. We purchased a house together last year, so my maiden name is on the deed of the house. Am I required to change my last name on the deed? Our lawyer is charging $295 for the name change and for the county recording (we are in IL). Also, I purchased a car last year in March and never received the title. It says online it costs $95 to get an official copy of my title in order to change the name on it. Is it necessary to change my last name on the title? I changed my last name on my auto loan already.
Thanks in advance!
No, you're not required to change it.
You'll have to take that up with the SOS. Since you'd have to update your driver's license, you could do the title at the same time.
My "husband" and I had a ceremony and we're married but did not submit any paperwork or anything to state that we were legally married. This is a long story but can be summed up by money hungry ex looking to fatten a child support check for kids who call me mom. That being said, I want my husband's last name. Should I include my maiden name (ex. Smith-Williams) or just drop my name? If I include my name, do I still need to change my legal documents?
Are you referring to a common-law marriage?
I am 64 years old and want to keep my maiden name for legal situations while using my married name in social situations. Is this possible?
Hi Betty. Yes, you can accomplish that precisely as you'd laid out.
Hi Valera,
I am in exactly the same situation as Betty Gray above.
Currently, my last name is of my first husband, who died while we were married.
Now, I am getting remarried and I want to legally keep the same last name (of my deceased husband, since I had this name for 40 years and my son and grandkids have the same last name) while socially I want to use my new husband last name.
Please advise me how should I complete the marriage application and how should I sign the marriage license.
I would like in marriage license to have both last names without a hyphen, but as I mentioned, to use old one as my legal name and the new one socially.
Please advise asap. Thank you
Hi Geo. Not all marriage licenses have a spot to specify a new last name, so if you're in that situation you'd sign your current legal name. If it does have a spot to specify a new name, you can enter you new husband's surname with the understanding that it's nonbinding. In other words, the new last name will be reflected on the marriage license and certificate, but you don't actually have to change it officially.
Hello
I've been married since August 2016 and I hyphenated my maiden name with married name (e.g. Jane Sam-Stewart) my green card and passport is still in my maiden name , but my SSA is in my new name and most of my banks cards would it be an issue with Using not changing my green card and passport right away to my new name or can I still travel with maiden name until I decide to change my GC and PP?
Hi Sebrina. You should still be able to travel fine as long as you make sure the name on your tickets match what's on your passport.
Good night,
I got a divorce from my first husband, and re-marry again in Texas. I signed my name on the marriage certificate using my ex husbands last name which is my legal name as written in my passport. Now my current husband is filing for me to become a US resident. Can I fill out USCIS application form using my ex husband last name, being that is the name in my passport? Can I keep my ex husband last name for SSN, and other important documents and use my current husband last name socially? How will using my ex husband last name impact on my green card, filing income tax and later apply for citizenship. I found it really hard to give up my ex husband last name being that we were married for 27 years and my children has the same last name. There was nothing in the court order to go back to my maiden name. How will using my ex last name affects me when its time to file joint income tax with my current husband? Do I have to change my passport to my current husband last name? When travelling international do I book my ticket with the name in my passport or my current married name? Please spread some light on this for me. Thank you very much for your response.
Yes.
Yes.
It wouldn't.
It wouldn't affect you. Your last name and marital filing status aren't related.
No.
Passport name.
I need to request new certificate of employments from my previous employers which that time I was single. Now that I'm married and using my husband's surname, do I need to ask them to provide me latest certificate of employment on my new name or can they still use my maiden name-which they have in their records? Do I also need to change my professional ID to my married surname?
Hi Ruby. Your previous employer is likely to only provide the record they have on file, unless you specifically ask for an updated document. The old should suffice, considering it's your ex-employer. I don't know what you're referring to when you say "professional ID." Are you talking about your workplace ID?
Good Evening,
My husband and I got married 3 years ago and I never took his name however now that we have a child together I'd like to change it. I never changed it because I am a doctor and want to continue to use my maiden name professionally. Do I have to have my maiden name included in my new "legal" name in order to be able to continue to use it professionally? Any and all information is greatly appreciated!
No, as this is an employer and licensing board issue. You'll have to make arrangements with them to commence using a professional alias.
I changed my last name about a week ago but want to add my maiden name as a middle name now. Can i still do it?
Hi Valentina. If you've already changed it with the SSA or DMV, they'll require a court order to modify it again.