When you're considering ways to change your name after marriage while honoring your maiden name, one of the best options to consider is adopting your spouse's last name and making your maiden name your new middle name.
For those that aren't aware, your maiden name is your last name at birth. For men, your maiden name is your birth name too. But the term "maiden" applies only to women.
Since many people choose to adopt a new name after getting married, losing your old name can feel like a tremendous loss and some people even grieve it.
If you're an only child or don't have children, you might worry how your parents will feel when your surname is lost. Who will they expect to carry on the family name now?
Making your maiden name your middle name is a great way to keep it in your life while still following marriage conventions, as far as changing your name goes.
How do you change your middle name after marriage?
You can use a certified copy of your marriage certificate to legally change your maiden name to your middle name. Do it at the same time you change your last name. No extra step.
When you apply for a marriage license, assign your new middle name if they offer a spot to do so. If the application didn't ask, your marriage certificate won't show your new name.
Such an omission isn't a problem. Your new name will get derived from you and your spouse's current and birth names, as shown on your marriage certificate.
Pros of maiden middle names
If you change your maiden name to your middle name, you'll achieve useful, long-term plusses beyond just its sentimental value.
For instance, if your maiden name were Avery, you could tell folks, "Call me Avery." They wouldn't know if it was your first, middle, or last name.
You could go by your maiden middle name informally or socially, while maintaining the veneer of legality. It is part of your legal name, after all.
What happens when you come across unexpected little name changes at non-government institutions and need a quick way to prove that you've changed your name?
Whip out your marriage certificate? That's a hassle. Yet having your maiden name as your middle makes it easy to verify you've "added a name" and you're the same person.
It has an added benefit if you plan to continue using your maiden name in business for professional reasons, as using just part of your name is still common.
If you were born without a middle name, inserting your maiden name presents a great opportunity to fill that void. This may help make your decision even easier.
If you decide to go forward with your name change, you can save time by using our online name change kit to help complete the transition.
Satisfies your relatives
Your parents and relatives might begrudge you for dropping your birth name. Pride in family and heritage can run deep. Giving up your name may feel like abandoning your legacy.
You may feel yourself shrinking to a child, explaining to your parent why you're changing your name. Perhaps they won't mind, but thinking of the conversation may breed anxiety.
If your name is famous, prestigious, or linked to relatives you admire, making your maiden name into your middle name is a solid way to honor your past while honoring your commitment to your partner and future with them.
If you're trying to show that you aren't forgetting where you came from, keeping your heritage as a part of your name is a wonderful gesture and sure to heal rifts that might develop over adopting a brand new name.
The decision to change your name is yours alone. But there's no shame in pursuing a win-win solution that keeps you, your spouse, your family, and your mean in-laws happy.
It's not just women who face the name change question. Some states allow men to take their wife's name. Even pursue a birth name to middle name switch.
Can you have a second middle name?
Today, three out of four people have a middle name. And many of them use it on a regular basis. If you have a middle name, you have a dilemma:
- Do you replace your middle name?
- Do you use your maiden name as a second middle name?
The answer depends on what you think of having two middle names after marriage.
Some use two initials, or one initial and one middle name. And others use just one middle name on a regular basis while keeping the other as a formal middle name.
If your middle names clash, consider replacing your old middle name with the new one. But doing this after undergoing one change might require a court petition.
Just remember: having two middle names can prove unwieldy, especially with forms and documents that only have space for one middle name on them.
Double middle names are uncommon and demand juggling, making sure people don't confuse your dual middle as part of your first or last name.
Usually easier than hyphenation
When you have your maiden name as a middle name, it's easier than hyphenating your name. It keeps your identity clear and compartmentalized.
You'll be able to more easily prove your connection to people on both sides of your family as necessary. This is important for childcare issues, such as flying with children.
You won't struggle with an overly long last name and you don't have to use your middle name on a regular basis—but you won't get penalized if you don't.
Before considering a hyphenated name, assess how well it complements your partner's name. Does it sound good or does it roll off the tongue like an auditory cacophony?
The maiden to middle path may edge out a jarring hyphenated surname. Plus, it means your last name won't be such a mouthful.
Helps ease you through the transition
If you aren't hyphenating your last name because you just want a single last name, perhaps you're choosing your partner's name for convenience or because you prefer it.
In doing so, you might experience a sense of loss. Although there may be ways to reverse your name change, it's best to choose well at the outset instead of backtracking.
It isn't always about keeping your spouse, relatives, and in-laws satisfied. You should inhabit your new name when updating ID and renewing your professional details.
By keeping your maiden name active and relevant it won't seem as scary because you won't feel as though you need to abandon what you've been familiar with your entire life.
Your name change should be an act of triumph and celebration. Not of doubt and anguish. Keeping your maiden name alive can help make that a reality.
You get to embrace your new name while keeping the old. This is like having your cake and eating it, too. Sometimes the simplest choice is the best pick.
Disadvantages of maiden middle names
There are a few downsides when executing a maiden to middle name switch. Various states make the process trickier than average (see next section), though most don't.
If you have a middle name, you must choose one or feel like "one of those people" by listing more than one middle name whenever you give your full name.
Getting used to having a middle name is also a process, as you'll need to add this new name to numerous documents. It's time to practice your new signature too.
Everything from your social security card and driver's license to passport should match and reflect your new middle name. You don't want your credentials to drift out of sync.
Some states make this tricky
Only three states don't allow you to replace your middle name with your maiden name after getting married: New Jersey, Ohio, and Washington State.
In these states, you need to petition the court to alter your middle name. The steps can be easy or stressful, depending on how much you enjoy bureaucracy and the court system.
It may be tough since it takes more time, when name changes can already be time-consuming. If you live in one of these states, hyphenation may be the easiest option.
Finding the right balance
Changing your maiden name to your middle name is becoming ever more popular as people try to find a balance between tradition and more practical, modern alternatives.
No matter whether you're leaning towards hyphenating, creating a new last name, or keeping your maiden name, it's worth considering your middle name as a fungible placeholder.
Hello. I recently got married in Hawaii and my certificate now shows my last name as my middle name and the last name of my husband. I live in NJ and tried to update my ss card to my new name and the agent told me that he cannot change my middle name to my last name with out a legal petition. Is that correct? Even if my marriage certificate already shows that's.
Hi Toni. Yes, that is true in New Jersey.
I was married in 1980. At that time, I changed my middle name to my maiden name and took my husband's last name. My driver's license and social security card reflect this change. When I applied for a passport in the 90s, the postal worker would not allow my maiden name to be my middle name. Therefore, my passport has my original middle name and husband's surname. The discrepancy between my IDs has caused my some problems and I would like them to match. Can I change my passport? Was the postal worker just plain wrong (and sexist)? Any direction you can give would be appreciated. I live in Michigan.
It's possible. You can get a certified copy of your marriage certificate and try again. There is a possibility that you may face difficulty changing it due your already having changed it. Maybe. Explain your situation and bring documentation confirming your name change (e.g., marriage certificate, social security card, driver's license).
Hello, I live in California. My Mother gave me her maiden name as my middle name and my fathers last name as my last name. I got married and took my husbands name and dropped my fathers last name. My question is, if I were to ever get divorced can I drop both my married name and maiden last name and use my mothers maiden name (which is my middle name) as my new last name. The reason for this is because if we divorce I do not want to go back to using my maiden last name because I have absolutely no contact with my biological father, nor with any members of his side of the family. I would rather restart my life with a name I identify with.
Hi Cecilia. It's possible. If you get divorced, ask the judge to order your name be restored to the format you prefer.
I'm applying for a passport renewal. My last passport contained FirstName MiddleName MaidenName. I married within the last 10 years and dropped MiddleName with SSA by changing to First Maiden Husband's with no trouble. My marriage license lists my name as First Middle Maiden. What do I put for my middle name on the passport renewal? Would prefer First Maiden Husband's. Hate my given middle name! Live in Alabama. Thanks!!
Hi Brandi. The passport form has a spot for current name and prior name. Put first middle maiden for prior name and first maiden husband for current. Provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate to facilitate your name change.
Hello.. I'm from Texas. I've been married for 4yrs..my name in marriage certificate is first name,middle name(mom's last name) ,last name(fathers last name)…but in all my legal documents SSN, DL,Bank etc… I used my first name,last name(fathers last name) and husband last name..
I just finished my interview for naturalization today., the officer correct me I can't use my last name(fathers last name) as middle name..so I just follow him first name, middle name(mom's last name), and husband last name..And since I passed that would be my name in citizenship certificate..I know I need to change all my documents..Do I need to change my name also in marriage certificate??
What if I want to use my fathers last name as my middle name….first name, middle name(fathers last name),& husband last name like this.. Do I need to go to court??
Hi Marge. You wouldn't be able to change your certificate, even if you wanted to. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it appears the agent used the name you chose on your marriage certificate as the reference for your middle name? In this instance, your name is out of sync on your documents. So, in order to change it on that one document you may need a court order. It may still be worth revisiting the agent (or another agent) and present your other identity documents to confirm your father's name as your middle. Request your name reference these current, legal documents.
Hi!
I'm from CA and I filled out my marriage certificate with my first name, middle name, and new last name but now that I am about to apply for my new Social Security card, I want to include my maiden name as part of my middle name. Will that be an issue or will I have to go back to the court and change my name on my marriage certificate?
Hi Monterey. You'll have to go to court.
I am in the same situation. Will I have to go to court to change my marriage certificate or my name in general or both?
I live in WA
Hi Katelyn. If you went to court, the issued court order would replace your marriage certificate for name change purposes.
What is the downside of not changing your name when you marry?
Hi KyRose. If you're referring to social downsides, then there's nothing meaningful. Whether you change your name is a personal choice that you must be comfortable with. If you're referring to technical downside, then some states ask that you choose your new name when applying for you marriage license. Failing to do so could preclude certain people from changing their name after marriage using just the marriage certificate.
I just got my greencard last july 2nd,and we havent apply yet any id's like SSN and drivers license,coz i want to chanhe my lastname to my husband's lastname.Were here at Wisconsin and im originally from the Philippines.
In my country when u get married we have to use my husbands lastname and my lastname will be my maiden name.Untill now we cant start to get SSN because we dont know what is the legal action to do it,do we have to go get legal change name and court order for changing my lastname to my husband's lastname and my lastname to be my maiden name?thank you so much in advance.
Hi Dhess. You'll first need to get a certified copy of your marriage certificate. When you visit the Social Security office, be sure to take this document with you to change your name (last and maiden).
After we get the certified copy of our marriage certificate can we change it already to social security?.Is it not going to have a problem that my greencard and my social security and drivers license if ever,are not the same lastname?thank u so much how many months already that we cant start how to do the right thing to change my lastname
Hi Dhess. Although you can begin to change it with those organizations, it's important that the name on your green card is sync with what's on your social security record.
Hi there,
My sister is getting married this weekend in MI and would like to keep her first name, middle name, maiden name, husband's name, without a hyphen. Is this possible? Would the two last names be her legal last name or would one count as a second middle name? We are confused and want to be sure before she gets married!
Hi Claire. It's whichever is specified on the marriage document. If the names are positioned in the last name area of the document, then both last names will become the full, legal name surname.
Hello! We live in Massachusetts and married in 2014. I took my husbands last name as my last name and dropped my maiden name. Now, I'd like to drop my given middle name and use my maiden name as my middle name (wish I had done this sooner!). Will this require court order or can I just start by updating social security?
Thank you!
Court order, since you've already changed it before.
I'm in Oklahoma and I just legally changed my last name back to my late husbands but I also added my maiden name as my middle. I did not put down my birth given middle name. Does this mean that I only have my maiden name as my middle name now since I did not list it in the papers I filed with the court and the Judge approved?
Yes, your middle is now just your maiden. However, your name change won't be complete until you notify the various government institutions to have your records updated.
I'm in Indiana and am getting married next week. I just want to verify how I have to sign my marriage license. I want to change my middle name to my maiden name and take my husband's last name. I have to sign the marriage license how I want to be known. Does that include my middle name? Should I sign it First Name/ Maiden Name/ Husband's Name? Or if I just signed it First Name/ New Last Name would I be able to easily change my middle name to my maiden name?
Hi C. You'll typically sign your current name, and not the new "change to" name. Still, you should follow whichever instruction is on the application. By the way, most Indiana counties allow the marriage license application to be filled out online.
Is maiden to middle name change allowed in Nevada? Where can I find the "rules"?
Hi Ann. Yes it's allowed.
I didn't have a middle name so I added my maiden name as middle & took my husbands last name. The SS didn't have a problem with it, will the Nevada Dmv give me issues? I can't find anything on their website.
Hi Kristina. You shouldn't face any issues.
Hello,
I live in Texas and was married in April. I have yet to change my name but when I do so I plan to make my maiden name my middle name and take my husbands name as my new last name. I plan to change it with the Drivers License office but do I absolutely have to change my social security card? Also, do you think I will have any challenges with my direct deposited paycheck because I don't want to change information at work?
It's likely you wouldn't be able to update your driver's license if you don't update your social security card first.
That's a possibility, assuming it's set to reject upon a name mismatch.
Hi, I actually did the same. I dropped my middle name and made my maiden name my middle name, and my husbands last became my last name. It was fine at the SS office. But at the DMV they did not let me. They said “We do not go by your social, we go by your birth certificate.” They put my first name, old middle name, and just switched my maiden name to my husbands last name. Now my social security card and drivers license do not match. Anyone have advice?
I've heard about issues with this in Nevada due to REAL ID. If your marriage certificate specifies your new name they will accept it but if it doesn't they force you to use your birth middle name. If you have a passport in your preferred name they should accept that in place of a birth certificate because that is federal ID as well as citizenship. I think this whole situation is bothersome because historically maiden names become middle names at marriage- no offense to those who don't choose this-but maiden to middle has always been considered proper etiquette. And it makes genealogy much easier!
Where do you start if you want to change your middle name? Do you change your middle name first and then submit all the paperwork to change to your married new last name?
Hi Heidi. If your name change is because of marriage, you'll update both your middle and last name simultaneously.
Hi Valera,
I have a somewhat complicated scenario. Me and my soon to be husband are both in the military. I live in Italy and he resides in Alabama. I am technically a TN resident, but my drivers license is from VA. We are open to getting married in TN or GA, but here is where it gets tricky. I would like to incorporate both our names by adopting an old Latino tradition of my surname de his surname. So Jenny Lynn CamdeLopez. Is it possible to incorporate that article between both of our last names in either state? I can't find anything speaking to this particular scenario. Thanks for your help.
Hi Jenny. That would require a court petitioned name change.
I just went to SS in Nevada today and they allowed me to use my maiden name as my middle name. However, when I got to the Nevada DMV, they did NOT let me do the same, citing NAC 483.055 Item 4. They said I need a court order and that the SS card with the new name means nothing to them.
Hi Ann. Did you bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate with you?
This happened to me too!! What did you do about it? Does your drivers license match your SSC?
Yes, this happened to me, too. Nevada DMV will not recognize my maiden name as my middle name, because my marriage cert does not specifically note the change. The clerk said it didn't matter what my SS card, previous driver's license, tax returns, or military ID card say. I brought a whole cache of certified/original/current docs, but none of them mattered. She said I had to go through the court to change my middle name. (I should add she was quite snotty about it, to boot!). I am perplexed because I assumed my maiden-as-middle after marrying 4 years ago, in another state, with no issue. It's on my SSC, IRS docs, military ID, work ID, house deed–everywhere except my NV driver's license. They don't match, and it bugs me. I called the NV DMV 800 number, and the clerk there confirmed this, citing the RealID act. Sigh. I may bite the bullet and go through the court process. It will end up costing about $300. Sadly, this new law isn't accommodating to cultures whose women change their middle names to their maiden names after marriage.
Hi Janessa. Can you specify the state you were married in? Also, did your marriage certificate have a space where a new name could be specified?
This happened to me too. I’m not sure what to do. I don’t know what to use now on legal documents since my social and drivers license conflict. This is in Texas by the way.
Hi!
So I live in PA and did not know I was going to be unable to make my maiden name my middle name. I went to SSC and they allowed me to drop my middle name, so my SSC says FIRST, MAIDEN, MARRIED SURNAME. I then went to the DMV and they told me I cannot drop my middle name. So my license now has my middle initial in addition to maiden name and new married last name. Am I going to have trouble in the future because they do not match? Also which name is my middle name now when filling out official documentation? This is stressing me out and I am tempted to re-do the documentation and just drop my maiden name entirely. What are your thoughts?
It's doubful you'll face future issues with the PA DMV. They'll likely do what they've already done; apply a workaround that works for them.
Typically it's the name on your SS card, as it's federal, while the DMV is state-level. For instance, when you're doing your taxes, the name on your SS record is what matters. Same thing with employers, insurance, etc.
It may be annoying to have a defunct intial appearing on your license, but even with that it's not ommitting a portion of your name.
The DMV would be willing to change it, but they'd need a document, such as a court order, to process a follow-up name change.
Love your site. I'm also having a scenario it's stressing me out, my husband and I are residents of NJ I'm from Jamaica with a residents Green card my original birth certificate my middle name has hyphen in between Ann-Marie. On my marriage certificate middle name has no hyphen I recently went to have my passport renew at the Jamaica consulate in New York and was told my passport would be rejected if I did not correct the middle name. I had used the same marriage certificate before n renew my passport in the pass no issues then. Is there any way of correcting middle name with hyphen in NJ? Also how long will something as a hyphen correction in middle name take as we book trip for overseas? Was not expecting to have issues.
You can go to the office that issues marriage certificates and request a correction/amendment. They may be able to do it the same day.
Hi! I'm getting married in November in Ohio in the county I was born/grew up in, but I've lived in Michigan since December of last year. We may be moving back to Ohio right before/after the wedding, but we're not sure yet. I'd like to make my married name First Middle Maiden Last, but I'm not sure what I'll need to do. Everything I've read makes it sound like it's a royal pain to move your maiden name to middle in Ohio, but I haven't been able to find much about adding it as a second middle in Ohio. Is that even possible? And would I even be changing it in Ohio if I'm still living in Michigan? What would I need to do if (1) I'm still living in Michigan and (2) if we move back to Ohio?
Thank you so much!
No.
You'd change it in Michigan.
If you change it in Michigan, Ohio doesn't matter. At that point it's a done deal.
I'm sorry if this was already asked. I line in NJ. For my wedding I got a name changing kit. It stated in NJ there are 3 options. 1. Taking his last name, 2. Adding with a hyphen 3. Adding with no hyphen and having two last names.
First step was social security they let me have two names with no hypen. Next step was DMV and they made my hyphen. Is this a problem? What's legal? Is my name officially changed? I'm so confused.
Hi Michelle. It is changed. The hyphenated variant is primarily what you should go by.
Very helpful website! I didn't come across this scenario in the comments, but if I missed it I'm sorry to make you repeat!
I am recently married and am starting the name change process. I already have 2 middle names: Maya [middle 1][middle 2] and Maiden Last (legal name on MN birth certificate). I have a professional license under name: Maya [middle 1 initial] Maiden Last in MN and WI and have built my professional name using my maiden name. Therefore I would like to keep it part of my name. For sake of compromise, I plan to add my husband's surname but would like to drop [middle 2] and replace it with my maiden name. This way I can hopefully continue to use my maiden name professionally and make my new husband happy by using his surname in my personal life. So new name would look like Maya [middle 1][new middle 2 = Maiden] and Husband's Surname. We are WI residents. Long story short, is this possible? And can I do this just through the process of a married name change? Or do I need to go through the court?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Maya. Because you're looking to drop a part of your name, that would require getting a court order.
I was recently married in PA (this was my 2nd marriage). When I married the first time I kept my middle name and added my maiden name as a 2nd middle name and took my husbands last name. So I had first, middle, maiden ,last name.
With this marriage I wanted to drop my maiden name as my 2nd middle name and take my new husbands last name. I had no trouble at the SSA. What is the process for the dmv so that everything matches and I have first,middle, new last name?
Hi TE. DMV follows theSSA. Go to the DMV with your marriage certificate to change your name.
Hi! I got married eight years ago and changed my middle name to be my maiden name – first by going to the SSA office and then applying for a license at the Texas DMV. Since then I have successfully gotten a license with this name in Missouri as well. It is listed on all financial documents, including mortgages. We just moved to NJ and I am told they will not accept my maiden name as my middle name, even though this has been my legal name for eight years. Do you know if that is correct? Appreciate your help!
Hi Carrie. NJ is one of the few remaining states where a maiden to middle through marriage is difficult. You may still want to try a different office/agent considering your marriage took place outside the state and you have established identity documents that have existed for many years.
I'm from Texas…
I was married and since divorced. I took my ex-husband's last name and just dropped my maiden name. I didn't change it back to my maiden name when I divorced. I am now getting remarried and I want to drop my ex-husband's last name to take my new husbands but I also want to drop my middle name and use my maiden name as my middle, can I do that? Thanks for your assistance!
Hi Erin. Yes, you can do that.
Hello! I got married in September 2016 in the state of Ohio. Before getting married I did a lot of research and every website said Ohio doesn't allow a maiden to middle name change and I would have to petition the court. I figured that I would try to see if they would let me once I got there. Social security had no problem with it and neither did the BMV. It was absolutely painless. My social security card and my drivers license now has my correct chosen name. I made sure to verify with everyone that I was not hyphenating my name and it is a true middle name. I don't know if this law has been updated or something just recently changed but I'm hoping brides are able to find this post so they know it's not a problem and won't have to petition the court!
So good news for Ohio brides!!!
When I remarried, I kept my ex husbands last name as my middle name because of our children. They are getting older and I'd decided to change my middle name back to my maiden name and drop his last name. I went through the social security office with no problems and had my name changed. However, when I went to get my driver's license updated, they refused because it was not stated anywhere in the divorce papers that I could drop his name. He's my ex, why do I have to have it written in divorce documents? Is this something that is common? It's in Mississippi.
They told me I would have to get my divorce document amended from 10+ years ago or pay a lawyer to petition a name change. It just seems to me if my social security card is updated; I showed my divorce papers, current marriage license, and my birth certificate that I should be able to get it changed on DL. They said I couldn't get a name change on DL without going through the courts.
Yes, it is a common requirement. During divorce proceedings one would request the judge restore the maiden (or prior) name. If it's not spelled out in the divorce decree changing your name consistently across all institutions can be a problem.
Hello…we are planning to marry in the coming months, and I find myself in a bit of a situation with the name change. I'm originally from Chile and I own a business in my country, with bank accounts tied to it, legal contracts, etc. If I was to take my future husband's surname, what would be the legal implications back in my country? Due to my surname having a difficult pronunciation, it would be so much easier just taking his, however I don't want to jump into something that might jeopardize my business overseas. Would moving mine as a middle name be my solution?
Many thanks in advance
Your name in Chile would remain as-is. The connection to your identity wouldn't be severed due to your changing your name in another county, therefore not much would practically change.
Not really. You may want to look into registering your name as a business/trade name (or equivalent) within Chile. This would allow you to continue doing business in your established name, while allowing you the option to legally change your name in Chile if you ultimately decide to take your husband's name after you get married.
Hello Valera,
When I got married in Colorado I signed my wedding certificate with my maiden name…. I would like to add my maiden name to my middle name, having two middle names with no hyphen, and take my husbands name as my last name….
1) Where do I start this process? County clerks office?
2) Do I have to change my marriage license?
3) I would only have to use all 4 names when signing formal documents, right? Normally I could just sign with my first and last.
Thank you so much.
While replacing your current middle name with your maiden name wouldn't be a problem, appending it to your middle name may not be recognized.
You'd return to the county clerk/recorder office to get a certified copy of your marriage certificate, assuming you don't already have one.
Only mistakes are corrected, so there's nothing to do with this.
Unless the document explicitly asks for your middle name, you can omit it.
Thanks for your help. Our marriage license has my maiden name and that is still valid if I change my last name and take my husbands?
Thank you
Hi Ashely. Yes, it's valid.
Hi, I'm in NY. My current Middle name has two parts. When filling out the forms for my last name to change, can I just drop the 2nd half of my middle name? Or do I have to first change my last name, then change my middle name and THEN apply for my license and passport etc?
Hi Christina. You wouldn't be able to drop your middle name without getting a court order. That can be done before or after you change your last name. If you go the court petition route, you can request both your middle and last name be changed for the sake of expediency.
Hello Valero,
First, you are super helpful and greatly appreciated.
Second, I apologize if this question has already been asked.
I got married last week in MA. I wanted to change my middle name to my maiden name but there was no place to write that on my marriage license and when I asked the clerk she told me not to worry about it. When I recieved my marriage certificate it states my full name as First Middle Last and then the next line says surname after marriage which lists my wife's last name. Nowhere on the form does it show that my middle name is or can be changed to my maiden name.
I have not changed my name on any documents yet. If I go to social security to change my name to First Maiden Wife's last name would there be a problem? If not, then is my name considered legally changed at that point?
Thank you so much for your help.
It shouldn't be a problem. And, yes, it would be considered legally changed at that point.
I will be getting married very soon and am wondering if anyone knows how this works in Arkansas.
Ideally, I'm leaning towards adding my maiden name to my middle name (having two middle names) and taking his last name as my last name. Is this possible without a court order in Arkansas? My main concern is the Arkansas DMV. I wanted to get some opinions before filling out the SSA form.
I'm hoping if I list the two middle names on my SSA form and get the new card back that this will sufficient in Arkansas for my driver's license change (along with my marriage license of course), but don't know anyone who has added their maiden name to their middle name in my state. I also don't know anyone who dropped their middle name and replaced it with their maiden name, which could be a less preferable2nd option for me….but still wondering if even that requires a court order here.
Definitely don't want to go through a court ordered change if it can be avoided, so any information is appreciated.
Hi Jennifer. That's unlikely to be accepted. A straight maiden to middle, yes, but there's a good chance it won't pass with the DMV even if you happen to get it through the SSA.
Hi!
I am getting married next year and would like to add my maiden name as my second middle name. I reside in Nebraska and will get betting married in Nebraska. Is this a difficult process? Do you know what steps I need to take? Thank you!
Hi MJW. Appending a second name to your middle is not likely to be recognized by the DMV as part of a standard marriage-based name change.
I live in TX & just got married. I want to drop my middle name and use my maiden name as my middle name and have my husbands name as my last name. So it would be FirstName MaidenName(now middle) HusbandsName(now last)
My parents added my current middle name to my birth certificate when I was 7, but never updated it through the Social Security office.
What do I need to do to drop my current middle name, or do I even have to do anything since it was never updated on my SS card?
What steps are needed to do this?
Can I achieve this without appearing in court and filing a petition?
Can I start the process to do this with the Social Security office and a certified copy of my marriage license?
Thank you in advance
Not important.
You just need a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Yes, court petition isn't required for the type of name change you're seeking.
Certified copy of your marriage certificate, not license.
I've just gotten engaged and my fiance' INSISTS that I drop my last name and take his. I REFUSE, I've been married twice before, my last marriage lasted 20 years. I compromised and stated I would hyphenate and keep my middle name and just be Mary L James-Lewis. We live in GA, would this be an issue?
Hi K.F. It wouldn't be a technical issue, as Georgia allows such a name change without a problem. The only issue is whether or not you want to undergo a name change at all.
I got married in florida and now im waiting for my gc.my problem is my maiden name is jane lim juan and then after marrieage i used jane lim chan.is there any problem with that.my friend said i done it wrong i supoosed to used jane juan chan.
There's nothing wrong with what you've chosen. Perhaps your friend was suggesting you could have gone with another name sequence, but that doesn't invalidate your choice.
I applied for my marriage license in California. I filled out the paperwork to adopt my maiden name as my middle name. After the paperwork was filed, my husband to be reviewed the license and realized that I did this and he is devastated. To make a long story short, we are getting married on Saturday and I want to change my marriage certificate to my original middle name and my new last name (so basically I just need to change my middle name on the certificate). From what I have gathered, once the forms are filed with the county clerk, they have to be submitted this way. Is that correct or can I still change the license before I actually get married in order to reflect the correct information??
Hi Jacki. You can return to the recorder's office and have the license reissued.
If I want to adopt my husband middle on my marriage certificate can i adopt his middle name..i like his middle instead of using my maiden name
No, not without a court order.
I got married in CA. I don't have a middle name and would like to add my maiden last name as my middle name and add my husband's last name as my last name (First: name, Middle: maiden last name, Last: spouses last name) Can I do this in California without a court order? Could I just change it at the SSN office and go from there?
As long as you specified your new name sequence on your marriage license application, then yes to both questions.
In California if you have a middle name already and want to add the maiden name to it, do you then have to petition the court?
First name, middle/maiden name, last name.
Hi Ashely. No, you don't have to petition the court to add your maiden name to your middle name.
What if you didn't think you wanted to keep your maiden name as your middle name when you applied for your marriage license, but now that you're married, you do?
Hi Jenna. In California, the name on the application to license to certificate is what it may be changed to. No deviations.
Hi – I want to keep my middle name and add my maiden name to it. I live in Texas. Can I do this? I don't have a preference of whether it's two middle names or they are hypenated as one middle name. Just looking for what's legal under the married name change process. Any references online for Texas u can point me to? Thanks!
Hi Erin. Adding to your existing middle name would entail getting a court petitioned name change.
I am reading so many conflicting things on the internet and wanted to see if you could help to clarify.
I live in NYC. Got married in NY state. Marriage license says I am taking my husband's surname and I would like to change my middle name to my maiden name. Some things I have read say I need to get a court order to do this legally, and others say that if you just go to SSA and change on passport by showing marriage license for both (and both of those actually work- seems to be at discretion of SSA clerk) then you're good. But is this the case in NY? And is this considered a legal name change? Or do I need to get a court order? When I went to get copies of my marriage certificate from Brooklyn Marriage Bureau yesterday, I asked about changing my middle to maiden and they gave me the number of Brooklyn Civil Court for Name Changes. This number just rings and rings if you call it, so I wasn't able to get any information. Please help! I am traveling soon and need to sort out my passport! Thanks so much!
Hi Andrea. Your marriage certificate should be sufficient. The NY name change article goes into further detail regarding this confusion.
I'm getting married in a few months. When filling out the marriage license should I write the full name I want it to be changed to or should I write my given name on the license? Then when filling out the certificate I put the name I want it to be changed to right?
Hi Bethany. If your marriage license application has a change to new name block, then you'd put it there. You wouldn't write anything on your certificate. The certificate will just mirror what you originally put on your license.
Keep in mind, not all states/applications have a change to new name block. If yours doesn't, then your marriage certificate won't reflect a new, change to name. In that case, it wouldn't matter, you could still use that marriage certificate (showing your current/maiden name) to change your name.
Hi,
I got married last month and am trying to change my name. I live in Maine. I would like to make my new full legal name to have 2 middle names as opposed to one:
First Name Middle Name Maiden Name Husbands Last Name.
Is this possible to add a legal middle name so my middle name is now my current middle name and maiden name? I am not trying to hyphenate my maiden name with my new last name. I have yet to legally change my name.
Thanks!
Hi Emma. You're looking at having to petition the court to append to your middle name.
I live in Texas and I'm getting married in March. I have a middle name but would like to drop it completely and make my current last name my middle name.
My mother in law told me it wasn't possible. Can it be done??
Hi Gabby. Yes, it can be done.
Hi, I got married in PA 12 years back. My marriage license and certificate shows my 'first name-maiden last name'. Now settled in CT. Till now all my official papers (GC, foreign passport, DMV, job, mortgage, credit card, etc) have my 'first name-maiden last name' listed. Now applying for citizenship through naturalization (N400) and also considering legal name change to my husband's last name using the same form. Can I use my maiden name as my new middle name? I do not have any middle name currently. I do not want to hyphenate the last name and make it very lengthy. All I want is 'my first name-maiden last name(as middle)-husband's last name'. Is that legally possible in CT? Please suggest. Thanks.
Hi ACP. Yes, that shouldn't be a problem.
Thank you very much for your reply.
I don't have a middle name. My parents couldn't figure one out one that sounded good. I am not looking to use my maiden name, but my nickname is Lynn (Lynette is full name). Some documents are in one or the other name. Would it be a good idea to use my nickname as a middle name and make it legal?
Hi Lynette. It's neither good nor bad. It's just a personal preference. You wouldn't be able to make a change like that through a marriage name change. You'd have to petition the court for that.
How can this be done? What is the process? What document will suffice to show this change, the marriage certificate? Similar to the post above, I am a resident of Texas and when I get married, my maiden name will be become my new middle name and my last name will be my fiance's last name.
Hi Kim. Yes, your marriage certificate will suffice.
I'm not sure what to do with my last name since I do feel a sense of loss when thinking about ditching it. Although I imagine documents will be annoying, I'm thinking of hyphenating my middle name with my maiden name. Is that a thing?
Hi Michelle. It's an option, but not something that's guaranteed to be supported in all states.
Hi there!
My husband and I got married in Minnesota in August. On the marriage certificate it states my new name after marriage will be With my current middle name and New last name. I now want to add my maiden name as a middle name. We are currently living in Washington but I am not sure how long we will be here. I have not switched anything over yet. can I go through Minnesota since that's where we got married and will eventually move back to? Or do I have to go through Washington since we are currently living here?
Hi Aly. You'll likely face resistance from the Department of Licensing. You may have to consider going with a court petitioned name change.
I live in CT and will be getting married next month. I do not want a long hyphenated last name, so I would like to take my maiden name as a second middle name.
FirstName MiddleName MaidenName HusbandsLastName
Can this be done?
Hi Jenna. I don't believe this is possible without a court order.
Can I make my maiden name my middle name in NYS through marriage?
If not, what office takes care of this? Do I first change last name to husbands name and then separately petition to change my middle name?
How much time do you typically have to update liscense, passport, etc.
Hi Rachel. Yes, you can change it in one process using your marriage certificate. There's no time limit to changing your name.
Hi Valera,
If you could take a moment to clarify this- I'm also getting married in New York, and I would like to use my maiden name as my middle name and my husbands name as my new legal last name. On the marriage license, there's a field for "new surname, if changing". Therefore, do I indicate the "new surname" as his last name? Where then do I state my maiden name as my new middle name?
Thanks!
Yes.
You wouldn't have to. Your marriage certificate would be sufficient to change your middle name. Take a look at the NY middle to maiden and the general NY name change articles which explains this further.
I am puertorrican currently living in KY. I am getting marries this July in Boston, so my marriagr license would be from Massachusetts. My question is as puertorrican we have two last names(name- fathers last name- mothers maiden name). I don't have a middle name and I would like to have my mothers maiden name as my middle name and take my future husbands last name. Would I have to go to court for this or am I able to just change it on my marriage license? Also how would this change work in PR?
Hi Eileen. You'd likely have to go to court as you're looking to use just a portion of your last name.
Hi,
I'm American but of South American descent, so my middle name is my mom's last name, and my last name is my dad's last name. I'd like to add my fiance's last name without dropping my last names, and without hyphen-ating. Is that possible? We are residents of New York city, but we have the option have being legally married in the state of Maryland as well if I'm not allowed to change my name the way I'd like to in NY. Do you know if this is at all possible? I know I have the option of moving my maiden names to my middle name, but I'd have 2 names as my middle name in that case..
Thanks for your help!
Hi Nicole. I don't believe using a space is an option. You could hyphenate, or combine the names without a space, but that's about it.
Hi, I kept my middle name and now decided I would really like to have my maiden name as my middle. Is this an easy process to do? Thank you for your advice.
Hi Melissa. It depends on the state. A few won't do it at all. For states that require a new name be specified on the marriage license, not specifying it could prevent such a name change as well. So, it depends on the state. If none of these impediments exist, the process is easy. You'd just need a certified copy of your marriage record. Otherwise, the alternative is to go to court.
When I file my taxes I sign them my first name, middle initial then maiden and married name. My drivers license has just my first, middle and married. Can I add my maiden name on my DL so it matches what the IRS has?
Hi Susan. Since you've already changed your name once with the DMV, you wouldn't be able to do it again without some other document (not your marriage record) signifying a new name change.
I would like to make my maiden name my middle name. Do I have to go through the courts to do that? Or can I simply do that through the process where I would change my last name to my married name?
Hi Trixie. In most states you can. Take a look at the last two paragraphs of the article for a list of states where it's not possible without going to court.
Just went to pick up a marriage license and was wondering if I was suppose to sign it with my husbands last name or my legal name in the state of north Carolina
Hi Abby. You'd sign your legal name.
I was widowed and recently remarried in Texas. I would like to change my middle name to my deceased husbands last name due to my children and legal accounts etc…, but would like to take my new husbands last name. From what I am reading here, that can be done ar the Social Security office with just the marriage license. Is that correct? Thank you!
Hi Kathy. That would work for your last name, but unlikely for the middle.
I live in New York, getting married this Nov 2017.I've been reading up on whether I can drop my middle name and make my maiden name my middle name. So my name would read First Maiden Husband Lastname. There so many conflicting stories where some people have been successful, while others were not successful in making such change.
I noticed that on the NY marriage license form, writing your middle name is optional. If I do not list my middle name anywhere on the license form, would this make it easier to change my name with SSI to First Maiden Husbands Lastname?
FYI : my current SSI card and passport reads First, Middle, Maiden.
Omitting it wouldn't do much as those organizations already have reference to your middle name in their records.
We got married 4 years ago and I used my last name (Lopez) as my middle name and took his last name(Garcia). I never changed my last name in any documents because I didn't want to go through the stress while I was in school. My husband and I talked about it and he suggested I should just drop his last name and keep my maiden name. Is there any consequences to not changing my last name in all these years?? What would be the process to changing my surname in the marriage certificate??? Thank you
No.
You'd have to file an amendment request, but those are typically reserved for errors.
I already have 2 middle names and would like to drop 1 middle name. Can I do this at the same time as changing my last name? (With the marriage certificate) Or do I have to change my middle name through the court and then change my last name with my marriage certificate? This is for Oregon, and we're not yet married. I just don't want to have to go through 2 name changes in a very short period of time. If I do have to go through 2 name changes, is it better to change my middle name before or after getting married?
You can modify your middle name a variety of ways in Oregon using your marriage certificate, but dropping a part of it is only possible by petitioning the court.
If you go the court route, you can do the middle and last name change simultaneously.
It doesn't matter.
Hi! Do you know if you make your maiden name your middle name on your SSI card first if you have to wait until the new card comes in to go to the DMV to get new driver's license or you can go the same day? Thanks!
Hi Alissa. You don't have to wait for your new card to arrive. Just space out your SSA and DMV visit at least one day.
Hello,
My wife and I just got married in Michigan and as part went through the name change process. My wife took my last name but also changed the spelling of her middle name on the marriage license. Social security already changed her SS card to reflect both the middle and last name change. We went today to the Florida DMV to update her drivers license as well and they would not update her middle name and only her last name, even though Social Security changed it. They told us we would need a court order to do this. So now she has two different ID cards with different spellings. Michigan told us this wouldn't be an issue, if we knew this would of been a problem she wouldn't of changed the spelling of it. Any help and information you could give us would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your time.
Hi Travis. You can try and get an amendment of your marriage certificate from the Michigan county clerk's office. Explain you were given faulty information and perhaps they'll accommodate. Option two is to get a court ordered name change, as suggested by the Florida DMV.
This was probably answered above but wanted to confirm. I will changing my name from "FirstName MiddleName LastName" to "FirstName MaidenName HisSurname" and wanted to know if I need to go to the court for this?
Hi Sara. Check the last two paragraphs of the article which discusses the states where this isn't possible.
I recently got a divorce and in the documents it allows for me to take back my maiden name as my surname. I live in Alabama. If I want to change my middle name when I go back to my maiden name, do I have to go to court? Thanks!
Hi Sarah. Yes, you'd have to go to court.
Thank you.
Hello,
I just got married in NY, where my parents live. Only a few weeks before then did I move to PA.
In NY, they would not let me change my middle name to my maiden name, so on the marriage certificate it says first-middle-husbands name instead of first-maiden-husbands name. Would PA accept the change on my social security card in this scenario, with the incorrect name on my marriage certificate?
Hi Sarah. No, Pennsylvania wouldn't accept that.
I am getting married in MD this November. When I do to SSA, can I just add his last name to my existing name, keeping my maiden name? Ex: from Christina Mae Smith to Christina Mae Smith Jones
Hi Christina. I don't believe that's a supported option.
I live in PA and I would like to change my maiden name to my last name. I was able to do this at the social security office with no problem. The DMV said I have to bring supporting documentation (social security card + 2 forms of other identification ie bank statement and voter registration) with this new name change to then change my driver license. Is this true? I have also read of people being able make this change at the DMV and others saying it did not work. Additionally, those who were able to make this change at the DMV, they said they then had trouble changing their passport.
Is there a final consensus of what the rule is in PA?? I can't find consistent language anywhere on the web :(
Could you please clarify this change. Are you trying to restore your maiden name as your surname? Is this the result of a divorce?
Hi, I don't have a middle name and I planned on keeping it that way when I married my husband. I went to go get my last name changed on my driver license and the lady told me I have to make my last name my middle name since I don't have a middle name. That Texas requires 3 names.Is this true?
Hi Diana. You're not the first person to report this in Texas, which appears to be an internal system specific to the DMV.
I recently got married in Maryland. This is my second marriage. When I got married the first time, I officially changed my name to my first husband's last name. So I became: First Name/Given Middle Name/1st Husband Last Name. I never changed my name after divorce because I didn't need the hassle. Now, many years later, I'm remarried and changing my name. This time, I'm changing my Middle and Last Names. It's now: First Name/Maiden Name as Middle Name/2nd Husband Last Name. I successfully managed to make this change with the SS office and DMV. However, I got tripped up on my passport. They said that they could only process the passport as First Name/Given Middle Name/2nd Husband Last Name. I'm annoyed because now the middle names on my IDs don't match. Is there a process to get my passport to match? How do I "prove" the new middle name?
Hi Lisa. Assuming you've provided multiple forms of documentation showing all your prior name variations (e.g., prior passports, birth certificates, and driver's license), you may want to try another office or agent.
I called the Passport office and they said that I'd need to get a court order to change my middle name. They said the new SSA card doesn't serve as legal documentation.
Hi Lisa. The legal documentation would typically be a certified copy of your marriage certificate and not the SS card.
Hi. I am struggling with a name dilemma that I don't think is addressed above. Maybe you can help. I live in California and am thinking of adding another middle name: First, Middle, Middle, Last. The name would be that of my stepfather. He is not adopting me, but as a symbol of who he is in my life, I would like to take his surname. My understanding is that it is fairly simple in terms of adding the name. What I am worried about is all of the other documents that would need to be changed: ss#, passport, licenses, mortgage, work, credit, etc. Do you know, if I am just adding a middle name, do I need to change everything? Thanks.
Hi Laria. If you're just going to petition the court to obtain an order reflecting your new name choice, then your name doesn't actually change until you update those institutions you cited. Just because you get a court order doesn't mean you have to follow through with the change.
Thanks Valelra. To clarify, I thought in CA I just needed to submit a form, not get a court order. If I complete the form then I can choose to use the name or not even thought I am some how registered in the state with the new name?
Sorry, adding to the thought…The form is an affidavit to change a vital record. However, because it would be a middle name and my middle name does not appear on all of the said institutional forms perhaps I still don't need to make the changes to those records?
Hi Laria. Once you're granted a court order, you can use it to change the name on your vital records.
Hi Laria. You would have to petition the court. You can read more about it on the California name change page.
Thank you for this informative site. At first I was not thinking about any conflicts when it comes to changing names after marriage. My fiance is from PA and after reading this article I feel sad because I feel like i will lose my identity. ?
Hello! A pleasant day to you. I just want to ask something. I am widowed since 5months ago my husband pass away.. I just thinking remarrying later if time permits. I just thinking what would be my middle name is it if happens? I am andriana niepes-gonzales this gonzales is my husband's name.. However i get married again what would be my middle name, is it niepes or gonzales? Please help me answers my questions. Thank you!
Hi Andriana. Remarriage wouldn't affect your current middle name.
Hi Valera,
Thank you for answering all of these questions. I too, am about to get married. I go by my first and middle name, as a double name. I want to take my husband's last name, but I would love to keep my last name as well, without hyphening. So would it be First Middle Maiden Husband…would that be appropriate? For example, if my name now is Mary Katherine Smith and I go by Mary Katherine. If I used all of my names it would be Mary Katherine Smith Johnson. I definitely don't want to drop the Katherine and just be Mary Smith Johnson because that leaves out part of the name I go by. I could be Mary Katherine Johnson but that would leave off my maiden name and I'm sentimental about it. What would you do?
Thanks!
Hi Mary Katherine. Spaces-separated, double-barrelled surnames aren't very well supported when changing your name using your marriage record. If you can change it, then it's a nonissue. If you can't do it through the marriage, you can do it by petitioning the court. The alternative to either of those routes is to use your preferred name choice informally, in social situations.
If it were my name, I would make "Mary Katherine" a space separated FIRST name, take my maiden as my new middle, and then take husband's surname. Court order, but solves the problem!
Hi, I recently got married in California and added my Husband's last name to the end of mine. Now I have my first, middle, maiden, and his last name. Someone told me that since my last name comes first, I'm still legally a "Smith" and not legal my Husband's last name. I worked so hard to get this name and it means so much to me. What is the correct legal way to go? I'm struggling with emotions, and I am thinking of doing the whole thing over and doing first, maiden, his last name. Please help. :0(
I don't know what this person is referring to.
Obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate, then use it to change your name with the various institutions.
Hi there,
I live in MD and I am getting married soon. I am planning to change my FirsName MiddleName FirstLastName MaidenLastName TO MyNickname HusbandLastName.
I want to know if that's possible. If it is not I can change it to FirstName HusbanLastName.
I am Hispanic and this is the way normally families do when they put the names to their kids, 2 names and 2 last names (dad first and mom second) Just giving you an idea of how it works so you can understant.
Thanks in advance,
You can't change to your nickname. That would require a court order. You can make the latter change though.
Hi,
I recently just got married in Massachusetts. On the marriage license, there was no space for me to put my name change other than what my surname would be after marriage. I would like to change my middle name to my maiden name. Is this still possible when applying for my new social security card or would this involve a court order? I haven't done any of the paper work yet for it.
Thanks!
Hi Kim. Yes, it should still be possible.
Thank you for all of your advice. I've read a lot, but I'm still unsure if I can make my preferred changes without a court order here in MI.
When I was previously married, I dropped my maiden surname for my then husbands, making it first/givenmiddle/husbands last. I kept it as such after divorce (did not petition for maiden restoration). Now I'm getting married again, and would like to change it to first/givenmiddle maidenas2ndmiddle/newhusbandslast, dropping my ex-husbands surname entirely. Is that possible with just the marriage certificate in MI, or does it require court intervention since my maiden name is not currently a part of my legal name?
Hi Jen. You'd have to go the court petition route.
I recently had an issue similar to the first one listed. I live in North Carolina and was married last year. I changed my middle name to my maiden name and my last name to my husband’s via the Social Security office. Now, I recently tried to change my middle name with The ‘US department of the interior office of the special trustee for American Indians’ — Since my marriage license has my maiden name, they will only change the last name on my account and not my middle name. In North Carolina, you do not have to get a court order to change your middle name to your maiden last name… you only have to go to the Social Security office. But the US department of the interior only allows marriage certificate and/or court orders for my middle name to be changed on my trustee account. I spoke with them earlier today as well as a supervisor, and they absolutely refuse to change my middle name. They said it doesn’t matter how long ago I got married and how long ago my name was changed, I have to go back to the court and try to get an order. I am so frustrated with this process… Do you have any suggestions?
Hi Jena. NC marriage licenses and certificates don't provide spaces to provide a new name, so only your maiden would be reflected anyway. Can you get the rep to print the internal rule that disallows the change? It's possible you've interacted with someone who's mistaken.