Hyphenating Your Last Name After Marriage: Pros and Cons
Do you plan to hyphenate your last name after marriage? There's a vast array of name change factors that could impact your decision, beyond "does it sound good?"
This article will outline the pros and cons of hyphenating your last name, making the best choice for you and your spouse, and updating legal documents and identification cards.
The calm before the name change storm
Congratulations on tying the knot. You're in for… okay, we can't lie. While marriage is great, the wedding planning journey can overload your stress markers.
Of course, you must step back, take time to apply for your marriage license, and then determine whether it's even worth changing your last name after marriage.
Welcome to this brief hyphenated surname guide that will explain:
- What is hyphenation?
- Is it a good idea?
- Is it disrespectful?
- Will it impact your kids?
- How to legally hyphenate your name?
When the bourgeois reigned supreme
Onetime, it was normal to expect a wife to take her husband's last name; abandoning her original name altogether.
Polite society saw the act of keeping her maiden name taboo. Eyebrows raised straight off their faces. Shocked to discover the bride dared consider such a radical act.
But times and culture have evolved. Today, more women are deciding to keep their original names, in one form or another, and it's met with far less hostility.
Nostalgia, family, and keeping the peace
There are many reasons to keep your last name in play. (Your family legacy, for one.) Here's hoping you have a supportive partner who understands why this approach appeals to you.
Still, the personal choice to retain your birth name may cause concern. Even if your spouse is okay with it, your in-laws might give you grief about your pick. (Your own family too.)
The naysayers—silent, gossipy, and vocal—may declare, "How dare you commit the selfish act of retaining your original identity after marriage?" What about the next generation?
But is there a win-win pathway? Yes, of course…
Ready, set, compromise
There are several decent ways to compromise on the whole "you wanting to keep your name and your spouse hating the idea" problem.
1. Create a different name
Many couples decide to invent a new last name to share, creating a unique identity together. By doing so, they tackle the legalities of the name change process together.
Do you prefer to fabricate a brand new family name without precedent? Then you may have to file a court petition for a court ordered name change.
2. Hyphenate: the happy medium
The most popular compromise is to hyphenate your last name and your spouse's last name. This allows you to keep using your own surname while adopting your spouse's surname.
What is a hyphenated name?
A hyphenated name is when you join two last names with a hyphen (-). It's also known as a double surname. For example, Ms. Hall marries Mr. Miller to become Mrs. Hall-Miller.
Two last names vs. a hyphen
You shouldn't conflate hyphenating with a double-barreled surname, which has no hyphen and is more associated with using a space to separate surnames.
A hyphenated name is considered one last name, not two separate, independent names to be switched back and forth on a whim.
For instance, when alphabetizing a hyphenated name, the first part comes first. For a space-separated, double-barreled name, the last part would come first.
The hyphen makes it obvious for most people that you have two names, avoiding the confusing error of mistaking part of your last name for another segment.
Is hyphenation even legal?
Name change through hyphenation is legal. It's valid as taking your partner's last name as-is. It's no more or less lawful than any other name change through marriage.
Federal and state agencies will accept your new hyphenated name after marriage, from the social security office and passport agencies to motor vehicle departments.
Which last name goes first when hyphenating?
Either you or your spouse's surname can come first or last when you hyphenate last names. And you should always capitalize both names in a hyphenated last name.
There's no hyphenation law or rule. But whoever opts to hyphenate their name will more often than not spell their last name first. Still, you don't have to follow this custom.
For example, if Adrian Brown marries Drew Davis, the hyphenated last name could be Brown-Davis or Davis-Brown. It's up to you whose name comes first or last.
If your partner is hyphenating too, they can sync their last name sequence to equal yours, or reverse it. It's unorthodox, yet okay to have different last names.
Pros! Why is hyphenation a good thing?
Compromise is the biggest reason so many people choose to hyphenate their names. You keep your identity while you honor your commitment to your new spouse.
1. Guarding achievements
Hyphenating your name is a great way to stay connected with what you've accomplished in life before getting married. (There goes the win-win we alluded to earlier.)
For example, many people choose to hyphenate their names because they've earned higher educational degrees and certifications under their maiden names.
They want their identities associated with work they've published or publicized. Losing or obscuring years of recognition for a change of name is an avoidable sacrifice.
The same logic applies to men who take their wives' names and same-sex couples. Sustaining your individuality and title is an understandable pursuit.
2. Bucking tradition
You can take your spouse's surname as-is, or you could hyphenate it. There's no compelling reason to avoid two names, other than convention.
While name change traditions may be hard to break, they're not:
- Rooted in good sense
- Based on any legal rationale, or
- Beyond what people have just done by default
3. Linking your personal and professional identity
A giant reason to consider hyphenation is to preserve your profile in your community—the persona you've spent your whole life building.
Hyphenation can help bridge the gap between your personal and professional life. Providing an off-ramp if you're wary of giving up your accomplishments and name.
Further, hyphenating makes it easier for friends, family, and colleagues to transition to your newfound name since they'll have something familiar to latch onto.
Whether you're a doctor, lawyer, nurse, or other professional, name recognition among your peers and community is important, and a hyphenated last name helps sustain awareness.
Cons! Why might hyphenation be a bad thing?
"I wish someone had told me these problems could've happened after hyphenating," is a huge pain worth avoiding by considering the following potential shortcomings.
1. Outdated, legacy software and computer systems
Hyphenated names are harder for computers to handle. Deficient software may not recognize the hyphen as an accepted special character when you input personal information.
Apps and databases may choke—by intentional or flawed design—on non-alphabetic characters. If flexible, their character sets will allow apostrophes, hyphens, and accents.
This means you'd have to drop the hyphen or replace it with a space. Such name inconsistency can cause trouble later.
Caution: Agencies may drop your hyphen without warning; even merging your two last names into one whole word instead of using a space separator.
2. Lanky, tongue-twister combination
Hyphenated last names are longer. (No kidding!) They get unwieldy if you and your spouse's surnames are already long. It could be a handful to write and a mouthful to pronounce.
You might run out of space filling out online forms that set max lengths. And paper forms too. Chiefly form fields with restrictive, compartmentalized boxes.
3. Complainers, misogynists, and zealots
If outside opinions matter to you, know that large swaths of today's society consider hyphenated names annoying or snobby.
Traditionalists believe that not accepting your spouse's last name alone (especially husband and wife) is an enormous sign of contempt and a lack of commitment.
Suddenly, self-appointed linguists and spelling bee experts are eager to debate how to address you by your new last name, as if inconveniencing them were your life's mission.
4. Angry, old-school spouse
Your spouse might consider hyphenation disrespectful. Orthodox or conservative views may believe it's "right" for a woman to take her husband's name; even if she feels otherwise.
Whether your spouse insists on your legally adopting their current last name throws a red flag or not, it's still something you should take into consideration.
5. Negative effect on children
Here's a common worry among parents:
- I'm hyphenated.
- My children are unhyphenated.
- Will they get confused, frustrated, or embarrassed?
Kids with hyphenated names might become flummoxed or self-conscious when they're older and start making friends whose names aren't hyphenated.
And what happens if your son or daughter grows up and marries someone with a hyphen in their name? Will they face the prospect of hyphens atop hyphens?
How do you hyphenate a married name?
Deciding to hyphenate your name is one thing. Applying it to your new social security card, driver's license, and official paperwork is another. Learning "how to" is your next step…
- Apply for your marriage license.
- Get married.
- Get your marriage certificate.
- Notify the Social Security Administration, DMV, etc.
When applying to marry, the marriage license application may ask for your new name after marriage. Fill it in so it'll show up on your marriage certificate.
If the marriage form didn't have a spot for a new name, your marriage certificate is still usable. If you're unsure, a missing married name on your certificate could jam you.
When you get a certified copy of your marriage certificate, start by changing the name on your social security card. Then update your driver's license (or REAL ID) and passport.
And don't forget to update your:
- Doctor's office
- School
- Diplomas
- Professional licenses
- Customers and clients
- Memberships
- Employers
- Utilities
- Social media profiles
- Voter registration
- Bank accounts
- Credit cards
- Among other records
If you're hyphenating and moving, submit a USPS change of address in both your pre-marriage name and hyphenated name to avoid lost mail.
Alternatives to hyphenation
Are you decided on name change, but not 100% on hyphenation? Here are a few alternative name change options to consider.
1. No name change
If you're not sure that hyphenation—or any other name shift—fits your profile, name change may not be right for you. You can keep your maiden name as your legal name.
There's no right or wrong answer, whatever you decide. It's better to wait and be correct, then rush and panic to undo your legal name change.
2. Take your spouse's name
You can go the traditional route and simply replace your last name with your spouse's last name, which is the default choice for most women.
Taking your mate's surname alone remains the reigning name change champ. It's a good, sober choice, in no danger of being dethroned.
3. Maiden name to middle name
Replacing your middle name with your maiden name is a popular choice and a great substitute for hyphenating your name; the end results are very similar.
It keeps your last name active while evading many of the pitfalls of hyphenation. But you'd have to ditch your current middle name, which could be tough to surrender.
4. Continue using your maiden name socially
There's nothing stopping you from changing your name while still using your maiden name on an informal or professional basis. You could even DBA your current name.
It's not the name you'd use to sign legal documents, tax filings, or job applications; those demand your true legal name. But amongst family, pals, and coworkers, where's the harm?
In conclusion (or what it all boils down to!)
There are private and professional reasons to weigh when hyphenating your last name. The question is whether you're willing to compromise beyond your original last name.
Hyphenation epitomizes compromise, where both sides prevail in the tug of war over whose last name will carry on for future generations.
Lucky for you, we can help streamline your name change after marriage. Our online name change kit, from forms to step-by-step guidance, make the process a breeze.
Wishing you a seamless name change journey ahead!
Since I hyphenated my last name should I leave blank the space in filling out forms that say "Middle Initial"?
Hi Lourdes. Your middle initial is the first letter of your middle name. It doesn't have anything to do with your hyphenated surname.
Hi so for mine I have my last name and and husband. My question is do when I sign for anyrhing do I put both last names or can I just sign my first and his last name
Hi Jess. Sign the full surname on legal and government documents, and use your best judgment for more informal situations. If you suspect the name you provide to be queried against a government database, use your full legal name.
I got married last year, december. Almost of my records have my hyphenated surname but when I tried using it on TIN, the computer won't allow such, what my HR did is connect my surname and husband's without space. Do you think it will affect my records in the future?
Hi VJ. The computer should have accepted it as the hyphen is an acceptable character for a TIN's name control.
If I hyphenate my maiden and married name, will I have to change everything or could I keep just my maiden name on everything?
Hi Coleen. If you're just hyphenating your name on your marriage license/certificate, then it wouldn't actually change anything until you go through the steps of contacting various government entities about your new name change.
Hi. I am married with children and never formally changed my name but sometimes use the hyphenated version of my maiden-married name. I’m purchasing family address labels and have this question. My hyphenated name is long can I abbreviate my maiden name and use my full last name. So if my name is Sunny Johnson-Rhodes can I purchase the stamp in this format…
“The J.-Rhodes Family”
Hi Senait. If you're usage is informal, then you can do whatever you prefer.
I have applied for my marriage license 4 days ago, I had only take my fiance surname but now I want to hype my surname to his, the wedding is in two weeks, can I just go back and change it , will there be additional cost? I'm from Minnesota.
Thanks much ….
Hi Kay. You can return to the office where you obtained your marriage license and have them void your old license and reissue you another with your preferred name. You may have to repay the license fee, which in Minnesota is quite steep. It's one of the most expensive states in the nation for a marriage license.
Hello,
I just got married in September and am thinking I'd like to keep my last name and add his, with no hyphen. I saw a response from Valera saying that "space-separated names aren't particularly well supported for marriage-based name changes." What does that mean exactly?
I had also been considering having 2 middle names (my original middle name, space, my maiden name), but then it occurred to me that I might need to change my birth certificate. Would that be the case, if I changed my middle name?
Thank you so much for your help…
It means there's a high probability such a name change wouldn't be accepted by the SSA and DMV.
If you were able to implement such a name change you wouldn't have to update your birth certificate to match.
I am getting married in January and want to put my husband's last name before my maiden name, so essentially two last names but not hyphenated!!! So for a fake example Sarah (first), Plain (middle name), And (husband's last name, Tall (my maiden name).
Sarah Plain And Tall
Hi Faith. Space-separated names aren't particularly well supported for marriage-based name changes. That's the main problem with such a choice.
Hi! Your replies are so helpful.
I got married 2 months ago in NY and still reside in NY. In my marriage certificate I chose to take my husband's last name. I haven't gone forth with the legal name change with SS or dmv. I'd now like to have his last name as a hyphen when I change it legally, not as my only last name: so Firstname Maiden-His. Do I need a court order to add the hyphen? Or can I simply show my marriage certificate that already has his last name and hyphen it at the SS and dmv?
Thanks so much!!
Hi DSA. Unless you can get your certificate amended (which is reserved for mistakes), you'll likely need a court order.
I got married last October and have been trying to get my name change done since (1 year now). I had done married-maiden, I got my social security card changed thus but when I went to get my state ID they said no. Is there anything I can do? Or will I just have to get my social card redone again?
Hi Luz. Was an explanation given for your request being denied? Changing your name with the SSA again could entail obtaining a court order.
hi, i was planning to keep my middle name and hypen my maiden name to his. my question is..what would be the middle name of my children soon? my current middle name or may maiden name?
You can choose anything for your child's middle name.
I will be getting married soon for the first time. My son has my maiden name. My daughter has my fiancé's. I have a two business LLC's all documented in my maiden name. I would like to take my fiance's name but t fear the legal document nightmare. We are both ok with me keeping my maiden name. I would really like to use my married name for my daughter but would also like to keep my maiden for my son. Oh, and did I mention that my middle name is the one I use daily?!? Help!
Hi Shauntelle. You could just use your married name informally (in social situations) and continue using your maiden name for all professional and tax-related purposes.
Hi,
I recently got married and I hyphenate my name. I want to change my name on my SS card to just my husbands last name. Can I just change my name to his last name or do I have to use the whole hyphenate name?
Thanks,
Tiffany
Hi Tiffany. If your marriage certificate shows your hyphenated name, that's typically what you'll have to change it to. You may experience flexibility with the SSA, but the DMV may be a different story.
I recently got married in California. I still haven't decided if I want to change my name and if so, what to change it to, so am frustrated that I had to make a choice on the license up front. Anyway, I would really like to keep my middle name and liked the way it sounded to have my married name first, so put First Middle Married Maiden on the marriage license. Now I am reconsidering to do the standard way of First Middle Maiden Married, but am dreading the court name change process. So, I guess the question is, is this at all common or mostly women go the standard way of Maiden first?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi Allyson. It's typically maiden first, but there's no reason for you to stick with that if you'd prefer it to go last.
I'm a New York resident. On my marriage license I said that I would take my future husband's name. I don't want to change my ss card, drivers license, passport bank accounts or work info. Can I just continue to use my maiden name? Is this legal?
Yes, to both questions.
So, while this was a good read, I do have a question of sorts. My last name is my mothers maiden name. Even though she married my father after I was born, my last name was never changed. When they divorced, my father was awarded custody of me, and all through my school years I went as an Ericksen. Until I found out that my last name, legally, was Maloney when I was 18. I absolutely hate my mothers last name. She had no part of my growing up, and it's a memory I'd rather forget. I'm due to get married in December of 2019. I want to hyphenate my name, because I want to incorporate my fathers name, my heritage of Ericksen into my family. Can this be done? Or do I need to legally change my name to Ericksen before I can consider using it to hyphenate with. Everything from my school years (Diplomas', awards, etc) are in Ericksen but that was before I was an adult.
Hi Kayla. Yes, you would have to change it through court first.
Hello,
I'm a California resident and just got married last month. This is my second marriage and I kept my married name from my previous marriage for the sake of the kids. My kids are adults now, but my son was very sensitive about me changing my last name, and then my now husband was sensitive about me not taking on his last name (a bit old fashioned). So I thought I'd compromise and hyphenate my last name (and by the way, I don't have a middle name either), but now I'm on the fence about hyphenating my last name as I understand it could be a bit of a pain. The marriage license does have my last name hyphenated (i.e., Smith-Koors) and I know I need to go to SS, DMV, change the passport, etc. and make all the legal name changes at some point.
My question is if on the marriage license my last name is hyphenated, do I need to continue hyphenating my name on everything else (SS, DMV, passport, legal docs, etc.)? Or can I not hyphenate it where I can keep my personal bank account and credit cards as is (i.e., B. Smith) and then use my married name as needed (i.e, B. Koors or full name B. Smith Koors when needed )? I'm trying to figure out if I need to hyphenate my last name or not, and if not, how I can use it.
Thanks!
Barb
Name change on the license is non-binding. You don't have to change your name on any document if you don't want to.
If you don't hyphenate, you'd have to use your prior last name in all formal situtations.
If you don't a legal name name change, then you could only use your hyphenated name informally. When you do your taxes, fill out a government form, etc, you'll have to use your legal, non-hyphenated name.
Hi,
I am Heritage O. Miller. I and my fiancee have agreed she would adopt my first and last as her new last name(which would be hyphenated anyway)…so she will now be called Mrs. Bethle' Praise Heritage-Miller……while our children will also use the last; Heritage-Miller together with their given first and second names. Will these potend future problems to her or the children in their travelling documents or passport?
Regards.
No, I don't see why it would cause a problem.
Thanks alot for your insight and counsel. Regards
I am in Michigan
I want to keep my maiden name and take my new husbands. What is the difference using and hypen and not using one and Madien first or last?
(First, Middle, Maiden New) or (First, Middle, Maiden-New) Or (First, Middle, New-Maiden)
Thank You
Hi Brenda. Although sequence doesn't matter, you may face resistance from the SOS office about using a space instead of a hyphen.
Thank you
What is the order of alphabetizing?
Maiden-New
New-Maiden
Hi Brenda. You can order it either way.
I am getting married but have a child from a previous relationship ( not married). I want to drop my maiden name (let's say "Doe") and take my husbands (Smith) and my childs last name (james) instead. So the finial product would be Jane James-Smith. Is that possible to do without going through 2 seperate name changes?
Also, I live in florida if that helps.
Hi Erica. No, since "James" was not a previously held surname, you would have to get a court order to hyphenate.
I was married in 2008 and kept my name as I was involved in high profile law suit at time. We planned on me taking husband's name after trial. Now what is the simplest way for me to just hyphenate name and use both names.
Valera, I might add that we were married in Oklahoma and I sign most all documents and checks Bender Jones even though our marriage certificate says
Desirae Bender can I just use certificate to showing we are married and I have chosen to use Bender Jones as my last name.
Hi Desirae. You could hyphenate, but using a space may not be possible without a court order.
Hi Desirae. Use a certified copy of your marriage certificate to complete a name change.
When I was married 39 years ago in Mississippi, I dropped my first name given at birth so that my name became *middle,maiden,married*. This was done without any special hearing or court proceeding.. It was done simply by request when we applied for our license and is reflected on all legal and professional documents in this way. My husband has since died and I am remarrying in California in a just few months. We live in Alabama. I intended to keep all of my names with the exception of the first birth name that I dropped previously (I.e middle, maiden, 1st married, new married), but in reading the string, I am now concerned that the dropping of my first name might not have been legal. Could you please explain this further?
If I find that it is legal, and I go forward with all four names, what are the designations of them? Which is considered first, middle and last? Am I asking for trouble while my reasons are just sentimental. I am not under pressure in my decisions. Thank you in advance!
Dropping your first name requires a court order.
Name change laws 39 years ago were not as well defined as they are today. If you were able to change it with all valid government agencies back then, then that's your legal name. You wouldn't be able to effect such a change so easily today though.
Hi, I am currently filling out my marriage license and have a few questions. 1) when I hyphenate my name can I keep my maiden name as is on my SS card and all other documents that require my SS number? 2) If I change my name on my SS card as my hyphen name do I have to change it at the DMV, taxes and etc…? 3) If I get married now, but wait a few years to change my name on my SS card as my hyphenate name, because I want to have a child and my family all have the same name can I do so? 4) When you get a marriage certificate does the husband and wife each get there own or do they only issue one?
Yes.
Some states have laws that say you must notify the DMV of a name change within X time frame, but they're typically toothless. You'll eventually have to update your name with the DMV when it comes time to renew. So, it's a now or later proposition.
When you change your name with the SSA, the IRS is notified. Feel free to read more about IRS and name change.
Yes, you can wait.
One, although you can order multiple copies.
I got married recently in GA (and live in GA). I want to hyphenate my last name to Cyr-Kroh. I did so with the SSA with no problem. I went to get my drivers license changed and they wouldn't hyphenate it so now my license says Cyr Kroh. At the dmv they said the marriage certificate had to have it exactly how it would go on my license. I was concerned about this and had previously gone to the probate court and asked them if I needed to get a marriage certificate with the new hyphenated last name and they said no. it was fine how it was. So now I'm really confused. Most other name change things use your license for verification… does the hyphen matter? Can I just hyphenate it anyway even if it isn't that way on my license? Should I go back to the SSA and redo it so it doesn't have a hyphen? To add to the mix – I'm planning on moving to another state in a few months and am concerned about what might happen when I get a new license.
But it's not fine from the DDS' perspective. Have you inquired about getting your certificate amended, as unlikely as that may be?
It depends on the institution. Some may accept it, some may not.
It's doubtful they'll process another name change using your same marriage certificate.
A new license from Georgia or the other state? The other state will be governed by their state's regulations and not Georgia's.
We are having trouble working out what way sounds better Pearce-Benning or Benning-Pearce!!! Help!!!
Hi Sally. There's no right or wrong, although Pearce-Benning does seem to roll off the tongue easier.
I live in Montana and I got married on the 5th of this month, to a fellow service member. I have built a reputation under my maiden name within the military and even though when we got married I signed my name first, middle, husband's last name, can I now hyphenate it? Or just add my husband's last name to my name without a hyphen? And do I need to go to court to file for a name change to do it? My son and I had the same last name and I fought so hard for him to have it and now he is feeling like I left the team. I told him I would look into changing it, but I still want my husband's last name as well. If I hyphenate it, I could wear either one on my uniform, since Matanane Olson won't fit on one name tape. Some people were happy I changed it because Olson is easier to say than Matanane. But I am concerned for my son's feelings and also there is a lot of family pride with my maiden name not to mention my professional reputation attached to it that I would like to hang onto somehow. I just don't know what my options are….
Hi Kayla. I don't believe the space option is possible without a court order. Hyphenation is possible without a court order. Have you considered replacing your middle name with your maiden name?
Valera,
Is that possible? I do not have a middle name and I want to keep my maiden name, so I definitely do this.
Could clarify what you're asking is possible? A space between your last names? If so, you'll have to specify the U.S. state, as what's allowed varies.
Maybe look into doing a maiden to middle name shift.
I recently got married 4 months ago and have not changed my last name to my husbands yet. I have two middle names and want to hyphen my last name. Will the hyphen erase my two middle names?
No, it wouldn't.
I married 5 years ago and my marriage license has my husband's last name because that's what he wanted. I never changed my last name on any documents because I have professional licenses prior to marriage. Can I go back now and hyphenated my name and still use my maiden name on all documents.
Hi Kim. It depends on the state. Some require what's specified on the license and subsequent certificate of marriage to match what you change to.
Is it weird to change my name to
"First Rodriguez Chang?"
Chang is my maiden and Rodriguez is his.
Hi Jamie. I don't see anything odd about it.
We live in California and are a same sex couple that will be getting married in August. My fiancee has decided to take on my last name. However, I happen to have a hyphenated last name, May-Smith. My fiancee loves my first last name "May", but is not too crazy about "Smith". Is it possible for her to only take my first last name "May"? or does she have to adopt my entire hyphenated last name?
Hi Mrs. Cali. Yes, California offers segmented name changes allowing you or your spouse to choose a portion of the birth name or current last name. More info is available on the California name change page. Specifically the blended names subsection.
When I married 33 years ago I took my husband's name but in the last two years there is a person with my exact name and exact birth date in our area. It is becoming more common for Dr's and the hospital to mix us up and information is constantly being filed under her name not mine. Because of this I would like to add my maiden name and hyphenate it with my married name. What do I have to do? Where do I begin the change?
We have already even had a car accident of hers filed under me. I'm afraid if I don't make a change something more serious could happen.
Hi Denise. Take a look at the court petitioned name change page for what you'll have to do. When you get your court order, you'll it to update your documents, including your medical license.
My fiancé and I are planning on both doing hyphens. Currently we are of the mind that our original lastnames would be first and then the others. For example, he would be Joe Shmoe-Doe and I would be Jane Doe-Shmoe. Do you think this would be problematic? We still have to decide which last name our future children will be taking. Also, I didn't know someone could have two last names! Might this be a better option for us than the hyphen?
Would really love some insight!
Only a few states allow the man to change his name to his wife's without having to go to court.
The mother decides.
All states recognize hyphens. Few states recognize spaces. It depends.
Neither is really better or worse, just different. If you go with a space, the first part of the last name may be confused with the middle.
Thanks for the info!
We live in Canada, so we'll have to see what the laws are for our province.
When I marry I'd like to keep my maiden name and add his to mine without hyphenation. If our last names are Abbott (mine) and Costello (his) and my last name becomes Abbott Costello. Then can I go by Costello? Or does it have to be Abbott Costello? And does it matter which way the names go? Abbott Costello or Costello Abbott?
Hi Kimberley. This type of double-barreled name isnt't well supported. There's often inconsistency between the SSA and DMV about what's acceptable. While hyphenation is universally recognized, spaced names are not.
What about in PA at pendot I was told they don’t hyphenate but the social security off put the hyphen.
Hi Talia. That could be a limitation of their computer storage and printing. Hyphenation is still legitimate, even if it deviates from with the SSA has on file.
How do I casually list someone without the Mr. & Mrs.?
John & Mary Wilson-Jones?
If so doesn't it seem like his last name is also hyphenated?
Or:
John & Mary (Wilson-Jones) Jones?
…seems perfectly valid. How about The Wilson-Jones' or The Wilson-Jones Family?
When I got divorced I never took back my maiden name. I am remarrying and would like to use my maiden name and my new husbands name (hyphenated). Does this pose any problems.
Hi Barb. In many states, this shouldn't pose a problem. It's difficult to say without knowing the state though.
Hi! I got married last May in Washington State, and I am still debating whether or not to change my name. I am thinking about adding my husbands name to my maiden name, but would prefer to do so without an hyphen. Is is possible to do this is Washington? Thank you.
Hi Victoria. No, I don't believe that's possible.
I got married some years ago and changed my last name on my marriage certificate but not on nothing else. I want to now change my name to include my maiden name on the marriage certificate before I change my name on my ssc and drivers license. How can I do that?
Hi Porsche. It's not possible to amend your marriage certificate like that. Only corrections, like fixing typos, would be accepted.
So I just got married and my husband has a hyphenated last name as per the Spanish way with both his parent's last names father's name – mother's name (A-B) and I have a single word last name (C) and we were wondering how I should change my name. I want to take his last name, however would prefer to keep it simple. He uses his first last name "A" when he introduces himself and only uses the double last name "A-B" for legal documents. Since we are American, I was thinking my maiden name would move to my middle name and I would take his first last name, so I would be Sara C. A but wanted a second opinion. Also, what would our children's last name be?
Hi Sara. What's allowed varies by state. You may or may not be able to take his last name partially. For your middle name swap, consult the middle to maiden page to see if that's allowed in your state. Specifically the last two paragraphs. As for your children, you can name them whatever you'd like. They don't have to match your last name. You can apply any hyphenated variation.
Hi I'm curious on wether it was wrong or right on how my last name was written on my marriage license is it supposed to be my last name first – then his or the other way around. I have his last name with a hyphen then mine?
Hi Maria. Marriage records vary greatly from state to state; there's no universal design. Unless there something on your certificate that specifies the field types (e.g., first name, last name) then it seems you're describing an actual error on your license. I say license, but is that really the document we're discussing? Is the mistake on your marriage license, or your marriage certificate/record?
Regardless of what the document is, you can contact the issuing office and try to get the mistake corrected, document amended, then reissued.
I live in Kansas, can I add my husband's last name for another middle name without changing DL, SMS or at work? Example my first, my middle, his last, my last??? Help please
Hi Melody. You'd have to get order to affect a legal change of your middle name. If you're talking about adopting it informally, then that's another matter.
Hi, my fiancé and are are getting married in october and his name is hyphenated. Neither one of us want a hyphenated name. My question is can we both change our legal names when we go to get the marriage license or do we need to go trough formalities?
Hi Joanna. It depends on what you're looking to change it to. Some states, such as California, allow a new last name that's based on a segment of either spouse's name (birth or current). But that's particular to that state. If you're looking to have an entirely new last name that's not based on any precedent, then you're looking at getting a court petitioned name change.
I am an American getting married to a Brazilian girl and we are going to have a baby daughter. My wife to be has carried on a long family tradition of keeping her mothers family name as her middle name of Tripoli. Not a problem for our married name because her name will be will stay the same just dropping her last name and taking on my last name. The problem is naming our daughter; we both want to name our Daughter First name: Izabella Middle name: Madelyn but not sure if we should add Tripoli to her second name or add Tripoli to her last name as a hyphen to my last name? I guess I am mainly worried about what would happen when she get's older and get's married. I feel I would be causing her problems in her new married name.
Hi Sam. I doubt she'll face any real problems as hyphenation is commonly recognized.
If in my marriage licence I put my name hyphenated and now i want to drop my last name and just adopt my soon to be husband last name what would be the process to have that changed ?
Hi Laura. If you're not yet married, you can have the license reissued. If you have been married, it's possible your certificate is usable as-is, but you'll have to contact your local driver's license and SSA office to confirm.
Hello! I've been married for almost 8 years. I hyphened my last name and now wishing I didn't. I want to surprise my husband on our anniversary. Assuming the only way is to petition the court ( which is pricy in CA ..ugh ) but I'm going on vacation in a few months.. my question is does that mean I need to change my drivers license, social, passport before I go?
Hi Jenni. You can wait to change your documents until after your vacation.
my fiance has a felony and he is rebuilding his credit….. my question is i want to hyphenate my name but i want to use my last name for business purposes like getting a apartment or buying a car can that be done….. i want to carry his last name but with that felony i dont want that to hinder me from getting things i want
Hi Tiffany. When getting an apartment or buying a car, you'll have to use your legal name. So if you hyphenate, it'll have to be your hyphenated name. It shouldn't really impact you, unless you're cosigning.
I will be getting married in September and do not want to legally change my name on any of my documents, passport, SSN, DL, etc. From what I've read here so far, I can hyphenate my last name with my husbands last name on the marriage license and do not need to change any other documents or actually change my name legally, but what able when we file joint tax returns? Do I need to use the hyphenated last name filing taxes, since that will be on the marriage certificate or would I use my birth name since I never went about changing it legally?
Thanks for your help. Just hoping I can get away with putting the hyphenated last name on the marriage license and marriage certificate only to appease the future husbands fragile male ego. Love and Compromise
about* not able. I forgot to proof read. my apologies
You'd use your maiden/birth name for that, and everything else.
Hey, I know I'm two years late to this thread, but I wanted to ask you if your plan worked out well for you? I would like to do the same thing you suggested, where I just hyphenate on the actual marriage license and certificate, and not hyphenate on my other documents.
That is entirely feasible. There's nothing preventing you from going this route.
I'm a physician and now, I'm getting married. I prefer to go with hyphenated name of my last name and husband's last name. So I will now become Catherine Milford-Bayer. However, I'm reading hyphenated names will be a problem in computer systems especially when you do reservations and travelling. Is it really true or mostly it is a myth?
Hi Catherine. It's possible some less sophisticated computer systems may strip/replace non-alphanumeric characters with spaces, it's unlikely to pose any real-world issues.
Hello, I recently got married and am a physician. I would like to keep my full name "first middle last" and add his name on as a 4th name. My question is deciding whether I have two middle names or two last names. My preference would be two middle names so that there is less confusion surround what my last name is, but I would still like to go by Dr. Maiden name. And for the most part I would go by first name maiden name (aka 2nd middle name) last. As an example say my name now is Mary Louise Smith — I would like to officially become Mary Louise Smith Johns — with smith technically as a 2nd middle name– but at work go by Mary Louise Smith and Dr. Smith but in most day to day go by Dr Mary Smith Johns or just Mary Johns. Could I do that if my maiden name is technically in the middle name box and not last name box? The board licensing says as long as your boarded name is still part of your name it is fine, but I am wondering about how much of a problem that will pose and if that realistically seems doable. Otherwise I will have to settle on the confusing two last names or else the hyphen… thank you so much!!
I recently went to get my NY Marriage license and the clerk said since my last name is hyphenated that my husband would have to take my whole name as is IF i took his. For example my name is Rayo-Ramirez and his is Ricondo. We wanted to change it to Ricondo-Ramirez but we weren't allowed to let me drop my first name since its hyphenated. Is that allowed? We really wanted to change it to our new name, but i guess we might have to go through a court order for that. They mentioned that I need to go get my name changeds first to just Ramirez and then I can take his name as well and hyphenate it. We were very upset to find this out at the time of getting out license :(
No, that wouldn't be allowed. The NY name change article delves into this a bit further. Although NY recognizes segment name changes, that's only if one is opting for a single surname (e.g., no hyphen).
You're correct. That's the path you would have to take.
Would be just have a court order to change to the name we want and show that to employer and SSN. Would we have to get re-married or not?
Hi Gerardo. Court order would suffice. Remarriage is unnecessary.
I live in Virginia. I have been married for several years now, but did not change my last name at the time. Now we have a child so I want our family to be a "unit" and want to add my spouses last name to mine. My dilemma is my last name is Brown. (i like it) Spouses is Bergeron. My middle name is after my mom who is deceased. I prefer to keep all 4 of my names Katherine Jean Brown Bergeron.
Should I hyphenate the Brown-Bergeron or just go ahead and drop Brown (Katherine Jean Bergeron) or I can request to drop Jean, so that would be Katherine Brown Bergeron? Love to hear input on this one. Thoughts?
Either of these would be recognized and allowed as part of a marriage-related name change. Neither is superior over the other. Simply choose whichever you'd prefer.
If you're looking to drop your middle name so that you'll no longer have a middle name, well that option may not even be recognized. If you're looking to swap your middle name with your maiden, well then that's recognized. It'll look the same written out, but your legal surname would just be Bergeron.
I just want to make sure I am understanding right it is okay to drip my middle name and swap it out for my maiden name? So the name would be Katherine Brown Bergeron?
You can in most states. See the exclusion list at the end of the maiden to middle article.
My social security card has my married the last name it's been 4 years since I got married and I need to go in and change my driver's license. Will they let me hyphenate my maiden and last name on it or do I have to stick with just my married name.
No, they will not let you hyphenate now. You'll have to stick with your married name.
hello!
having second thoughts about dropping my maiden name totally. I don't know why really…
anyway, i went to the SSN office in NY about 2wks ago and dropped my maiden name. I received it in mail and have second thoughts. I was on to the second step (DMV) then for whatever reason, I think I want to hypenate.
can i go back to the SS office and change to hyphenate?
i don't particularly like my husbands last name, but i do want us to have the same name when we have a child.
Hi Jerrie. You wouldn't be able to go back to the SS and change your name again without another document showing a new name change event. You wouldn't be able to use your marriage certificate as it's a one time only deal. You can either get a court petitioned name change, or look into remarriage through a civil ceremony to have an updated marriage certificate issued.
Hello,
My fiancé has a hyphenated last name but when we marry, we only want one last name to avoid confusion on paperwork, for our children, etc. Is it possible to just take half of his last name as our last name? We love his mother's last name, which is the first name on the hyphen, and would love to just take that.
Any help is greatly appreciated!! Thank you!!!!
Hi Amanda. For most states, it's unlikely. It's difficult to say without knowing which state the name changes will take place.
Canada told me no and the state of New Hampshire told me no. You must change your names legally, individually to have the new last name without a hyphen.
Hi,
Thank you for your article! I made the decision to hyphenate my name as I wanted to keep my maiden name, but also have the same last name as my husband and future children. So in essence I wanted my legal last name to be changed to Maiden-Married. Currently I am struggling to change my name legally. I came across your article when I searched "Husband Two Last Names". I tried to read through as many comments as I could in order to see if someone else had asked my question but I did not find one similar to mine.
Well here is my predicament: I mailed in my application and marriage certificate to the Social Security Administration. They went ahead and changed my last name to what I requested Maiden-Married. Then I went to the DMV (I live in the state of Florida) to update my drivers license and they refused to change my name to what is currently printed on my Social Security Card.
You see my husband is not a U.S. Citizen, on his birth certificate, his countries passport, and on his U.S. legal residence documents his name is his first name, paternal last name, followed by his maternal last name (so for this example I will use John Smith Taylor). When we got married four years ago on the marriage certificate they used the name to match his ID therefore, it appears as John Smith Taylor. Because of this the DMV is telling me that I HAVE to take both his paternal and maternal last name. Therefore making my name either Jane Doe-Smith Taylor if I want to hyphenate, or I can opt not to hyphenate, and then be Jane Smith Taylor. I called the DMV office in Tallahassee and they told me to go back to the DMV and show my husbands ID's showing only his paternal last name, but he does not have any ID's showing only his paternal last name. His ID's all match his birth certificate which have both his paternal and maternal last name. This means that if I choose to take my husbands last name am I forced to take BOTH his paternal and maternal last name. This makes NO SENSE.
I was born in Puerto Rico, which is also a Spanish speaking country. My birth certificate has both my fathers last name and my mothers last name, but living outside of Puerto Rico I have only ever been required to use my paternal last name. My current drivers license is Jane Doe (with only my paternal last name). I really do not know what to do at this point. I am being forced into keeping my maiden name because the alternative is to add my husbands paternal AND maternal last name and I don't want his mothers last name. That's not his family name. When we have kids, the kids will take his paternal last name, not his paternal and maternal last name. With the amount of Latinos living in the United States one would think they would have a precedent and guidelines on how to go about changing married names that did not require picking up both your spouses last names.
Help Please!
Hi SBR. It is frustrating, but the state DMV is often stricter than federal institutions. They see your husband's last name as "maternal last paternal last." They won't separate it unless you can provide them satisfactory documentation showing it's not one name. If they're unwilling to budge, as appears to be the case, you can either try another agent/office, or obtain a court order to reflect your preferred name.
Hi,
I recently got married and hyphen my last name to Medeles Guevara. Would I have to write both last names on every form or document that I fill out? Or can I just write first name Medeles with out including Guevara?
Thanks
Hi Catalina. On government forms, tax documents, job applications, or anything that might lookup your SSN, write your full name. For other things, you don't have to be as formal.
Hi I was married a year ago. I'm considering changing or hyphonating my last name. I was previously divorced and purchased a home with my ex under my maiden name (it was prior to our marriage). This home was affected by a hurricane and I'm still trying to get rid of the property (maiden name). Also, I've been a teacher for 15 years and I'm not really interested in changing it due to my teaching Liscense and reputation in the school. Would changing to my new married name affect my insurance?
What do you suggest doing that would be best for these situations. My husband is not a fan of hyphonating and would like for me to change it to his. He's very traditional, but I'm concerned it will just be a headache if it's fully changed to a totally new name without a connection with my maiden name.
We do not have children yet but hopefully soon.
Thank you in advance!
If you're changing your name, it's a good idea to notify your insurance company of it.
Whether you choose to hyphenate or just take your husband's last name, will have the same level of simplicty or ease. The name changing process is the same for both. There's no right or wrong in this situation, it's a matter of personal choice.
If you'd prefer to maintain a connection to your maiden, you may want to consider a middle name to maiden change, or using whichever name combination informally until you ultimately come down to a final decision to change (or not change) it for real.
No hyphen keeps everthing simpler and neater imo. You will both be Tobias but your maiden name will remain on all. Hyphenating makes you Roberts and him Tobias Its doable but on insurance paperwork or other paperwork like mortgages and your future children will not have less problem with the name if NOT hyphenated.
This chain is very long & I am having trouble deciphering everything- so I thought I'd just ask.
I live in TN… I'm due to be married next year. My fiance's last name is Tobias.
My name right now is Mary Gayle Roberts. I hate the name Mary… and I want to lose it ENTIRELY. Once married- I want to become Gayle Roberts Tobias.
So… in order to achieve this… I use NO hyphen, right? Gayle will legally become my first name… Roberts- my middle… And Tobias as my last… Is this correct?
Hi Mary. Changing your first name request a court order. If you go that route you can change your name to whatever you want.
I will be graduating with my bachelor's degree in a couple months time and I used my maiden name and married name in the whole process at university however I want to know if it is possible for the school to remove my maiden name and just use my married name only?
Hi Senora. It should be possible. Take a look at the changing your name on professional documents article, which elaborates on this further.
Very helpful and useful information. Thanks!
I've been married for two months and I want to add my husbands last name legally. However, my husband recently decided he also wants to change his last name to his mom's maiden name due to personal reasons. So, our marriage license is Under John Perez and Arely Basurto and he wants to change his name to John Estrada, and I would change mine to Basurto-Estrada. Is it possible after marriage, and do you think that would be complicated when we have kids ( we want hyphenated Estrada-Basurto) , or should we be consistent and all change our last names to Estrada -Basurto so it's a consistent and the same for the whole the family?
Hi MACB. It can vary by state. Some require the name on the marriage certificate match what you intend to change it to. If it doesn't, name changes won't go through without going another route, such as getting a court order. Other states may not have this requirement. It's hard to say without knowing where you reside.
As for confusion for your future kids having a reversed name sequence, I can certainly see where that'll come up. At first glance it can look like a typo. If you go that route, you should prepare to issue corrections from time to time. Still, if that's what you prefer, there's no compelling reason to go against it.
I have been using my married name for my drivers license but it's not hyphened which I recently got a car. Now my license is about to expire. But on my ssc is my hyphenated married name. Do I have to call the dealer to hyphenate the info or registration, bank, etc. since everything just in my non hyphenated name but the first name chose I had. I honestly liked it when I just had his last name only & not hyphenated lol. So how can I just keep everything as it is?
Thanks
If you want to shift to hyphenated (even though you stated you prefer the non-hyphenated variant), you'll need to have your SS card updated. They've already changed it, due to marriage, to a hyphenated version. To change it again, they'll need another document showing a new name change. You couldn't use your marriage certificate again. You could fulfill this requirement with a court order document.
If you want your last name to be married only (not hyphen), then you have to deal with your current name mismatch. When it's time for you to renew your license, the DMV may query the SSA database, which'll return a name mismatch. In those instances, they'll want to go with the name that's on your social security record, with a supporting document (e.g., certified marriage certificate, certified divorce decree, court order) showing your name change event. Without that, they may not change your name.
When it comes time to deal with third-party organizations (e.g., banks, dealers) you'll need to have your name choice sorted, then bring to them the document showing your name change event, be it a marriage certificate or court order.
Wow! Thanks so much. I got more detail from you than everyone else. You are awesome. Now I know what I have to do & thanks again.
Thank you Valera for the very helpful information and answers to the comments. So I just want to confirm that I'm understanding some things:
If you change your last name (completely or hyphenated) on your marriage license, that gives you the ability to change your other legal documents and without fees?
However, if you change it on your marriage license and don't follow up and change it with your SS or DL, then you can still go by your maiden name legally and "new" last name socially? How does the marriage license validity or use if the "new" last name isn't adopted?
Would it be wrong/illegal to complete things like customs forms with the "new" last name if it's only listed on the marriage license?
I'm from NYC by the way and would really like a 2 word last name (mine his) without the hyphenation, but not sure NY allows that.. I am also on the same boat as others with professional documents that I would prefer not to change. I just get worried about things like having children and their last name being different that mine. I've been very conflicted.
Thanks so much for your clarifications and help!
Yes.
Yes.
Let's make sure we're discussing the same thing. The marriage license is what you'll get prior to marriage. The marriage certificate is what you'll get after you are married. In some states it's the same document; the status is what changes.
With that said, whether or not you change your name won't affect its validity.
Yes, use your legal maiden name.
I don't believe that's allowed in New York.
Thanks so much for your reply and clarifications!
Ok so on the marriage license you need to put what you would like to change it to and the marriage certificate is when it's actually changed?
If I write a new last name on the certificate, will I then be expected to change my other formal documents? Will it be an issue if I don't?
Thank you for clarifying between the certificate and the license.
Your marriage certificate will mirror what you specify on your marriage license. It's not changeable.
You certificate wouldn't deviate from what you specify on your license. And, no, you wouldn't be expected or obligated to change any of your documents to reflect the name on your certificate.
No, if you ultimately decide not to change your name, just ignore what you specified on your marriage ceritifcate.
You're welcome.
I divorced several, almost 6yrs ago. I never found the need to change my married last name. Until just recently. I am expecting a new baby out of wedlock. Therefore, I felt the need to change my married last name back to my maiden name. Now I don't know whether or not to hyphanate my maiden name and my son's father's last name? #LastName#NewBaby#Complicated?
Hi I am getting married in the next few days. Am I able to hyphenate his last name after my last name? Example my last name is Rangel, my fiancés last name is Padilla, so could it be Rangel-Padilla? If so, do I still have to update my ID's or is that optional.
Hi Vane. That shouldn't be a problem. If you're only changing your name on your marriage certificate/license, but not on any actual documents, then your name wouldn't actually change. So, in that instance, it is optional.
What count is your social and it matches your ID/DL.
Hello. I am having some wet feet changing my name to be hyphenated. I am a clinical psychologist and want to keep my maiden name professionally and want my license, board certification etc. to be in my maiden name. If i change my name legally can I keep my maiden name professionally for everything?
Hi Brittany. That would be up to the state board. You'll have to consult them to determine if you need to 1) notify them of a name change, 2) have their internal records updated, and 3) require the reissue of documents reflecting your legal name, or if you can continue using your maiden name. Some have standards in place where they need to be notified of a name change, while it still being permissible for you to continue using a maiden or prior name.
Hi,Valera. Thanks for the great article. It was very informative but I still have a question. The last name on my birth certificate is P**y and my married last name is H***d.
The last time I petitioned the court for a name change was after the divorce from my first husband. I petitioned to drop his last name and just keep my birth name. I have lost my ss card so I am not really sure what is has on it. Not even really sure what is on my marriage certificate but I assume it is H***d. We married in Alabama but were born in and reside in Kentucky.
I have been signing my name like my birth last name is a middle initial (Teresa P. H***d) but now I want my last name to be P**y H***d (Teresa P**y H***d).
So, can I just sign my name the way I want or do I have to petition the court? It just seems superfluous to ask a court if I can keep and sign a name I was born with. Suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Teresa. You can sign it however you'd prefer, but keep context in mind. If you're applying for a loan, filling out government paperwork, filing taxes, applying for a job (think background check), or anything else that would entail looking up your legal name to confirm that it matches what's on file with the SSA, you'll need to sign your actual, current, legal name. But, for other informal situations, sign it how you'd prefer.
Hi Valera,
Your article as well as the Q&A section has been very informative. This is something I didn't even think about until I read all the comments. I just got married 3 weeks ago. I didn't even want to worry about changing my name until after the honeymoon since all the travel arrangements have been made in my maiden name. So naturally the marriage certificate is also in my maiden name. Now I'm starting to do the research and see the options of changing my name to my husband's. Does this mean I first have to get the name changed to his on the marriage certificate? Since it looks like I'll need copies of the marriage certificate for various forms for the name change? How would this work?
Thank you!!
Hi Irene. It depends on the state and whether the new name specified—or not specified—will be a hindrance when attempting to undergo a marriage based name change. Some states want the name on the certificate to match what you'll change it to, otherwise they'll require a court order to process it. Some states don't even have a space on the marriage license to specify a name change. So, it depends. One thing that's for certain is that changing a marriage certificate, after the fact, is unlikely to be accepted by the recorder's office unless there was a mistake made on their part.
I live in New Hampshire and got married last month. On the marriage license I changed my name to his last name. Now I've decided to hyphenate instead. Will I need a court order to do so?
Hi Lindsay. It's likely that you will. Many of the town/city clerks use a universal application which details this in the fine print area of the worksheet.
I changed my name 10 years ago to my husband last name. Now, I would like to hyphenate it. How hard will this process be?
Hi Michelle. Not hard. You'll just have to go to court to do it.
Hello,
I am a resident of Arizona, was married there in 2015 and kept my maiden name. I would like to add my husbands name and would like advice which option is the easiest in terms of legal paperwork.
Option A: I do not have a middle name. So, this option I would my my maiden name my middle name and take my husbands last name.
Option B: Hyphenate
Thank you
Hi Isabella. Option B (hyphenate) shouldn't pose a problem. Option A might give you difficulty due to your not having an existing middle name. You can contact your driver's license office to confirm if a new middle would be honored.
Hi.
I am Irish and got married to my American wife. I am filling out my Green Card forms. On our marriage cert she changed her name to hyphenated Acevedo-Philpott. Her Drivers license now says Acevedo-Philpott but her SSN and Passport still say Acevedo. When filling out the forms it asks for my Wife's Family name .Would this be Acevedo or Acevedo-Philpott?
Thanks in advance.
Gary
Hi Gary. Generally, it's the name that's on the social, so Acevedo.
What happens when one party with a hyphenated last name marries someone also having a hyphenated last name!!!!!! There may well be three hyphens in the brides married family name!!! How stupid, because in reality the connotation is that the person is a bastard – not knowing what their family name really is!!!!
Hello, I live in Texas and got married about 2yrs ago. I would like to keep my maiden name and add my husbands last name without the hyphen. I also have a middle name and would like to keep it also, so it would look like…
First Middle Maiden Husbands.
How would I go about changing it? Would I have to legally change it then go to ss or just go directly to ss? Also would I need to use both last names or just one or the other when signing anything not just legal documents?
Hi Amy. I believe such a name change would require a court order. And, yes, you should sign both names.
Not a question, just a statement. I'm getting married today and as per tradition, fully plan on taking my fiancee's last name. Some people only hyphenate on social media sites like Facebook to keep confusion of friends to a minimum, which I will be doing. ?
Hello, I'm from Southern California but was married in Michigan. On our Marriage Certificate, I'm listed as First Name Married Name. However, I'd like to keep my Maiden Name as my Middle Name (I currently do not have a Middle Name). So my new name would be:
First Maiden Married
I thought the change could take place at the Social Security level but was told that to have my Maiden as a Middle changed but was told that this was a whole new process that would involve changing my birth certificate? (I live in LA County) And that I would have to petition the court first.
If approved, what will be on the birth certificate? It seems redundant to have First Maiden Maiden.
Then I will have to change this on my marriage certificate too right? So it will First Maiden Married.
However, if this is all correct, then it is FINALLY at this point that I go to Social Security to have it legally changed to First Maiden Married.
Is this all correct?
Hi Rose. If you're going to petition the court, you could go directly to First Maiden Married, and skip the intermediary First Maiden Maiden. In this case, you wouldn't need to mess with or use your marriage certificate—your court order will be sufficient to change your name with all the necessary institutions.
I have been married and divorced two times. I just changed my last name back to my maiden name last year so I don't want to have to change it again, especially at my work. I want to take his last name but want to keep my maiden name for work. How should I do this? If I were to keep my middle name and my maiden name and add his name do I have the option of signing with either last name?
First name/middle name/maiden name/ married name. If I have to last names, with no hyphen, can I write either name when signing things?
I don't want to hyphen the two names because my maiden name is already long so I want the option of signing my married name outside of work while keeping and signing maiden name at work.
At a minimum, your employer will use your married name for tax purposes, but how else they'll use it (e.g., email name referencing, bulletin board posts, checks, print-outs) is up to them.
If they're going to be changing your name within a database, where will that new name be outputted? And if you prefer to keep that information private, you'll have to work out how they can accommodate your preference. That's something you can find out in advance.
On government documents or any document that has a legal basis, you'd sign your full name. Anything that might run a query against your full name (e.g., medical/car insurance, resume) also use your full name.
Hello,
After 28 years of marriage, my husband passed away, and now, 13 years later, I am remarrying. I would like to retain my married surname, not only because I share it with my two children, but also because I am teacher who has been known by my current last name for over twenty years. I thought of hyphenating my new name, but feel it will be a mouthful for my young students to say. Yet I don't want to offend my soon-to-be husband if I keep my current last name instead of changing it to his. While I realize this is a personal decision, I am still looking for some advice on what to do. How exactly would I sign the marriage certificate if I haven't decided by then? Thank you…
Hi Lynn. Some states (e.g., California) want the "change to" name on your marriage license to match what you intend to change it to. So, if believe you may change your name, it's safest to specify the new name. It's non-binding, meaning if you ultimately choose not to go through with any name change, it won't impact you.
I was married in 2008, when I applied for my job in 2011 my name is hyphenated by my first, maiden, husbands last name. My question to you is, when I was hired they are using my maiden name for my sinority. Is that legal. Or should they be using my married name? I have no childeren
Hi Phyllis. Unless there's a state regulation against it, an employer will address you how you prefer. One of an employers' main concerns is that they're using your proper name for tax purposes, and in your case that may not be happening. If so, it would be in their interest (and yours) to use your current, correct name.
If you wish to be addressed by your legal name—which is the hyphenated version—then you can make them aware of that. I wouldn't be surprised if their addressing you incorrectly is simply due to a software/database misconfiguration that's being thrown off by certain non-alphanumeric characters.
Hi I'm getting married in Sept to my boyfriend of 16 years and I wanna hyphens my last name with his last name. I don't have any intentions changing my current documents. He not on my apartment lease with me not dropping my last name can I get in trouble. With his last name only on out marriage certificate. Thanks
Hi Lisa. It's not a problem. If you choose not to change your name, it won't negatively affect anything.
Hello,
I took my husbands last name when I married him. A year and a half into the marriage I changed it to my hyphenated last name (my maiden and his last name). I did change it at the SSA to the hyphenated one. I want to change it now to just my husbands last name again and drop the whole hyphenated thing. Will I have to do a legal name change? Should I just go to SSA and have them change it with my marriage license? I have been married for 9 years. I've looked in to this, and they keep saying if I take these steps, the legal name change will also change my birth certificate to my requested married name. I do not want this, because my birth certificate should only reflect my birth name Any ideas or help?
Yes, you'll have to do a court petitioned name change.
No, you'll need a court order, which'll you'll get once your petition is complete.
Birth certificates changes typically have to be initiated by you once you get a court order. You have to get in contact with the recorders office (or wherever your birth certificate is filed), make the request, fill out the forms, and pay their fee.
Court petitions provide you the document to change your name, but if you choose not to do anything with the court order, then your name won't change.