Maiden Name to Middle Name Change
Did you know you could make your maiden name your middle name after marriage using your marriage certificate, while still taking your spouse's last name as your new last name?
This offers a savvy two-for-one compromise:
- You honor your spouse.
- You honor yourself and your family history.
We shall unpack the pros, cons, and gotchas a maiden to middle name change entails, with an added discussion of a hyphenated middle name or two middle names.
Why holding onto your maiden name matters?
For those unaware, your maiden name is your last name at birth. For men, your maiden name is your birth surname too, although the term "maiden" traditionally applies to women.
Many people choose to adopt a new last name after getting married. Yet losing your old name may feel like a tremendous loss, met with grief and uncertainty.
A loss of self with far-reaching tentacles:
- A loss for yourself.
- A loss for your brothers and sisters.
- A loss for your parents and family lineage.
How might your siblings react when it falls upon them to decide whether to keep the family name going? The harshest choice and burden left to the last unmarried child.
If you are an only child, you might worry how your parents will feel when your last name is gone. (Who will they expect to carry on the family name now?)
There is an oft overlooked fix to this problem…
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.
Note: You can use our online name change kit to complete a maiden to middle name change, along with changing your last name after marriage.
How to change your middle name after marriage?
You can use a certified copy of your marriage certificate to replace your middle name with your maiden name or add your maiden name as a second middle name.
For example, if Dana Blair Smith married Cameron Williams, a maiden name to middle name change would be Dana Smith Williams or Dana Blair Smith Williams.
Of course, you can change your last name at the same time.
(An important interjection: Caveats and gray areas exist for changing your middle name, covered in the next section. In the meantime, let us continue…)
When you apply for a marriage license, write in your new middle name if the application offers a spot to do so. If the form did not ask, your marriage certificate will exclude your new name.
Such an omission is not a problem, since you can derive your new name from your and your spouse's current and birth names, as shown on your marriage certificate.
This is how social security name change works; they verify the new name combination you write on their form against internal records and the names on your marriage certificate.
It is a reconstruction of disparate name groups:
- Your birth and current name
- Your spouse's birth and current name
Caveats, gray areas, and gotchas
Discussion of name change sometimes involves (or devolves into) happy talk. Claims that you can do something, while reality paints a different picture.
Maiden to middle name change has two such problems:
- Three U.S. states do not allow them.
- Pursuing two middle names is stepping into uncertainty.
1. A few states make middle name change difficult
Only three U.S. states do not allow you to replace your middle name with your maiden name through marriage, using your marriage certificate: New Jersey, Ohio, and Washington State.
Those three states require you to petition the court to alter your middle name. Once you get the legal name change court order, it will serve as proof of your name change.
A court-petitioned name change takes more time, effort, and expense compared to a marriage name change. In these cases, hyphenation may be a convenient substitute.
2. Procedural hurdles of two middle names
A few states, such as California, Nevada, and North Dakota, have statutes that allow combining your middle and maiden name after marriage, separated by a space or hyphen.
Yet most states neither approve nor disapprove of two middle names. Success may hinge on how picky the government agent is that handles your paperwork.
Success and failure are often anecdotal. You take a risk unless you know for sure two middle names (using your marriage certificate) will work.
It is far more reliable to pursue a straight up replacement of your middle name with your maiden name. (Excluding the three outlier states cited in the prior section.)
With that being said…
Switching your maiden name to your middle name may garner useful, long-term benefits beyond its sentimental value.
Starting with…
Using your new middle name as your first name
You could informally use your maiden name as your first name upon replacing your middle name, while maintaining the veneer of legality. (It is part of your legal name, after all.)
For instance, imagine your maiden name were Avery. You could tell folks, "Call me Avery," leaving them guessing if it was your first, middle, or last name.
This works best for surnames that can be mistaken for first names. To illustrate, Kim or Carey works, but not Lopez or King.
Here you have a flexible way to use your middle name as your first name without undergoing a legal name change by court order. (Such usage is informal, though.)
While using your middle name as your first name is okay around friends, coworkers, etc, you must still use your real, legal name for official purposes, such as filing taxes.
Confirming your identity fast (old and new)
What happens when you come across unexpected identity challenges at non-government institutions and need a quick way to prove that you have changed your name?
Should you whip out your marriage certificate?
- That would work.
- But it is too big of a hassle.
Yet having your maiden name as your middle makes it easy to attest you are the same person who just added a name. Further, it shows you have married.
Is this documentary proof? No, but many organizations will accept your reasonable explanation without pushback.
If you plan to keep using your maiden name for professional reasons, moving it to your middle name serves as a more credible form of "usage" or alias.
If you were born without a middle name, you have a great opportunity to fill that void by inserting your maiden name. This may help you to decide in favor of the shift.
Satisfying your relatives (and yourself)
Your parents and relatives might begrudge you for dropping your birth name. Abandoning your legacy. Pride in family and heritage can run deep.
If your family name is famous, prestigious, or admired, making your maiden name into your middle name is a potent way to honor your past, spouse, and future life together.
It shows that you have not forgotten where you came from.
Keeping your ancestry as part of your name is a wonderful gesture and sure to prevent rifts that might develop over adopting a brand new last name.
The decision to change your name is yours alone. But clinching a win-win solution that keeps you, your spouse, your family, and your troublesome in-laws happy is astute and admirable.
And women are not the only ones facing the name change question. Some states allow men to take their wife's name via marriage; even pursue a birth name to middle name switch.
Can you have two middle names?
Caution: This section assumes you have reviewed the caveats of adding your maiden name as a second middle name; if so, please proceed.
Three out of four people have a middle name. Many of whom use it regularly. You face a dilemma upon changing your middle name:
- Do you outright replace your middle name?
- Do you use your maiden name as a second middle name?
The answer depends on what you think of keeping your current middle name and having two middle names after marriage.
You will need to correct people who get confused by your dual (or dueling) middle names, while considering the repercussions of using one or two middle initials.
The clueless might wonder:
- Where does your first name end?
- And where does your last name begin?
For example, if Riley Lou Watts married Dakota Finley, a maiden to middle name change with two middle names would be Riley Lou Watts Finley, or Riley Lou-Watts Finley if hyphenating.
Such a complex name spells trouble to the uninformed.
Possessing a full name with four parts and no hyphens makes it hard to determine if the person has two first names, two middle names, or two last names.
Hyphenating your middle names might mitigate such confusing interactions.
Just remember, two middle names may prove clumsy and limiting, especially with forms that only have space for one middle name or middle initial.
Usually easier than hyphenation
Ousting your middle name for your maiden name may be simpler to manage than hyphenating your name. It keeps your identity obvious and segmented at a glance.
Using your maiden name as a bridge makes it easier to establish your connection to people on both sides of your family. This aids in childcare, such as flying with children.
Before considering a hyphenated name, assess how well it complements your partner's name. Do two names sound harmonious or disjointed?
Sound out your name and ask yourself:
- Does it flow, or is it an aural catastrophe?
- Can you live with that
noisesound?
The maiden name to middle name path may edge out a jumbled, overlong hyphenated surname. Plus, it means your last name will not be such a mouthful.
Helps ease you through the transition
Changing your name can be a form of paralysis analysis; weighing pros and cons among name sequences and combinations, only to arrive at a still uncertain decision.
A vicious circle of dissatisfying ruminations:
- I should have waited.
- I should have hyphenated.
- I should have kept my maiden name.
- I should have used spaces instead of hyphens.
- I should have replaced my middle name with my maiden.
There is no best or superior path.
Yet choosing to switch out your middle name with your maiden name may lead to the least doubt, regret, and resistance. It is a good choice, on balance.
It keeps your first, middle, and last name clean and compartmentalized: no hyphens, spaces, or disarray. Take your spouse's surname, while reusing your maiden name.
You invite turmoil by picking the wrong name in haste. You should settle on your complete name at the outset instead of backtracking and reversing your name change.
It is not always about keeping your spouse, relatives, and in-laws satisfied. You should inhabit your new name when updating your professional documents and ID cards.
The prospect of name change may appear less daunting if you keep your maiden name visible, since you are not wholesale abandoning what you have known your entire life.
Changing your name should be an act of triumph and celebration. Not of doubt and anguish. Keeping your maiden name active 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.
Accepting your new middle name
If you have a middle name, you may either replace it or feel like one of those people by listing more than one middle name whenever you give your full name.
- Two middle names do not make you a bourgeois so-and-so.
- Choose whichever name makes you happy.
- Ignore the naysayers.
Getting used to having a new middle name is also a process, as you will need to update multiple documents. (Get busy practicing your new signature straightaway.)
Everything from your social security card, driver's license, REAL ID, to passport should match your new middle name. You do not want your legal documents drifting out of sync.
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.
Whether you lean towards hyphenating, creating a new last name, or keeping your maiden name, consider your middle name as a swappable placeholder.
Whatever change fits right for you, our online name change kit can help you change your name across your identity documents. Best of luck to you.
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.
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 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.
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'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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
Is maiden to middle name change allowed in Nevada? Where can I find the "rules"?
Hi Ann. Yes it's allowed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
Hi!
I got married this past November in the Bahamas (and have a certified copy of our marriage certificate/entry in the register of marriages). I live in NY and am finally starting the name changing process.
I'm hoping to change my name from "First Name / Middle Name / Maiden Name" to "First Name / Middle Name Maiden-as-2nd-Middle-Name / Husband's Last Name." Is this going to be a huge hassle?! I found online a 6 point rule where if I get my SS card and passport changed to whatever new name I want, the DMV will accept these 2 IDs to process the name change for my driver's license. I'm just worried I'll get roadblocked at one of the agencies/organizations and have to do a re-do or something. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
Hi Allison. You may face an issue with trying to change your middle name with a space-separated combination. You can read more about NY middle name changes and NY name changes in general.
I have used my maiden name as my middle name for 28 years. I made this change when I married. It is on every document and account (IRS, retirement, heath insurance, Social Security, driver's license, bank, etc.) that is associated with me. Going for a Real I.D. driver's license in Nevada, I am told I have to use the middle name on my birth certificate, requiring me to change my name with every account and agency I am associated with. Is this correct? Clearly, my maiden name is on my birth certificate. Why can't I have it on my driver's license? (It has been on my driver's license since 1988.)
Hi Laurel. Are you certain you've brought along the three necessary pieces of documentation: proof of identity, proof of SSN, proof of state residency? Also, Real ID should still optional for the time being. You should be able to renew using a standard license.
Indiana will no longer allow a woman to use her maiden name as her middle name–they say because of Real ID.
When I married in Indiana in 1986, I was told that I could legally retain my maiden name as my middle name and take my husband's last name as my new last name. All I had to do to make it legal was make the change with Social Security.) The state is now saying that those name changes were not legal.
Those of us who made those changes now either have to change all of our records to first-middle-married or go to court to change our middle name to our maiden name.
Also, the United State Department of State will NOT issue passports with a maiden name as a middle name–at least not if your marriage license is from a state where only your first-middle-maiden names are listed on the marriage license. (Indiana does not list any name change(s) on a marriage license.) It doesn't matter how you fill out your application–it will be rejected. And, it doesn't matter how many years you have used your name, you will no longer be able to use it unless you go to court.
Hi Nancy. Could you cite a source for this?
Sure! 1) Marion County Clerk's Office, Marriage License Division, 200 E. Washington St., Room W122, Indianapolis, IN 460204. 2) The Indiana Department of Motor Vehicles (drivers license, vehicle titles, registrations, etc). 3) The United States Postal Service (passports).
Once you've changed your name and have documentation there shouldn't be an issue. A US passport requires a birth certificate and valid ID, and the passport is issued in the legal name of the applicant (name on the ID). A postal worker can't just change it or reject it on a whim. They were misinformed as you don't apply laws retroactively. Passports are federal, like Social Security, and don't take States' laws and apply them to theirs. As a side note, Social Security says the legal name is the first and last name only and disregards the middle name as part of the middle name.
Hi Valera,
In Ohio and marrying soon. I'd like to be FirstName MiddleName Maiden(as 2nd middle) HusbandLast.
Would it be "easier" to petition for second middle name before marriage, or does it not matter when? State laws are annoyingly confusing to decode into layman terms. Calling the marriage license office was comical, unfortunately. Thanks in advance :-)
It doesn't matter when.
Hi Valera,
I am recently married in Georgia, and would like to change my name to First OriginalMiddle MaidenLast MarriedLast, with both the OriginalMiddle and MaidenLast as middle names rather than having a double last name. It seems that Georgia allows changing a Maiden name to a Middle name, but I'm not sure about appending it to an existing middle name. I filled out the marriage license application using MarriedLast as the last name I intended to use after marriage but there was no place to change the middle name on that form.
Thanks for your help!
Hi Georgia. As you surmised, a dual middle name is unlikely to be accepted without having something such as a court order.
As for there not being a spot to specify a new middle name, that's not uncommon in many states. Not all states setup their marriage license applications to specify what the "change to" name will be, if any. Those forms are only concerned with your current name.
The marriage certificate you ultimately receive will serve as your proof of marriage to allow you to go through the marriage-based name change process. At that point, what you're allowed to change to will be determined by state law, and, sometimes, the flexibility and interpretation of the agent you end up dealing with.
I'll be getting married next month in West Virginia. I plan on taking my husband's last name. My question is this….can I change my middle name to something completely different? Like not my maiden name or anything like that? Would this make the process more involved?
This can only be done with a court order.
When I get married, I want to take my husband's last name. The question is this: No one calls me by my first name so i was wondering if when i change my social security card, instead of using my first, last and married last name can i use my middle, last and married last name, dropping my first name? Example – If Susan Ann Brown was my birth name and I am marrying a Smith, Can I use Ann Brown Smith instead of Susan Brown Smith or Susan Ann Smith?
No, this wouldn't be accepted. You'll have to get a court order for such a change.
Hello! I'm going to be getting married soon in Indiana. I plan on changing my legal name to "FirstName MyMaiden HisSurname", however I intended to change the spelling of my maiden name. My family's name was anglicized after they moved to the United States and I'd like to go back to the older spelling. It has been multiple generations since that spelling was used so there are not any legal documents with it listed, however the pronunciation is clearly the same. I haven't seen anything on Indiana's laws regarding what exactly is allowed during marriage name change procedures. Do you think this would require a petition or would it be allowed through the regular process? Thank you!
Hi Aviva. Changing a character in your maiden name would require a petition.
Hello! I'm about to get Married in Montana using a double proxy since we live in Germany. I was born in Vermont. I want to change my name to First Middle Maiden Husband's name. Would that be possible?
Hi Bethany. Support for double names is typically not supported or is ambiguous, at best. Best course of action is to contact the driver's license office to confirm support. And even with positive confirmation, you could be at the mercy of whichever agent/clerk determines what is and is not recognized.
Hi Valera,
I read the through all the comments and I'm not entirely sure if this was answered. I live in NJ and got married Oct. 2015. My full name includes my mother's maiden name as my middle name. If I want to take my husband's last name and drop my middle name (since I won't be using my maiden name), I would still have to go through a court petitioned name change?
And the same answer goes with if i decide to change my middle name to my maiden name and then take my husband's last name correct?
Hi CJ. Correct on both counts.
Hi Valera,
I live in Indiana and I am getting married in about 2 and 1/2 weeks. I'm trying to decide whether to have a dual middle name or a nonhyphenated dual last name. I would casually go by my new husband's name, but I just don't want to drop my current middle name or my maiden name. Is it easier to make the transition to a dual middle name or a dual last name? Not just legally, but in terms of bills, credit cards, etc.
Thanks!
Hi Alyssa. Dual middle name would result in less complications due to the fact that it will be referenced considerably less than your last name.
Hi, I live in NY and am getting married in a few weeks. I want to add my maiden name as a second middle name so my name would be First Middle Maiden Husbands Last name. On the marriage license do I put First Middle Husbands last and then try to add the maiden name as a middle at SS office? Or do I do the marriage license as First Middle Maiden and then do the change at the SS office? Thanks so much, this is such a helpful site!
Hi Lisa. If a marriage license has a block to denote your new name, specify it there. Having said that, I don't believe a double middle name through marriage is recognized in NY.
Hello, i have a question. I am married for american citizen and im goin through the process to get my papers, but i would like to keep my last name instead my middle name and ofcourse take my husbands last name. Is that possible ? and what should i do ?
Hi Hrisimira. You can take a new name during the naturalization process.
Hi, I am from Texas and got married a year ago but have not changed my name because I do not want to give up my maiden name and I do not want to hypen my last name with my husbands last name because they are so long. I am glad I found this blog and see a lot of people do put their maiden name as their middle name. I do not have a middle name, so I would go from Lucero E. to Lucero E. S. Would this need to go to court? Thank you!
Hi Lucero. Correct, through court.
Hi. I'm getting married soon in Michigan and would like to completely eliminate my middle name. Can I do this on our marriage license or marriage certificate? Thanks
Hi Meagan. Even if you omit it from your marriage license/certificate, it wouldn't legally result in the dropping of your middle name.
I got married in Virginia but live in New York. I have never gone by my first name – always my middle name – and I now want my name on my documents to be middle name maiden name husband's last name. (So, from Jane Ann Doe to Ann Doe Jones, for example.) Will I have to get a legal name change to do that, or can I just make that change at social security and proceed from there? It looks like it has gotten easier in NY to make some name changes, but I'm not sure if the one I want is easy (or cheap). My husband and I are going to be buying a house soon and I'd like all name changes to be done by then.
Hi Virginia. First name changes do indeed require you go to court.
I got married in Colorado with a and signed my name "FirstName MaidenName Husband'sLastName" because that was how they told me I needed to sign it in order to change my middle name to my maiden name legally post marriage. I went to my local SSA office in Des Moines, Iowa, and they refused to change my middle name because it wasn't typed out on the certificate. I called to other states and even another office in Iowa, as well as the court and a judge who deals with the name change petitions in Des Moines, and everyone else told me that according to my marriage license, this shouldn't be a problem. What gives?
Hi Lindsay. I'm not sure what they're speaking about. You can try another clerk/office. Name change documents can also be submitted by mail.
Hello, I was married back in 2015 and I'm finally ready to get my name changed. I have my marriage certificate ready, but from the beginning I was not told to put my married name on the certificate, was this wrong? And if I keep my last name and add on my husbands can I still be referred to as Mrs.(husband last name) or will it be Mrs. (my last name, husband last name)?
Hi Maria. Yes, you can change it fine. Not all states provide an option to specify the name you intend to change to. How you're referred to is an informal matter, so it's whichever you prefer for a given situation.
Do you know how it works in ma? The ma.gov website doesn't mention this topic at all. Several sources from 6 years ago mentioned that you need a court order to change your maiden name to your middle name in MA. Is that still the case? It wasn't in your list so I wonder if it has changed. Thanks!
Hi Linda. You'd change your name as you normally would. No special procedure.
Hi. I need some help I was married 2014 but I was misspelled the middle name of my mother it was supposed to be Solvera but I mistake to wrote down Sulvera is there a possibility that I could change it? Here in the united states I'm from Philippines and married here. I appreciate the response and help. Monica from MaryLand
Hi Monica. If you're referring to your marriage certificate, contact the state/county vital records office where you marriage certificate is filed and request information about how to correct your record due to a typo.
Hi, I got married in Pennslyvania (where I am from) in October 2015. We currently live in Minnesota. I want to keep my middle name (which is short) and maiden name and still add my married name and I do not want to hyphenate. Can I add my maiden name to my middle name easily? It would be First name, 2 middle names, married name?
Or is it better to do First name, middle, two last names with no hyphen?
Our PA marriage license states my husbands full name and my current name (with maiden only) were married.
My main question is how can I keep maiden name somewhere, whether I add to my middle or just add my married name to my maiden name? I only have my certified marriage certificate which I mentioned previously. And I was just going to fill out the SSN forms and go with my marriage certificate.
Help! Thank you!
Hi PJ. In Minnesota, hyphenated is fine. It's unclear if a spaced name would be recognized. Any potential difficulty could be with the DMV. Appending your maiden to your middle is not recognized; replacing your middle with your maiden is.
I was born and am currently living in California. However, I was married in Massachusetts. I had started the name change process there – just with my social security card. I added my spouse's last name and made my mom's maiden name my middle name. (technically, it used to be my last name, but I was legally adopted by my stepdad and my original last name wasn't carried over).This didn't seem to be an issue with the SSA, I brought my marriage certificate and when they asked where I got my new middle name from I pointed out that it's my mom's maiden name (listed on the certificate). I got my new SSN card with the name I wanted.
However, I went to the DMV today (in California) to attempt to change my name on my license. They wouldn't do it. They said the SSA made a mistake and shouldn't have allowed me to make my mother's maiden name my middle name, and I would have to go back to the SSA and change my name to just my first name and spouse's last name if I want to renew my license, or show some document that shows my previous name containing that name. This seems like such a headache, if it worked for the SSA, I don't see why it's such a hassle with the DMV since they verify my name with the SSA anyway..
Anyway, what's the best way to deal with this? Just do as the DMV said?
Hi Merisenda. You can try ordering a certified copy of your birth certificate which shows your prior name.
Hey is the state rule depend on where you were married or where you currently reside? I was married in Ohio but currently live in Washington, DC and have a license and we bought a home in DC. I am wondering what the process is to make my maiden name my middle name in this situation. Thank you!
Hi Puja. It's where you reside. You can just go about a regular marriage-based name change, as you normally would.
Great site, very informative. I was married to my late husband for 20 years and had children. I remarried and took my new husbands last name. Unfortunately that marriage ended in divorce and I didn’t realize I could go back my late husband’s last name. I am now getting married again and want to change my middle name to my late husband’s name and take my new husbands name as my last name. I live in Georgia, and am getting married in Tennessee. Is this allowed and how would I go about doing it while applying for a marriage license?
What if I just want to drop my middle entirely? I'L soon renew my NY driver's license, considering EDL, but don't want the middle. Is that possible?
Hi Lev. I don't believe so. You'll have to contact the NY driver's license to confirm if they'll accept removing your middle name.
Hi!
My daughter is getting married and she wants to change her middle name to a completely different name than her current middle name or maiden name. She is planning on taking her future husband's last name as her own.
Is this difficult to do?…or do you need to petition the Clerk of Court in the state/county we live in which is North Carolina?
Thank you,
Pauli
Hi Pauli. You're on the right track. Yes, your daughter would be looking at petitioning the court.
Hi there! I live in Texas and I am getting married in June. I would like to make my maiden name my second middle name when I take my future husbands last name. Is this possible to do in Texas, and if so, is it complicated to do? Does it make everything else complicated?
Hi Stephanie. I don't believe that's supported, as it would constitute creating a new name.
Hi. I am a resident of Missouri. When I divorced five years ago, I kept my ex husbands last name so I could have the same last name as my kids.
I got remarried last year and would like to take my new husband's name, but would like to make my current last name my new middle name. So first name, ex husbands/current last moved to middle, new husbands name as last. Can I do this without a court order? Thanks!
Hi Jenn. That shouldn't be a problem.
Hi – I have always gone by my MIDDLE name my entire life. I want to take my husband's last name, but I also want to keep my maiden name. I live in New Jersey. What kind of fun is in store for me? :)
Hi L. Well, maiden to maiden is out, unless you want to go to court. NJ is one of the few states that don't recognize it. So, if you're looking to go through a marriage-based name change to keep your maiden name in the mix, you're looking at hyphenation. Otherwise, it's court in order to maintain any configuration of your name, including your middle and middle in whichever combination your prefer.
We're getting married end of this year (2016). I never liked my middle name and saw briefly somewhere that California allows male to change names. I specifically want to change my middle name. How would exactly this work? I mean what is allowed and not allowed?
For example Michael Bernard Doe I would want Michael Joseph Doe when we apply to get married with my lovely woman of my dream :-)
Thanks.
Hi Michael. You can take a look at the California name change guide for what is and isn't allowed.
Hi Valera, I checked the link you provided. It does not say anything about middle name as I specifically mentioned in this thread. It only says male can take spouse's last name with no further info on other issues as mine.
Thanks
Hi Michael. The California page has been updated to include further information about just changing the middle name portion, under the "Either party…" subsection.
Yes, you may be able to change your middle name, as long as it meets the following criteria: You can change your middle name to your spouse's last birth name, or spouse's current last name, or a hyphenated combo of your middle name and your spouse's current/birth last name.
Any arbitrary name change outside those boundaries are not recognized.
Hmmm…I checked further on Google and found one thing that makes me wonder. Maybe you can help?
I'll select the specific to my case…
It states: "Each party to the marriage may adopt any of the following middle names: The last name of either spouse given at birth"
For that, do I or my fiancé have to show proof of the birth name in order for me to take other than her current last name?
For example, her birth name is Jane Doe, current is Jane Smith and I want Doe in my middle name. Or would California clerk accept what we write in our application for marriage?
When you and your spouse apply for a marriage license both will have to specify your birth names. So, when you specify you'll be taking her birth name as your middle name, there will be a reference right there on the application. There's also an affidavit section on the application where you declare (under penalty of perjury) that what you're filling out is true (to the best of your knowledge). So, it's possible they'll just take your word for it.
Still, the best thing to do is phone the county clerk's office where you'll be applying for your license and asking them if you'll need to bring along a certified copy of her birth certificate. You could also call the Vital Records office (916-445-2684), but county clerk would be better.
Thank you, Valera. I will call them and see what's the specific requirements if they said they'll take our words, GREAT if not then we will need to gather proof before we go there.
Happy New Year!
Good luck. And Happy New Year to you as well.
I was married 22 years ago and always used my middle and last name before I married – I didn't go by my first name. When I married and went to change my name at the SSN office they had no issue letting me change to middle, maiden and husbands last name.
When I wanted to change my drivers license to be the same as SSN at the Alabama DMV, I was told I could not – AL state law does not allow one to drop first name, but they had no problem putting first, middle, maiden and husband's last on my drivers license.
I few years ago, I was told when I renewed my driver's license by a DMV employees I would have to get the name on my driver license and SSN the same or I would "problems". I couldn't get any clarification of what "problems" when I asked so I later called a different AL DMV office and they said they had never heard of that. I was recently told again by a DMV person that it would cause me problems when I file for SSN if my driver's license and SSN were not exactly alike.
Given the SSN matches the name I have use for 22 years on employment records, credit cards, home loans, etc it seems the name that is out of sync is my AL driver's license name, but AL won't let me drop the first name.What do you recommend I do ? Are you aware of any issue with filing for SSN when the name on that card matches employment records but not exactly the same as AL driver's license ?
Are you saying you successfully changed your first name with the SSA using just your marriage certificate 22 years ago? Even if that's the case, it's not surprising the DMV of today won't recognize a first name change.
I doubt the clerk meant anything ominous. By problems, it's likely they'll just not be able to renew your license without sufficient supporting documentation.
Your license does need to match your social security card.
Correct.
Getting a court ordered name change would resolve it. The driver's license office would accept such a document to change your name within their records.
Doubtful, since your employment records match what's in SSA's records. It would be worth phoning your local SSA office and pose this question to them.
Valera – thank you for all of the helpful info!!
I got married in DE and the name on the certificate is my first, middle and last. I lived in NYC and have a NY license. We just bought in Hoboken so I will be a NJ resident for the forseable future,meaning I have to get a NJ liscence. I want to change my name to first, maiden then my husbands last name and need to get a NJ license in the process.
What is the best course of action knowing the issues in NJ and NYC with making your middle name your maiden name (which I don't get!!) and the need to get a new liscence. Thank you!!
Hi Lindsay. NJ doesn't currently recognize a switch from maiden to middle. You'd be looking at having to go through a court petitioned name change in order to replace your middle name.
hi I married in 2014 changed my name and all tht was wondering can i take my maiden name and use it as my middle name?? do I need to go to court or just to ss office? I live in Michigan
Hi April. If you've already changed it once after marriage, you'll have to go to court to change it again.
hi valera! hope you can help me. i just had my citizenship interview last week and i was asked by the consul what name do i prefer? on our marriage certificate, my middle name there is my mom's maiden name. After i get married, i have been using my first name (given name), maiden name (last name when i was still single), and my husband's last name.
The consul said if i want my middle name as my maiden name, all i have to do is go to SSA and have my card changed. On the otherhand, if i want to use my maiden name as my middle name, it requires a court order that would put my application for citizenship longer.
all of my documents, nurse licenses, sea card, dmv, bank accounts are all FIRST NAME, MAIDEN NAME (LAST NAME WHEN I WAS STILL SINGLE), LAST NAME (HUSBAND'S LAST NAME).
So which is really the correct one that does not require a court order. Please help! Thanks!
These two read the same to me. Please clarify with an example.
Even with that said, when it comes to citizenship matters, it's best to defer to your counsel considering not every state recognizes changes to the middle name as part of the marriage name changing process.
I got married a few months ago and have already changed my name to the new hyphenated name that is on the marriage certificate (my surname-husband's surname), but I would like to drop the hypenation and just take his name. Does this require a court petition or just the usual name change process? Thank you.
Hi Jen. In order for it to be recognized and reflected on your official documents, it'll have to be by court petition.
I was married 9 years ago in Nevada and now residing in California. At the time I didn't think about making my maiden name as my middle name. And, now I want to. How do I go about it? I just have a first and last. No middle name.
Hi See. If you haven't yet changed your name in all these years, first step is to get a certified copy of your marriage certificate from Nevada. You'll have to get it from the county recorder in the county where the marriage took place. Use that document to change your name in California with the various government and non-government institutions.
If you did change your name, way back when, then you'll have to go through the court petition process to change your name again.
I was married two months ago in New York State. When I applied for the marriage certificate the application asked for my new last name. It did not ask for a new middle name. I wanted to change my middle name to my maiden name and take my husband's surname. The marriage license has my first name, middle name at birth and new last name.
Will I be able to change my middle name to my maiden name with social security if it isn't printed on the marriage certificate this way? Also will this pose a problem when changing my name with the dmv? Thanks for your help!
Hi Jennifer. You shouldn't face any problems.
I have been married for decades, and have used my maiden name as my middle name in banking and mortgage statements for at least 10 years. Now I want to make it official on my driver's license. Should I go to SSA first , then DMV. I no longer have anything with just my maiden name on it–except my original SS card. Would that be enough? I live in CT.
Thank you.
Hi Cathy. Correct, go to the SSA first, then DMV. Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate with you. Bring any useful supporting documentation/identification which confirms your use of the name you've been using all these years to confirm you identity.
Thank you –I am planning to do this next week and will bring my old SS card, mortgage statement and marriage certificate and anything else that seems pertinant.
It went very smoothly at the SSA office. Most important document was marriage license and my driver's license. So now my official middle name is my maiden name, which makes my happy. Next stop if the DMV–I have to wait 48 hours.
I just want to reiterate that the SSA was most concerned with my marriage license and my current driver's license and birth certificate.
No luck at DMV today–I need to get a passport with my "new" name –that would be the easiest and less expensive than probate court. DMV was adamant I needed "proof" of the name change. Not as easy as I thought.
My fiancé and I live in Massachusetts but are getting married in ct. I would like to change my name to:first /middle/ maiden as second middle /name his last name. Is this possible? And in what state do I need to change it?
Hi Mary. While it may be possible with the SSA, you should contact your RMV to confirm it. Since you're residents of Mass, you'll change it there. You'll need to order a certified copy of your marriage certificate from Connecticut though.
FYI for those in Nebraska… currently you cannot change your middle name, just the last name. I get married in a week but I'm thinking about seeing where this goes in the Legislature before I decide what I'm doing with my name.
journalstar.com/legislature/nebraska-s-name-change-laws…
What is the maximum characters allowed for names on a NJ driver license? Does this vary by state? I'd like to take my husband's last name while keeping my maiden name. Will: 5 characters (first name) + 4 characters (maiden name) and + 11 characters (husband's last name) –not hyphenated– fit on the NJ driver's license? Thanks!
Hi Mayra. It used to be nine letters for the first name. It's been a longstanding issue with the NJ MVC clipping names due to database length limitations. It was supposed to be updated in 2014 to accommodate 50, 30, 50 for the first, middle, and last name.
Hi,
I recently changed my name through a court petition putting my maiden name as my middle name. Though, I'm starting to realize that many forms only require the middle name initial, when in reality I'd like my full name to print on my document. So I've been adding it to my given name, do you think that will be a problem in the future?
Ex.
Legal: Mary (given) Little(Maiden) Lamb (New surname)
Form that don't allow me to write my full middle name: Mary Little (given) Lamb (New Surname)
Rather than: Mary L. Lamb
I want my name to read Mary Little Lamb
Any help would be appreciated!
Hi EM. It depends on the document and organization. Unless the organization is performing name look-ups to verify your credentials, it's unlikely to bubble up into a real problem.
I'm getting married soon. I wonder if I can change my first name (from Margarita to Maggie) add my last name as middle name and use my future husband last name in the estate of Texas.
Actual Margarita Coromoto Perez
New Maggie Perez Rivera
Thanks,
Hi Margarita. You'd have to petition the court to change your first name.
Thanks for the answer. Do you guys help with that?
Regards,
Maggie
Hi Margarita. The following resource provides further info about going through the courts.
Hello,
I've always lived in California, but got married in Las Vegas in May 2014. My name on the marriage certificate is First Name Last Name (I don't have a middle name). The application in Las Vegas did not state to list the name change I wanted like I've read California does. I have not changed my name because I read some time ago that California was one of the states that would not allow a maiden name to become a middle name without a court petition. I do not want to entirely drop my maiden name and would like to do First Maiden Married. Do you know if this is possible without having to do the court petition?
Thanks!
Hi Alejandra. You should be fine using your Nevada marriage certificate as-is. California does permit maiden to middle name changes.
Hi! I am getting married in about 2 weeks and just filed for my marriage license (in Georgia). When I asked about changing my middle name (I just want to make it a single initial, instead of a name), the court clerk said that's something I have to do at the social security office and dmv. Will I have to legally change my middle name now, going through the whole process, or will I be able to do it any easier?
Hi Alia. It's doubtful that'll fly. You can inquire if they'll allow your initial to be printed on your document, while having it entered within their database as your full name. You may have greater luck with the DMV than SSA, but I doubt either would actually honor the request. Going through the courts is a clear-cut way to accomplish your goal, assuming you're unable to get it done through the married name change route.
Recently got married and am at a loss for what to do. I am in my mid 30s and have a professional life (with a professional license and degrees) that came before my marriage. All of these documents have my current full legal name.
I have thought about hyphenating my last name. I have also thought about adopting my maiden name as my middle name.
Which is the easiest to do all around while still maintaining my professional life as whom I am?
Hi Shannon. Maintaining your established professional identity, even after a name change, can be done. You can read further about continuing to use your maiden name after having undergone a formal name change.
Of course, the path of least resistance is to not change your name. Or to at least delay it until you've settled on a decision you're most comfortable with. In such circumstances, there's nothing to prevent you from informally using your spouse's name within social contexts while not actually having changed it for real.
Question.. I have been married for 3 years and when I got married, I dropped my middle name and put my maiden name as my middle and then took my husbands last name. Do I have the option to go back my original middle name and drop my maiden name?
thanks,
Yes, but not without a court order.
Hello, I'm from Texas…
I'm want to change my last name to husband's last but I wanted to keep my maiden last name as well and maybe putting it as 1 of my middle names so could it be first middle middle and last name? Do I have to go to court to put it as 1 of my middle names, my maiden last name? Or can I just add it when I go do my ss and etc?
Hi Yesica. While shifting your maiden name to your middle isn't a problem, appending it to an existing middle may not be recognized, especially by the DMV. You can contact your county clerk's office to inquire.
Hi there. I was married last year in San Francisco at city hall. When we filled out our application i did not hyphenate or list my maiden name. I now want to add my maiden name or hyphenate if possible. So I went to the social security office and clerk grabbed my paper work and told me I can not add my maiden name or hyphenate. She advised she can only go by the name on the certificate. Is there a way to add my maiden name in or hyphenate? Do I just go to city hall and request they add/change my name? Is there a fee? I was told there is a large fee to change anything on our marriage certificate. I mostly just want my maiden and married last name on my ID. Will DMV do the same as the SSI and only use my married name?
You may be looking at having to get a court order.
You can try, but it's unlikely they'll change it unless the mistake is theirs.
Yes.
Hi , i have a kind od concern i bern married this yrs last may 15 here in the philippines then as what i seen my marriage certificate that the name of my husband was timothy michael instead that michael is his middle name is michael shawn in america could be a big deal if we just let like that but mine everything is fine i can go back to local regestear office to report it. Or what os best to do ?Answer will b very appreciated and hoping no such big problm.
I did all my passport good and change all my status and we almost submitted our petition i-130 a little worry and for now theres no problm but just worry becox in america thy just used like given name and thy write all together n same line i want ask help just incase if i need to fixed first name timothy middle name michael shawn and last name is cole that i have now in my passport and other id cards
Hi Bonita. Are you saying there's a mistake with the marriage certificate that you required from the Philippines? If so, have you tried having it corrected and reissued? Is there a problem with the certificate or are you facing some other problem completing some other aspect of your name change, as you seem to suggest your passport was successfully changed without issue?
Good evening! I was married back in March and already changed my last name to my new married name. Recently I've been regretting not taking my maiden name as a second middle name. What would the process for this be in South Carolina? Would I simply go to SSA and file to change my name and pay the fee?
First, middle, maiden, married would be the order I'm looking for. Thank you!
Hi Jessica. You'll have to petition the court. Once you're granted a court order, you can take it back to the SSA and change your name again.
Thank you in advance for you advice, so much!
I got married in Brooklyn 3 years ago and kept my maiden name. I am now in the process of changing my maiden to my middle, and taking my husband's last night. I now live in NJ.
I got a new SS card no problem, and a new license. What are my next steps (besides credit cards, banks)?
Do I need to get a new passport or can I just keep mine until it expires?
Do I need to get a new marriage certificate?
THANK YOU!
You're on the right track. Whatever else you can think of, such as doctors' offices, online accounts and email profiles, employer, insurance, subscriptions, and so on.
You can still use it and update it later. Make sure your airline tickets match the name on your passport.
No, your marriage certificate is stored by the vital records office. It does not change, and serves as a historical document of your marriage event.
Valera-
If you already signed and submitted your marriage license do you have to change your name to the name you listed as your intended name after marriage, or can you change your mind after the fact? I got married in CA but live in NJ and had intended to move my maiden name to my middle name and take my husband's last name- so that is what I put down on the license as my intended name. But I did not realize how involved the process was in the state of NJ. I'm now wondering if I should just drop the idea of keeping my maiden name somewhere in the mix, or just add his last name to mine (with or without hyphenation) just so I don't have to go through the petition process. I am getting mixed answers on whether or not I can still do that since my marriage certificate should be arriving any day now and cannot be changed.
Thank you for your help!
Yes, you can change your mind. Just ignore what you specified on your license.
Sharon,
Did you go through the NJ court system for your maiden to middle-name change? How was that process, sounds so daunting. I wasn't sure because you said you got the SS card no problem and when I read the court petition process I definitely think it sounds like a lot!
thanks!
I married 2 years ago in NJ. My wife recently decided to take my surname along with her maiden name. Currently, she has also middle name (name+middle+maiden) and she wants to omit her current middle name and use her maiden name as a middle name. (name+maiden+husband surname)
We live in Nj and planning to move NY this month. When we move, we have to change dmv, geico, etc. I am thinking it is good time for her to take my surname.
In marriage license (NJ) she has her original name with maiden…
What is the first think to do under this circumstances? I read almost all the replies and there is a difference between New York and New Jersey laws, I guess. What is the easiest way to follow? Any difference when we become ny resident and apply surname changing after that? Less hassle is the best for my wife since she hate paperworks in general….
Thanks in advance…
Hi Sam. Well, NJ doesn't recognize moving the maiden name to the middle, so that's out. If you waited until you both moved to NY, you could change things all at once. Start with the SSA, then DMV, then everything else. In the meantime, order a certified copy of your NJ marriage certificate so you'll have that ready to go when you arrive in NY.
Hi Valera I am getting married and I live in Louisiana. When you get your last name changed does it cost extra to change your middle name completely? Also if i elope for a same sex marriage in another state is it valid in every state?
No, there's no extra cost.
Yes, it sure is.
Thanks for the info Valera:)
Hi!
I'm getting married at city hall tomorrow and have a few questions.
I want to use my Maiden Name as my middle name. However, because we're going to get married tomorrow, I have not gotten it changed. Because I had no idea i needed to go to court to use my maiden name as my middle name.
So do I put on my marriage license tomorrow: First, Original Middle Name and Husband's Last name?
And do i change my middle name to my maiden name afterwards? Can i update our marriage certificate afterwards without having to annul it?
Do I go to SSA first?
I work in NY, but my driver's license is from California. Do i just wait to go to the DMV in California afterwards?
Thank you in advance!!
You write it however your marriage license application instructs it. It will tell you to either put your current legal name, or the name you intend to change to. It'll be self-explanatory when you see it.
After you're married, you'll go through the process of completing the name change.
Why would you need to?
Yes.
After doing the SSA, then do the DMV. Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate with you, then you're good to go.