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.
Hello, I have a question is it possible to change your surname back to your maiden name while married.
Yes, but you'll have to petition the court to do so. Such a name change isn't tied to your being married. It's just considered a general adult name change that a person might choose for any number of reasons.
Hi,
I got married to my husband in Las Vegas, NV in 2013. On my marriage certificate I kept my name as my maiden name: Lucy (Middle: Marion) Smith. I now want to change my maiden name to my middle name and also take my husbands name as my last name. Therefore the new name would be: Lucy (Smith) Cochrane.
Now here's the tricky part. I am an Irish citizen and hold a U.S. permanent resident card and an Irish passport. Both of which are still listed as my maiden name: Lucy (Marion) Smith. I'm currently in the process of removing the 2 conditions from my green card. After that gets completed, wondering how I change everything over to my new name as Lucy (Smith) Cochrane. Need to change my passport, SS card, DMV license etc..
Thanks!
We now live in Portland, Oregon.
Hi Lucy. You'll get a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the vital records office. Take it to the SSA office to update your SS card. Afterward (it's a good idea to wait at least 24 hours later), then update your driver's license. This'll allow the SS database to refresh by the time the DMV queries it. You can update your passport concurrently, or later.
Is it possible to have a double unhyphenated last name in NJ without petitioning the courts?
Sade, Middle Name, Maiden Name, Married Name?
Hi Sade. It's typically not allowed without a court order. Although some states may allow it, it's such a rare implementation that many official state/county/city websites don't even bother to reference its exclusion. It can be a YMMV situation. Your best option is to contact your DMV to confirm if they'll honor it. If you get a no, you can try another location(s) for confirmation.
Love your site! I got married in July of 2015. I live in NY. We got married in Long Island. (I currently reside in Queens but will be moving). On the marriage license, I hyphenated my name. I wanted to keep all names (first, middle, maiden, married) but see that this is difficult. I am thinking of dropping my middle name and would like to try to make my maiden name my middle name and take my husband's name as my last name. I would like to use my maiden name when I feel like it but not HAVE to (as in hyphenate). For example: I could be Jen Smith (Smith being my "new" middle name) or Jen Jones (Jones being his surname).
I currently have a teaching license with my maiden name. I am still using my maiden name at work as I have not made any steps yet to change my name. I haven't decided whether I'll keep using my maiden name at work or change to my married name. I'd like both options and thought if I DON'T hyphenate, that would enable me to have that option. (I also don't know if I have to have the name on my teaching license changed).
I am worried that because I put the hyphen on the marriage license, I will not be allowed to drop my maiden name and just use it as a middle name. Could the court house issue an amended license without the hyphen if this is a problem? I am hoping one little hyphen isn't an issue to eliminate now before making any name change! I don't want the hyphen. I also read here that some people were able to make the middle name change and others weren't?
It's unlikely your certificate will be reissued, unless there's a mistake on their part. It shouldn't much matter anyway, as you should be able to use it as-is. It serves as proof of marriage, which is what's most important.
You should be good to go now. There was an apparent NY DMV rules change in 2014 that now allows maiden to middle name changes without the resistance some faced. Yes, there has still been sporadic reports of those still facing problems, but it's unclear if it's the result of 1) the rule not having taken effect yet/properly, 2) the rule not fully propagating to all DMV agents, or 3) a mistake on the part of the filer, such as not bringing proper identification (e.g., prior driver's license) or proof of marriage (e.g., certified marriage certificate). The article has been updated to strike through New York as one of the states that do not allow swapping out the middle name with the maiden.
Thank you so much for your reply! So now I'm wondering a few more things.
Number 1: If I can make my middle name my maiden name, is it then okay to use it as a last name when I'd like (as in teaching) or do I have to always use my new last name since it is a "last" name?
If DMV gives me a problem, is there any proof of the newest law? Could I find it online to show them?
Did you say I should go to Social Security before DMV or vice versa?
Lastly: Is it still correct what I read that I cannot have 2 middle names or 2 last names if I want to keep all of my names?
Sorry for so many questions. Thank you!!!
For legal documents, you'll want to use your full name. For other contexts, you'll want to use your best judgment. Have a look at the maiden name article for further information and discussion on the topic.
Here's a reference: NY name rules updated.
SSA first.
AFAIK, that's not supported without a court order.
Thanks for being so thorough in your answers!!! You are very kind!
Great info! I live in Colorado and when I went to change my name the person at DMV said in Colorado they have the full name law and I could not legally change my middle name to my maiden name. I have looked online a ton and can't find anywhere that says that Colorado is one of these states. Is this correct??
Thanks.
-Sarah Jane
Hi Sarah. There was a previous rule put in place temporarily barring maiden to middle name changes in Colorado, but it was soon after overturned due to the outcry. I've not heard of anything since.
When you went to change your name, did they cite a specific rule that disallowed it? Did you bring supporting documentation, such as a certified copy of your marriage certificate to facilitate your name change?
Wow! You are so awesome for continuing to respond to this thread. I have several questions:
1)Can I keep my passport in my name until it expires, or does it have to match DL and SSA?
2)If I take the maiden as middle, can I keep my same business name (first name maiden name) or do I have to file a DBA?
3)It looks like Julie above was able to have 4 names in California. Is that actually possible (e.g. having two middle names?). I thought you could only hyphenate middle or last.
4)For using both last names interchangeably, can I do that if my maiden name is my middle? I like hyphenating, but keep hearing its a hassle, and people with two last names seem to have some issues as well. Again, this is for CA. Thank you!
Forgot to mention I'm getting married soon and will list the changes on the license. If I kept the passport, I would keep booking Intl travel in the same name.
Correct. You'll want the name on your tickets and passport to match.
Strike #2
Reading through your other posts and finding awesome answers :) your thoughts are refreshingly level headed and unbiased!
Yes, you can keep it as-is.
Depends on the context. If you're talking about tax filings, then a DBA can provide flexibility and continuity by using the name you've been using. For business cards, it doesn't matter much. For informal settings, it doesn't matter much. For business licenses and legal filings, it can matter.
Yes, it is possible.
For all legal purposes and documentation, the complete name is to be used. For informal contexts, you can use it interchangeably.
We married in Costa Rica in early 2014 while we were living in Pennsylvania. We received the official marriage certificate document. We moved to New Jersey in early 2015. We're moving to Illinois in early 2016. I'd like to use my current last name (it's not my maiden name but a name I picked and legally changed to while living in FL many years ago) as my middle name and my husband's name as my last name. We haven't "filed' our marriage certificate in any state as the Costa Rica marriage was officiated and legal so we assumed everything is done. Will I need to do a formal legal name change or can I just start using my new name!?
Hi Morgan. You would still go through the typical marriage name change process, same as if you were married in the states.
Hi I just want to know my green card have my middle name but my international passport don't have my middle name you think it can be issue to travel internationally
Hi Maria. You should be fine to travel as long as you bring supporting documentation confirming that you're the same person assigned to both credentials. For instance, a marriage certificate, court ordered name change, or divorce decree. With that said, you should still verify any entry requirements for whatever country you'll be entering.
Hi thank you for reply actually I spoke to my lawyer she said she can give me a letter you think this would be good
Hi Maria. That would be good. If you have a certified copy of your marriage certificate, it wouldn't hurt to keep that on your person as well.
We've been married for over 40 years and my wife has used her First Name, Middle name and my last name on all documents. Her middle name was her mothers last name and her last name is her fathers last name. She is from the Philippines and now on her most recent passport renewal they have now forced her to use her fathers last name as her middle name on the passport. According to their agent she can carry around a Certificate of Acknowlegement so she doesn't have to change all her documents (SSN, drivers license as a minimum, Alien registration card, etc.). Most other documents she won't have to change as they use her First Name, Middle Initial and Last name. The middle initial is the same no matter which middle name she uses as the both start with the same letter. Does she need to change everything? or will just carrying something like a Certificate of Acknowlegement do the trick? Key point is she doesn't need any confusion on who she is.
Hi Kenneth. A certificate of acknowledgment can be useful to verify your wife's identity if it's called into question. You say she uses your last name on all document, as well as her father's last name. Could you clarify this point? Where is the name mismatch occurring withing the array of documents?
On her birth certificate her name is (First name) (Mothers Last) (Fathers Last/ i.e family name). The mismatch only occurs on her new passport, where it has her (First name) (Fathers Last) and (Married last name/ i.e. my last name). All documents and previous passports for the last 40 years had her (First name) (Mothers Last) (Married / i.e. my last name). My question is do I have to renew, drivers license, immigration green card, ssn, etc to the new middle name or will just a Certificate get her around the issue.
Hi Kenneth. So, all documents, other than her passport, are correct? Are we talking U.S. or Philippine passport? If it's the former, to change a name on a passport, there has to be a valid supporting document. For example, a certified marriage certificate or court order. If she was trying to renew without such a supporting document, I can understand why they only allowed the existing name on the passport to remain. If this is the case, then she can try renewing again with supporting documentation. If she chooses not to, the certificate of acknowledgement along with a certified copy of the marriage certificate should be reasonable to confirm her identity when traveling. Make sure that when traveling, the name on the ticket matches what's on the passport.
Correct, everything but her new passport reflect FirstName (Birth Certificate Middle Name) Married husbands family name. Yes, it is a Philippine passport. All documents were sent with the passport renewal. Should we match the passport now with her SSN, Drivers license, etc? to be safe, of just leave the US documents the way they are and just jimmy up a Certificate of Identity so she can get back in the US after her trip back to the RP?
Hi Kenneth. The advice of your agent makes sense. Use the certificate as needed, so as not to disrupt the other documents. If there's no need nor interest in changing other documents, then using the certificate for travel purposes should suffice.
My son was married last October in New York State. He had a hyphenated last name…. David Niles-Smith, he previously had no middle name. His wife chose to take the first part of the hyphenated name as her surname (Niles)….she has had no trouble with drivers lic or passport! He put David Smith (middle name) Niles (surname) on his marriage license. He applied for a new SS card and got one. He resides in Michigan. He went to the Michigan DMV and they would not issue a new drivers lic. He then proceeded to apply for a new passport and that did not work and now he has NO passport. Must he get a court order to legally change his last name and add a middle name? His marriage lic reads David Smith Niles (he was formerly David Niles-Smith) Thank you for any and all advice!
Hi Liz. Yes, he would have to get a court order.
My wife and I got married a little over two years ago in New York and she had her last name as her middle name and kept my last name as that of hers. Now, I want to take her last name ( which is now her middle name) off and have her keep only my last name. She was told we have to be remarried before this could be done and that buffles me a little bit. Nonetheless, I moved to California due to work and don't see myself going back to New York plus she is moving to California in a few weeks. I really need advice here!!!! Thank you!
Hi Joe. A follow-up name change would entail petitioning the court.
Thanks! What will that mean for the marriage license? Do we then take the marriage license back to New York for a change?
Hi Joe. If the court petition route is to be taken, then the marriage license no longer matters. It's an entirely separate procedure.
Thanks Valera! Do you think California can honor us another ceremony and change the name on the license. I'm thinking in my head as a way of renewal of our vows.
Hi Joe. Only the origin state has the ability to change the marriage certificate. If it was gotten from NY, then CA can't touch it. Even if it were from the same state, such documents aren't typically allowed to be amended unless there's a clear mistake on the part of the issuing office.
Even if there's a follow-up name change through the courts, the marriage certificate document can not be updated. It serves a historical document filed within the vital records office. Like a snapshot in time. It's one of those documents that do not change, unlike how the name on a birth certificate can be changed.
You're right Valera! I think my best bet is a court petition for name change :(
For clarification purposes: You're referencing "license", while I'm referencing "certificate." The latter is what's received after marriage. In some states they're the same document. It's just the status that changes, before and after the marriage ceremony takes place. For most other states, they're different documents (different look and formatting) that serve different purposes. Marriage-based name changes involve use of the certificate.
I am in NC and when I went to the SS office I wanted to take on my husbands last name, giving me 4 names, but they would not allow me to. They told me I can only have 3 names. Is this true? Can you only have 4 names at birth, or is this not possible in NC? I'm having a baby soon and I'm under the impression that I can only name my child with one middle name.
Hi Alisha. What do you mean by four names? How were you attempting to construct/pair them. Yes, a child can be given four names at birth.
Hi,
I too live in PA, just got married and had no trouble in the SS office. DMV gave me trouble saying I needed 3 things. When applying for a passport, will they let me change my maiden to my last name if I put it on the application and that is what my SS card says? Or do I need to get a court order before I apply for a passport. I don't want to pay the 110 for it to get rejected! Thank you
Maiden to last name? I'm assuming you mean maiden to your middle. If so, then it shouldn't be a problem.
Yes sorry maiden to middle name. So will the passport office just go by what my SS card says
Hi Carly. They'll process your name change based on your getting married and providing a certified copy of your marriage certificate as proof.
I live in Ga, 30 year ago, I got married and went by my middle name my maiden name and by his last name as my last name. Well I lost my ss card when I was moving back to Ga. Went to replace it and was told that they could not replace. That I would have to use my first name middle name and married name. If everything I have is in my 2th name maiden name and married name then why cann't I keep it that way.
Likely because your name was never changed within the SSA system. Please correct me if I'm wrong. You may just have to undergo a name change with the SSA to get your records in sync with your legacy documents.
Hello!
I live in Florida and will be getting married this November. I currently have a first name and 2 last names. The main last name that I use is listed as my middle name and my second last name is my mothers maiden name. When I get married I would like to keep my first name, a new middle name and my husbands last name. Am I able to change the last name that is being used as a middle name to a new middle name when I get married?
Hi Lina. As far as I know, such partial middle name changes aren't recognized.
Great blog! I too would like to keep my middle name and keep my maiden name as a second middle name and add my husbands name as my last name. Is this possible in colorado without petitioning the court? If I have to petition the court, I think I'd rather merge my first two names… But that might be more of a pain in the neck, having to report first, middle AND last name changes!
Hi Laura. Constructing a double middle name is typically not recognized without being granted by court order.
I am a k1 visa and got married with my husband in California.our marriage certificate reflected my first name ,maiden name and husbands last name and it should be name ,my last name and husbands last name.when I did the citizenship they corrected it and now that I am petitioning my mom they are asking for additional document such as marriage cert. but it my marriage certificate it is still wrong .they cant honor the affidavit change in my citizenship.how can I change my maiden name to my last name?
Hi Riezel. If your marriage certificate contains a mistake, have you tried contacting your vital records office to have it amended/corrected?
Can they change it without me having going to the court?
Hi Riezel. You can request your marriage certificate be amended if the mistake is theirs, not yours. Then you can use your corrected certificate to change your name without going through the court system.
I have been unwed for 38 years and want to keep my maiden name as my middle and take his name, everything I have read seems it can be done without court petition. However , state info seems as though I do. Which is correct? We will be purchasing a house together soon as well and selling mine under my maiden name… should I wait till after to do all changes? Sounds like insurance plans and passports are the only thing with a time limita. Is that correct? Thanks.
See the list of states at the end of this article for where it's not recognized.
That's typically not a problem. It's a common occurrence. The title company can have you sign with your maiden name, while annotating that you took the title under a previous name.
If you do find out that you have to change the name on your deed, you may be looking at a transfer fee of around $100+. But that's something that you can wait to do until you're near the end of the selling process. Inquire about this early so you know if this is something you'll have to deal with at the end, so you won't end up being caught off guard with an unexpected to-do.
That would be the path of least resistance.
I don't know what you mean by time limit.
Hi Valera,
Thank you for this column! I never knew it existed-it has been helpful reading through the various situations people have encountered with name changes.
I stopped using my birth first name years ago and dropped it to an initial. On all my documents, I have the first name initial, maiden name, and my husband's last name. My social security card was changed to reflect this. I had understood dropping your first name to the first initial would not require going to court. When I tried to change my license, the DMV representative told me I had to go to court to do this. I live in Connecticut. Do you know if this DMV representative was correct in saying I would have to go to court to do this? And if I do need to go to court for the name change, could you tell me where/how I actually make the change?
Thanks again for this forum!
Yes, first name changes involve petitioning the court.
Visit the following article to learn how to get a court ordered name change.
Hi read your blog but I have another question. My fiancé doesn't like his last name and want to know if we can both take a new last name when we get married?
Hi Angel. Some states allow a combination/segment surname, based on a current or prior surname. So it depends on the state. For something beyond that, you'll have to go to court.
When I married my late husband, I didn't know you could drop your middle name and keep your maiden as your middle – so I didn't do that. My husband passed away, and I am about to get re-married in the state of Arizona. Can I drop my middle name and use my maiden as my middle – then hyphenate my late husband's name and new husband's name? Or do I need to process through court to change my middle name to my maiden name?
Hi Debbie. You can complete your name change through the customary marriage name change process.
Hi there,
I just got married and am trying to figure out the name change process while I wait for my marriage certificate to come to me in the mail. There are a couple of things I'm planning to do:
1) When I was born, my parents did not give me a legal middle name, but they gave me an "unofficial" one, so all my life I have called myself by my "full" name. I would like to make my middle name legal, since I need to change my name anyway.
2) I want to make my maiden name my second middle name so that I can use my maiden name professionally.
So the plan is to go from "First Last" to "First Middle Middle/Maiden Last."
Can I do this all in one fell swoop, or do I need to do the last name change first and then go back and add my "first middle" name via petition, or something else? Help! and thank you!
Forgot to say, this is in Kentucky. Thanks!
Hi Katie. Constructing a new middle name that's not based on an established name would involve petitioning the court. If you have to do that anyway, you could have the petition process change all aspects of your name at once rather than doing it twice.
I got married a year ago in NJ and took on my husband's last name, I now realized, I should have hyphenated instead, I don't feel right dropping my last name and I am starting my masters now and would like all of my teaching licenses to be under my name not his. I love him and we are not getting divorced, so it's possible to go back and hyphenate my last name at this point ? I don't want to have to go to court.
Since you've already completed a name change due to marriage, you would be looking at having to go through the court to change it once again.
I got married back in May and I live in PA. I started the name change process and changed my SS card to my First Maiden Married name with no trouble. Then I began changing everything else in turn, again with no trouble. I was changing my NJ nursing license when they called and said they could not change my middle name without a court order. I never got one to begin with but I had no problems changing my SS card or my PA drivers license. What do I do?? Is this a problem?
Hi Elizabeth. Licensing boards don't necessarily follow the same procedures as state/federal agencies. It may be worthwhile to try again, speaking with a different agent/registrar, or even in person. Explain that you have legally changed your name through various agencies, federal (e.g., SSA, State Dept. passport office) and state (e.g., DMV). Explain that you can provide proof of marriage and your name change event by furnishing a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Hi Elizabeth:
How did you change all of the documents you needed to in PA without a court order? I have obtained my voter registration card with first maiden middle, but am concerned that the passport will not come back correctly when I send it in. Did you use other documentation? Or did you use voter registration and passport?
I appreciate your help!
Kristin
Hi. I'm from Texas. When my birth certificate was made, my mother decided to include her maiden name as my middle name. Now that I'm an adult I would like to simplify my full name by dropping out my middle name. I understand I have to go to court for this. My question would be:
• Is it understandable to drop out my current middle name because I would like to simplify it? I am not quite sure how to write down the reason of my petition.
Also, lots of people get confused thinking that my current middle name is my last name
• Are those reasons good enough to make a petition and be able to get a change of name certificate?
Hi Itzel. Yes, that's a valid reason.
Hi! Thank you Valera for your incredibly helpful responses! I have a question for you –
I got married in NY in May 2015, my marriage license reads
First Middle Husband's surname
I'd like to change my legal name to
First Maiden Husband's surname
I currently reside in Washington, DC, and did prior to the wedding.
I've read from @Kate's response that she was able to use her marriage license to change her middle name to her maiden name at the SS office In NY, but I'm in DC.
Can you please tell me if I need to go to the SS office in NY, or do I go to DC?
Thank you!
Hi Cara. For SS, you can have it done in DC.
I've been married for 33 years and used my maiden name as middle name on all documents, SS#, IRS, etc. It has been my official name but with the new federal drivers license my name has changed, you either hyphenate your two names or drop the maiden name. Seems ridiculous to me that I now have to petition the court for a name that is my name.
I heard that if I want to add my maiden name as a second middle name, I would have to petition the court. (I live in California but was married on the east coast.) Is this true? Is petitioning the court a big hassle?
Hi Ally. That is correct.
I am married and have used my first, middle, maiden and last names since my wedding day. Typically, I prefer to be introduced as Traci X Y Z where Y and Z are my maiden and married names but not officially hyphenated and X is my middle name. It's rare for someone to just call me by my married name only but I really don't like my married name alone. My dilemma is whether to have my maiden name officially added as an additional middle name so I can continue to use it as Traci X Y Z officially or to have my last name officially become Y-Z. My job will not allow my official email to be Traci Y Z and now my medical records are required to say Traci Z too. I like, currently, having the luxury of interchanging whether I use Traci Z (when I'm lazy) or Traci Y Z which I love…….I know this sounds confusing but your input would be helpful.
Hi Traci. I depends on whether you want Y (your maiden name) to be recognized as part of your middle name or part of your last name. If it's the prior, then having it be a part of your middle name makes sense. If it's the latter, go with a hyphen. It seems you're keen on having it be separate, so having your maiden as part of your middle makes sense. If that's the direction you go in, keep in mind that folks may likely interpret your name as first, middle, last (e.g., Mary Tyler Moore, James Earl Jones) and not First, Lazy-Last, Last, so that could preclude easy use of it without the married name.
With whatever you choose, there's ultimately nothing to prevent you from officially changing your name to whatever combination, then still using another name sequence informally.
I was married in NY where the certificate only has a space for the surname you intend to use (but not a space for your intended middle name). I listed my husband's surname but never changed any of my legal documents. I now live in PA. I want to change my surname to my husband's but what to add my maiden name as a second middle name. I read this would be possible by getting my documents in a certain order, i.e., SS, passport, voter registration, then DMV. However, the passport website says it will use your marriage certificate as the proof of your new name (and does not use SS card). But, because my certificate doesn't say anything about my middle name change, I'm nervous that there will be a problem. Do you think it's likely to be okay — and they'll just print my name as I enter it on the form (with 2 middle names)? Or will there be a problem?
Also, is there anyway the PA DMV may change may add the second middle name with the proof of my SS card showing this and my certificate showing my last name change? Or are they unlikely to do it without the added documentation from my passport and voter registration?
Thank you!
Susan
Hi Susan. It's unlikely adding a second middle name will pass muster in any of the institutions you cited (state nor federal). You'd have to petition the court to have a dual middle name.
Hi. I just got married and live in NC. My maiden last name is the same as my Husband's last name ( Patel). In our culture, we take our Husband's first name as our middle name. How would I go about changing my middle name? Do I still need to go to SS and take my marriage license?
Hi Reena. In order to take your husband's first name as your new middle name, you'll have to petition the court.
Hi Valera,
I just got married on July 11th in California. On the marriage license I opted to keep my maiden name AND take his but not hyphenated so it would be First Middle Maiden Married. I read an article that said if you did it this way then you could use either last name so I wouldn't have to change my credit cards, kids' school paperwork, etc. This means I'll only have to change my driver's license and Social Security card, right? (I don't have a passport.) What about vehicle registration?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Julie. It's not so much a matter of what you "could" do and more of what real world difference would it truly make. In the examples you cite, it's unlikely you'll face much resistance or even notice. Yes, you'll want to update your SS and driver's license. You can update your vehicle registration at the same time you're updating your license. So, unless you have a reason not to, it would be advisable to do so.
Hello,
I have one doubt, I am not american, and in my country we have two last names (mother's last name + father's last name). I am dating an American and I was wondering if we get married, can I take his last name and use one of my last names and use it as my middle name?
ex: My name is Rafael Pires Alvarez and his name is Kevin Smith
Could my name be Rafael Alvarez Smith?
Hi Rafael. It's likely that you'll be able to switch your name around as you prefer, although there's a small handful of states where it won't be possible. I can't tell you definitively without knowing your eventual state of residence.
Hi Valera,
Thank You. I think that according to your text it will not be possible. The state is NY.
Hi Rafael. You're correct.
I have a question. I married in September of 2014, and I still have my maiden name. I want my husband's last name but I still want to be referred by my maiden name at work since we work in the same department. I considered hyphenating, but that seems like a hassle as well as taking both last names without a hyphen. Would I be able to have my middle name become part of my first name so I'll have two first names, have my maiden name become my new middle name, and then have my husband's last name? And if so, how do I go about that? I live in WI and I'm just not sure what will work best. Thank you for your time.
Hi Neva. All would work except for adding your middle name to your first name. For that you'd have to petition the court.
Hello! This is awesome you're still answering questions. HELP. I scrolled through many post and saw one similar to my question: "I live in Florida and just got married, I'd like to make my maiden name my middle name Can I just go to SS and do that or will I need a court order?"
HOWEVER, I live in Southern California, and on my marriage certificate I put my birth given middle name, but I'm having separation anxiety (lol) and have decided I want my maiden name to be my middle name instead. Will the SS office let me do this or does my name have to match my marriage license exactly? I don't want to create future identity problems or somehow void out my marriage. THANK YOU!
Hi Nell. You reference marriage license and certificate. If it's the prior, then you can return to get it reissued with your name choice. If you're already married and you're referring to your certificate, you may have to get your name modified in court.
Hi. I have been married 25 years. Married in NM live in TX.
When married I took my husbands name as my last name and my surname as my second middle. However paperwork would not work without a hyphen which I would not do. I am wanting to be know on paper with all of my names. My passport, SS, and DL all say 3 names. How do I go about changing this?
Hi Kari. What do you mean paperwork wouldn't work without a hyphen? What paperwork are you referring to?
after getting married in 1968, I kept my maiden name as a middle name and took my husband's surname. I obtained a new social security card as such along with all other IDs such as passport, DL, etc. Recently, when applying for social security, the SS office in Florida said I was not allowed to have my maiden name as a middle name without petitioning the court for the change. They said the marriage certificate ONLY allowed for dropping my maiden name and taking my husband's surname. It was pointed out that Social Security agency had issued a card with my maiden name on it. They just replied saying it was a mistake and was no longer valid. Was that correct??
Hi Vivian. You should generally defer to the clerks in office. Were they saying your name change was invalid, based on previous or current standards?
They (social security clerk) in Florida said that the state marriage license only legally allows the change of the woman's surname. They alluded to this being put in place after 9/11 and reference US code. Was their legislation passed after 9/11 that dictated what name could be dropped without going to court? If so, I would like to know what the law actually says.
Hi Vivian. Do you know the US code that was referenced?
No, and I don't think the clerk did either. But, the bottom line was that if I didn't change my name like he said "the law required" then my social security checks would be issued in one name and all my other forms of ID would be in another name. Try getting a Fl Drivers license renewed or Passport renewed with two different names! Can't be done. So there was no option but to change my name as the "law" required. Now, I'm not so sure if he was right. He said that it was a post 9/11 requirement.
Just wondered if you had heard of this requirement before?
Hi Vivian. I have not heard of this in the Florida's drivers license office as long as you have proper documentation to facilitate your name change. Unless the clerk can cite the US code or regulation they're going by, I can't say what the basis of his/her decision was. You can return to try to get clarification, seek the assistance of the supervisor, or even go to another clerk at another office.
Help….I live in Ohio…one of the 5…I would like to change my maiden name to my middle name when I get married in November. What steps do I need to take since I am in one of the 5 "harder" states for the change??
Hi Deb. You could go through court ordered name change to change that bit.
Deb – did you figure this out?
I just got married in Ohio/live here and got the Social Security office to change my card to be first /maiden /new last name, dropping my original middle name. Then I found this site and saw they aren't supposed to do that?
Wondering if I should freak out….
Thank you for starting this thread! I got married in NYC but have not yet started the process of changing my name. Will I still have to petition the NY court if I start the name change process in California? We are in the midst of planning to move and I'm wondering if it will simplify the process to wait until I've moved to start my name change. Or will I still have to petition the court in NY because that is where my marriage license is from? Thank you for any and all help!
Hi Kristy. You won't have to petition the court. You'll get your marriage certificate from the state the marriage took place (NY). You can have their vital records office mail you a copy to wherever you're currently at. Use that when sending in your documentation.
I'm recently married in NJ. I want to take my maiden name as my middle and I understand the DMV will be an issue. Can you do it in NJ in the roundabout way that PA people have done, getting the new SS card, passport, voter registration? Will they still insist on my original middle name?
Second question is, does it matter?
I am a physician with multiple state licenses and DEA license. Consistency seems like it would be helpful here, but I don't want to make myself crazy if only my NJ drivers license has my old middle name. Especially if it doesn't matter.
Lastly, can I expect to have it work out at the SSA in NJ?
I haven't heard of NJ residents using a roundabout way to implement a middle name change as a result of marriage.
It's likely.
It can matter when it's time to renew. The DMV might query the SSA database to confirm a name match/mismatch.
I wouldn't put much stock in that possibility. You can certainly contact them and pose the question, as the SSA and DMV can sometimes diverge, due to one being federal and the other state.
I wanted to replace my middle name with the name I've been called since birth (though it's not my legal name). CT has very lax laws on name change and nowhere does it say what you are "allowed" or "not allowed" to use for your middle name when changing it after getting married.
The SSA gave me a SS card with my new chosen middle name and hsuband's last name. The state of CT asked for proof of name change when paying my taxes and accepted my marriage certificate and SS card.
The DMV refused to change my ID to my chosen my middle name, I spoke to a supervisor and manager both, and demanded to see where it was documented that I was restricted to x middles names and they wouldn't provide it but still refused and said I would have to go to the probate courts.
I don't want to have to go through the courts but I guess I know what I am doing on my upcoming vacation day. Do you have any record of where CT specifically defines what your middle name choices are?
Hi Lacy. The DMV, being on the state level, can be more strict compared to the SSA (federal level). Changing your middle name to something that doesn't reference you or your spouse's last name (current or birth) is typically not allowed throughout the country.
I have a similar conundrum– I'd like to change my middle name to my nickname and my maiden name. (Yep. I'm complicated, but I've had trouble with banks not honoring checks written out to my nickname as that's the name I use all of the time.) I just moved to New York and I have an Ohio drivers' license. If I get my Passport changed first and jump through all of those hoops, will I have a problem obtaining a new license in NY with the correct name, since it's the first time I'll be getting one in that state?
Hi Kitty. You wouldn't be able to be able to append your nickname to your maiden name without going through a court petitioned name change. Assuming you go that route, your court order would universally work for all entities—SSA, Passport, DMV. Passport and the driver's license wouldn't affect one another—one's federal, the other's state—so it wouldn't matter which you do first.
I was adopted when I was 10 by my stepfather and I took his last name. He and my mother divorced years ago. I am getting married this year. I would prefer to not be associated with that family anymore.
Can I take the last name I was born with as my middle name now and take my husband's last name as well?
If my name is Amber Ellen Hawks Jones currently, could I become
Amber Hawks Stanley after I get married?
Hi Amber. Yes, you can return to your birth name, if you're in one of the states that allow it (see the list at the end of this article).
I live in Nevada. I cannot seem to find the list. Other articles have implied that Nevada is a difficult state.
Hi Amber. Nevada's not on the list, so you're fine.
I want do do something a little different. I am divorced and still have my married name. I want to change back to my maiden name but have too many things to change names on (credit cards, bank, etc.) So I want to change my married name to a middle name so it would be name , middle name, married name, maiden name. Would this work out so I wouldn't have to everything except maybe SS and DMV? I live in colorado. Thanks
Hi Monique. You'd have to undergo a name change through court petition for something such as that. If you were to complete that process, it would be a pretty fragile way to navigate your name change by working around the spacing between your names. Thinking long term, it's a good idea to have your name across various organizations be up-to-date and reflect your true name.
Hello. My divorce is almost final and I'd like to go back to my maiden name. Is there a fee to change it or can I just go to SS and the DMV with my divorce decree and get it changed? I live and Rochester, NY and unsure how things work. Please help if possible. Thanks in advance.
Hi Sha. You can just go to the institutions you cited and change it with a certified copy of your divorce decree. The DMV may charge a fee to reissue your license, but it's usually not a big deal. You'll have to contact them to inquire about a possible fee.
Hi, I live in NYC and I am getting married soon and I was wondering, would I be able to change my surname to two last names, separated by a space and not by a hyphen? For example, if my maiden name is Smith and my husband's last name is Brown, I would like to be Jacklyn Smith Brown. Is this allowable by NY state marriage license laws?
Hi Jacklyn. It's unlikely without going through the courts.
Hi. I was married over 30 years ago. I changed my name at that time to first name, maiden name, husband's last name. All of my documents contain this name (eg passport, social security, drivers license). I was divorced and kept the name. Ten years ago, I remarried. Because of my children, I decided not to change my name. Now that my children are grown, I would now like to take my husband's last name. Is it too late to do this? I live in NJ. Also, I was married in Canada and so that is where my marriage license is from.
Hi Patricia. No, it is not too late. There's no time limit to change your name.
Hello! I was married 7 years ago and changed my last name to my husbands. Ever since I've regretted not changing my middle name to my maiden name. Today I decided to start the change, I had no issues at the DMV but the ssa was a different story…. One person told me it was abosolutly not an option, another told me possibly an amended birth certificate would work. I live in Texas and would really like to make this change without having to amend my birth certificate or having to get a court order. Is this even a possibility?
Hi Mallory. You would be looking at having to go through the courts to implement a follow-up name change.
I just changed my last name to my husbands last name today and kept my middle name. I am now wishing I would have changed my middle name to my maiden name as well. Can I have this modified if I go back tomorrow without it being a big deal? I live in Florida.
Hi Blong. If you've already changed it, it's highly unlikely you'll be able to amend it if it's already been processed. Still, it doesn't hurt to contact them requesting information about making a modification/correction, considering it's been less than 24 hours since your visit.
Hello,
I live in California and will soon be getting married. I would like to change my maiden name to middle name. I was not given a middle name at birth. I only have a legal first name and last name. Could I change my name to be first name maiden name (as middle name) and fiancé last name without a court petition? Considering I don't have a middle name. Ex: Espy Lopez (as middle name) Smith (his last name).
Hi Epsy.
You would still have to petition the court, due to your state of residence.As @Alyssa pointed out just below, this is incorrect. Your preferred name change is recognized in California during the application process.Thank you for the clarification.
That is incorrect.
In California, you can request your name change (both can) on the marriage license application for no extra cost. This took effect back in 2007 (Name Equality Act Pamphlet) and many people DO NOT know about this. The specifics are listed in the link (who can take what name, variations, etc) but if you choose to change your name after the license has been certified, you will have to change your name the traditional route (petition for name change).
Excellent catch. Thanks Alyssa.
Thanks Alyssa! This new information has made my day! Thank you ladies for your help.
Help!!! I just got married two days ago in California however both my husband and myself live in Georgia. On the marriage license (done in Cali) I hyphenated my maiden name with my husbands name. I have not went to SS or DMV yet..I no longer want to hyphenate my maiden name but use my maiden name as a middle name. Do I need to go through the courts to change it???
Hi Sue. You're not required to hyphenate. Folks change their minds, so it's not a big deal. You can change your name through the regular channels. SSA comes first, followed by the DMV.
Hello,
I am still wondering if WA state does not allow a switch from middle to maiden name swap without a petition. I have been trying to read the law and have gotten so confused! thank you!
Hi Maria. Yes, it's still the district court route.
Hello…
I live in Florida and just got married, I'd like to make my maiden name my middle name or preferably my 2nd middle name. Can I just go to SS and do that or will I need a court order?
Thank you
Hi Erica. You can just go to your SS office for swapping your middle with your maiden. Trying to append a second name to your middle may not go through without a court order.
I have been married for 32 years and plan to stay married. When I got married I changed my name on my SS card with my marriage license and on my new DL after moving from PA to IN.
Sometimes I'd like to use my whole name (first middle maiden married) just because it helps me to be found in old records etc. I go by my first and middle so I don't want to drop my middle and use maiden name. Since I didn't use my maiden name this way for many years, but also never went to court to legally change it, can I still use it this way, mostly socially or professionally, even though all of my legal documents will remain first middle married? I think I just feel the loss of that separate identity as my parents age…..
Hi Mary. Yes, you can informally use your name this way, but on any official documents or requests (e.g., governmental, taxes, background checks) you'll have to use your legal name.
I live in Wyoming. I recently submitted my certified marriage certificate and application to change my name with the SSA. I wanted to use my maiden name as my middle name and take my husband's surname. All of the paperwork I submitted was consistent with this request. However, I received my new ss card in the mail today and it had my birth middle name and my husband's surname. Why did this happen? Will it be difficult to correct? I want to change my DL and passport before traveling in June. And info or advice is greatly appreciated.
Oops. That should say "any info." :)
Hi Savannah. You'll have to contact or visit your local social security office and seek a correction.
I'm getting married soon for the first time in North Carolina. I've had my name for 30 plus years. We have been together for over decade and I always thought I'd simply take his last name, but now I'm thinking I'd like use my maiden name as a second middle name and his as my last. Do you know of any problems with that in North Carolina?
Hi Jenna. If it were just swapping your middle name with your maiden, that would work fine. But since you're looking to append a name to your existing middle name, that would likely involve petitioning the court.
alright, i have been skimming over all these posts for days and hours and i am still quite confused. please help valera!
i live in rochester ny. my husband and i had a commitment ceremony august 2013 and i know common law isn't acknowledged here. but now we are ready to legalize our marriage, hopefully this month, with the town clerk all at the same time. and on top of that, my passport needs to be renewed before june (i have no travel plans to worry about, just simply renewing it). so a bit of a time crunch as it is the beginning of april.
i want to keep my middle name and my maiden name and take his as well. i want to sign my name as: first m.(middle initial) m.(maiden initial) last
i have no trouble writing it all out as my legal name on passports, ss card, dmv (and car title) etc as: first middle maiden last (i plan on signing my name with 2 initials for everything else–though, what about credit cards??)
so my big question is: how do i go about having 2 middle names in ny? i have yet to figure it out, especially with the addition of someone's link above for the change in ny dmv (http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/David-Buchwald/story/56498/)
what would be the order of changing my names? starting with the marriage license…because i don't think i can simply add my maiden to my middle on the form, or can i since i plan on changing my passport immediatly and i know i have to send my certificate out to do that??? oh it is so confusing…
thank you all for your time and i hope some of my questions will help…i just hope i understand what needs to be done! :)
Hi Heather. It looks like you'll have to go ahead and initiate a court petitioned name change. Two middle names would be considered a new name construction which isn't supported for a typical marriage-based name change. A court order obtained by petitioning the court would override all and serve as the primary document you'll use to facilitate your name change. When it's time to renew your passport, you'll use your court order instead of your marriage certificate.
Is it possible to change my last name to one different from my maiden name when I file for divorce? I live in Nevada.
Hi DJ. No, that would require a court petitioned name change.
Hello: Thank you for your website. I live in New York City, and when applying for my marriage license, I was unable to replace my middle name with my maiden name. As a result, my marriage license does not show what I'd like my new name to be. I would like to use first name, maiden name, married name going forward. Am I able to proceed without a formal name change in court? Can I make this change at the social security office, or amend the marriage certificate? I have heard of many people making their maiden name their middle name, and I do not know of any of them going to court. Thank you.
Hi Jule. There's been inconsistent reports of people getting it to work, while others have hit roadblocks. See @Kate's comment for an example of a success case.
I spent 12.5 hours at NV DMV in 2 days….to try to get a 'Real ID' card. At the window today the (very young) gal said that my 'new name' would be 'birth certificate first and middle' name plus married last name that I've had for 47 years. However, I've used my maiden name as my middle name for all these years and I refuse to do that. I will do a legal name change so I won't have to deal with changing lots of accounts and documents. This info was not available anywhere….wish I'd found this site earlier. Thank you!
Hi – I am getting married in NY this year. I would like to change my name to First-maiden-married. In NY you can select to change your surname to your husband's last name but cannot make any other changes. From lots of research it seems as though I may be able to make the middle-name change after we get married by going through the SSN/Passport/DMV change, but my main question/concern is that I am not sure how to fill out the marriage license?
Do I use my maiden name or do I select the box that says I will take his surname? I just don't want to complicate the next steps in getting my middle name changed as it is important to me to have my maiden name as my middle name and it seems NY likes to pick and choose when they allow this change.
Are you asking if the check box is asking if you'll maintain your maiden name as your surname or will be taking on your spouse's last name as your new surname? If it's the latter, then it would make sense to check that box, as it matches your intention.
I've been married for over 20 years and on my marriage certificate I signed my first name, maiden as my middle and my married (husbands) name as my last. I have my social security card, drivers license, passport, credit cards, every document is in that name and I have always used that name since the day I was married. However, I am in an LLC and the attorney for it states that my legal name is my given first, given middle and married last name, which I have never used. He sends all documents with that name on it and I have to sign AKA and the name I've used since I've been married. Is it true that I have to change it legally through the courts when every document since the day I was married says otherwise?
Hi Ann. I'm not sure what your LLC attorney is referring to. If you've successfully changed your name due to marriage with the SSA and driver's license office, then your name should be considered legally changed. Your marriage certificate serves as proof of marriage and name change. Unless the claim is that SSA and driver's license office broke protocol at that time, then I don't see what the issue is. It certainly is good to defer to your legal counsel, but you can try to get further clarification why he/she believes your name was not properly changed.
I have repeatedly informed the attorney for the LLC that it was on my Marriage Certificate, which was presented to the Social Security office for a new card in the new name and then repeated at the Ohio BMV. What recourse do I have with the LLC attorney to show he's not doing his job since I've repeatedly informed him of the change that I made when I was married over 20 years ago?
Hi Ann. It's still not clear to me what the rationale is. What's the basis of him citing that as your "legal name?" What's the source?
Hi!
I got married in CA last year but have since moved to TN. I changed my name without problems with social security, moving my maiden name to a 2nd middle name. But the DMV insisted that I could only have 1 middle name (Tennessee law) and that I would need to go back to social security to change my name to match my driver's license. It was hard to choose just 1 middle name as each represents the two parts of my mixed heritage (and my married last name doesn't). Is it true that Tennessee residents can only have 1 middle name (regardless of court orders)?
Hi Sara. I've not heard of this before, nor can I find reference to it. Did you bring along supporting documentation, such as a certified copy of your marriage certificate in addition to your social security card? Did the person you encountered cite where this rule is set? It's possible they were mistaken or misinformed and you may need to try again with another person or office.
Hi, I got married in las Vegas last year. I changed my name (made my maiden name as a middle name) to SSA with no problem. Waited a couple of weeks before I went to dmv. I brought my new SSA card, marriage certificate. They told me they can't change the middle name. So on my new DL, my middle name is still my maiden middle name. I'm planning to get a passport. Will i have a problem in my application if i follow the SSA card not my DL? How do i change my name in my DL?Thanks.
Hi Sheryl. Did they provide a rationale for not changing your name? Was your marriage certificate not recognized? Yes, you can update your passport to the name that matches your SS record instead of your DL.
I'm getting married in TN in April. I am wanting to take my fiancé's last name and move my maiden name to be a second middle name. It would be 1st-name 1st-middle-name 2nd-middle-name last-name. Is this possibile in TN?
Hi Elizabeth. If it were just replacing your middle with maiden, then yes it would work. Since you're looking to have a double name, you'll need to contact your county clerk's office to confirm if it's allowable.
Hi! This is definitely the most extensive name changing guide I have come by. Thank you! I am getting married this March in NC but live in GA. I have always gone by my middle name (can't drop it), but would like to keep my maiden name and take on my fiancé's last name. My options are to drop my first name or take on 4 names:
Option 1:
Middle, Maiden, Married
Option 2:
First, Middle, Maiden, Married
I am having a really hard time distinguishing the legal process required for these options. I would be most grateful for any direction you can provide!
As I weigh the options…I especially want to consider the short-term hassle and the long-term inconveniences of changing your first name or having four names. I could just drop my maiden name and call it a day, but my parents are strongly opposed to that idea. So I'm trying to give all options due diligence first!
Thank you!!!!
Hi Michelle. Any first name change would require a court order. If that's an unacceptable hassle, your two options for retaining your maiden name are to shift your maiden name to your middle name, or opt for a hyphenated last name. These routes allow for a simpler name change process as a result of marriage.
Thanks so much for the quick response! To confirm: I can have 2 middle names/4 names total? Is having 4 names problematic in any way? Other than the inconvenience of filling out forms, are there any other repercussions you can think of?
Regarding the court order, would I apply in the state I live or the state I get married? Do you have any insight into what this process is like? Thanks again!
If you're looking to reconstruct your middle name using the marriage name change process, two middle names may or may not be allowed, depending on your state. As it's not a common option, you can contact your local county clerk about what's allowable. If you're looking to have dual middle names as a result of a court order, then that isn't a problem.
There have been reports of some SS offices and DMV computers being unable to input unusually long names to the point where they had to be clipped. It's a database column character limit issue that's set per field (e.g., first name, middle name, last name). It's not a consistent issue across locales.
You'd apply in the state you live in.
At the following resource, you can learn about changing your name through the courts.
Can a bride change her middle name along with her last name when she gets married? Or can she only change her last name?
Hi Monica. It depends on the state. Take a look at the last paragraph of this article which specifies the states where this is prohibited.
Thank you so much. I truly appreciate the fast response.
hi! I'm under a K1 visa and i just got married last january 5 and got our marriage cert yesterday, it was written at the bottom part of our marriage cert my New name upon solemnizarion of marriage is:
first name, its DAYCIE ANN middle name is the maiden name of my mom its SMITH (the middle name im using before i get married) the last name is hyphenated it goes like this: my surname before i got married (CASTILLO) – my husbands surname (RIVERA). So my new name today what is written below my marriage cert is DAYCIE ANN SMITH CASTILLO-RIVERA
i went to the SS office today i bring my marriage cert and passport with me and applied for my SS number, they told me i cant put the hyphenated surname because its too long and wont fit in the card and i may have get problems in the future, what they use instead is: my first name, my old middle name and they drop my old surname and just put my husbands surname, goes like this DAYCIE ANN SMITH RIVERA. they drop my old surname, i ask them if thats the case i want to drop my old middle name and replace it with my old surname insteas but they did not allow me to do it.
my question is what name i will be using when i apply for my DMV? for my Greencard / AOS? i think what the SsN did is conflict on what is written in my marriage cert. Its very confusing. if i want to change my marriage name and removed the hyphenated surname to make CASTILLO my middle name and my surname will be RIVERA how will i do it? please enlighten me. thank you.
Even though the SSA database may have maximum character limits per name part, it's odd to hear your preferred last name is too long to fit. I've heard of a 21 character last name limit, but yours is 15.
Have you considered calling or revisiting the office and inquring what the actual maximum character limit of your last name is and if you were actually exceeding it? It would be useful to also know what their maximums are for your first and middle name.
Could it be you weren't hitting your last name max, but the totality of your name reached an upper limit exceeding what was printable? Also, are there separate limits for what can be entered in their database and what can be printed on your card?
Defer to SSA, but you'll still need to utilize your marriage certificate for proof of marriage.
Assuming you can't get your SS record and card amended, you'll have to go for a court petitioned name change. But with that, are you going to hit another character limit?
Hi Valera,
I was looking at all your responses and you've been a great help. I was wondering if you can help me with mine.
I am getting married in March and my fiancé is going to be taking my last name. We live in California. Currently her initials are S.L.La.Z. My last name is with an O and in an effort to make her name as long S.L.La.Z.O. She would like to drop her first name the S. Make the first L her first name and make the La-Z, her mother's maiden name and her last name, hyphenated to make it her middle name and take my last name so it will be L.La-Z.O.
Any help or input would be greatly appreciated
Thank you!
Hi Greg. First name changes aren't allowed in California without a court order. She'll have to go through a court-petitioned the name change, which would allow her to make all the preferred modifications.
Wow this thread has been alive for some time!! I am elope to Boston, Massachusetts for a simple city hall marriage this spring, as my fiance and I expect to move their for his job later this year. I would like to delete my existing middle name, change my maiden name to my middle name and take my future husbands surname as my own. The FAQ section of the City of Boston website explicitly states:
"The State of Massachusetts Marriage Intention and License only allows you to change your last name – it can not change your current first or middle name."
Can I still use this license to take to Social Security to create my new name combination or do I need to have a court ruling first?
Hi Ashley. Interesting, as MA isn't one of the known states that inhibits maiden to middle name change. Now, there's a difference between just changing one's middle name and shifting the maiden name to the middle name. States that allow maiden to middle are unlikely to allow other modification types to the middle name. Have you made contact with the license office clarifying this very specific sort of name change?
I got married in May and want to do adopt my maiden name as a second middle name.
Go from: First Middle Maiden
To: First Middle Maiden Married
I live in Oklahoma and from what I've read here it appears it is possible.
My questions:
Is the only issue with having 2 middle names that it is long and may not fit into forms?
What about drivers license, passport, SSN-will they all include all 4 names on them and if so, is that problematic?
In this scenario, is the second middle name distinguished from the last name simply because there is no hyphen?
Are there any other issues with this scenario?
Thank you for pain stakingly answering all our questions.
Hi Mika. Names that are too long have occurred, but those situations are uncommon. It's ultimately a database issue being unable to store X number of characters within a particular name column. There won't be any issue distinguishing the splits in your name, although it may be bunched up when printed on your cards. That's just a printer/spacing issue though, which is out of your control and really isn't all that significant.
I just got married on the 28th of December. I went to my local SS office on the 31st (in Virginia, where I live) to change my name and was told that I could NOT use my maiden name as my middle name, I could only hyphenate my maiden name & last name. I wonder why I was told it was not possible?
Hi Kaley. Can you specify what supporting documentation you brought along?
I am a resident of Maryland but getting married in Pa. where we both were raised. This is my second marriage and the first time I did not change my middle name to my maiden name…..was young and didn't know any better and did not go back to my maiden name after the divorce. Can I change my name this time to my maiden name as my middle name and take my new husband's surname?
Yes, you can.
I got married in November. I want to change my maiden name to my middle name, to take on my husband's last name. Social security gave me no issues, and my card has the name I want now. The DMV refused me, saying I have to legally change it in court. I've read that if you have your new social security card along with two other documents with your new name (passport, gov ID, tax papers) then you can go through without the court, but how can you even do that with a conflict with your drivers license and social security card.
Now I have a hole punched license with a photo card that expires in 60 days…..so frustrating!! I don't even know who to contact in court!!
Hi Samantha. You also need to bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Hello!
I got legally married 2 years ago in New York City (City Hall) and at that time took my husbands last name. I did not change any documents such as Social Security Car or Drivers License yet, almost 2 years later. We just had our big wedding overseas in September this year, and I am not getting around to researching my next steps.
At the time of city hall, I did not make a change to my middle name.
But before I go ahead and make my last name change on all of my documents like SS and DMV Banks etc – – I want to also add a 2nd middle name (my maiden name) so I don't have to do this process alllll over again!!!!
Luckily all of my names are really short (4-5 letters each) so I shouldn't have any problem whatsoever in terms of length.
I'm not sure what my first step should be – do I need to get my marriage license updated? Or just go ahead and apply for a new SS card ? From there, I need SS card updated so I can apply for NYState DMV correct?
Thanks for any help !
Hi Nicoe. Order a certified copy of your marriage certificate from your NY vital records office, then change your name with the SS office before the DMV.
Hi Valera,
I got married in Georgia but now live in Tennessee. When we applied for our marriage license in GA, I indicated that my married name would be: First Name Middle Name Married Last Name. We received our marriage license and in the portion where it has our names, my name listed there is my full maiden name. I'd like to now start the name change process in TN but would like to have two middle names (original middle name and maiden name). Is this possible to just go ahead and do this, even though I want to do something different than what I originally indicated?
Thanks!
Hi Yvonne. You're likely looking at a court petition as you're seeking to construct a new multipart middle name.
Heads up New York ladies!
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/David-Buchwald/story/56498/
In a victory particularly important for women, Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Westchester) announced at a press conference that, in response to his inquiry and subsequent efforts, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will now provide a much simpler process to change middle names to maiden names on an individual’s driver’s license upon marriage. The DMV will only require a marriage certificate to make this change. Previously, the process had proven to be costly and time consuming.
Hello my name is Cindy and I do not have a middle name. My name on my marriage license appears with my husband's lastname. Well I want to add my maiden name as my middle name and keep his last name. Is there a way I can do that? I live in California and someone told me I have to go through a whole court process to do this?
Help please :/
You were told correctly. You'll have to go through the courts.
Oh okay thank you.
Someone mentioned that if I change my name at the SS office (first, maiden and lastname) first then the Dmv will go by that. Is that correct?
Correct. DMV can query the SS database to confirm your name. If there's a mis-match, then problems/delays can ensue.
Hello,
After running around from office to office and getting no help I came across this article. I am sitting, waiting at my local social security office as we speak and am hoping you can help me out! I currently have two middle names and want to drop one of them. I also want to change my last name to my married name. Which order should I do this in? I live in Ohio. I'm just wondering, for example, if I do change my middle name first, then there will be a period of time where my license is not accurate because I will have a different middle name. Do I change my license, only to have to change it again once I'm able to change my last name? Or can I change my middle and last names at the same time?
Thank you so very much!
Hi Elizabeth. You'll have to go through a court petitioned name change for your middle name as Ohio doesn't allow middle name changes as a result of marriage. You can either decide to just change your middle or your middle and last if you're going to court. This way you can use the court order to complete all your name change needs (e.g., social security, drivers license). If you opt to just change your middle name in court and last name after marriage, then you'll have to update your pertinent documents with the various institutions twice.
Thank you so, so very much for your help. After speaking with a court magistrate and someone at the social security office, they still couldn't explain it nor understand my question. Thank you again, I really appreciate it.
Hi Valera,
I am originally from California, which is where I will be getting married. It's also the state listed on my passport. However, I reside/work in New York (and have for nine years) and have a driver's license from this state. Will this bicoastal cross-over cause any difficulties when I try to obtain new documentation (with my new name) from the NYC DMV and other offices?
No, it shouldn't be an issue.
Hi,
I will be getting married next month and I'm just curious as to how I have to go about on changing my maiden name to my middle name? I don't have a middle name is it easier? What's the process??
Id appreciate it :)
I live in Texas.
Thanks!
Hi Erika. Undergo a marriage based name change as you normally would. You can your marriage certificate to facilitate your name change.
I ran into this issue just this morning. After crying in the DMV because I had never heard of this crazy rule (the clerk told me that due to NH law they couldn't change my middle name due to marriage and I’d need a court order) and they didn’t care about the SSA receipt, I went back to work and immediately tried to find the supposed law they couldn’t cite for me.
While I still have yet to find a rule/reg that states that a marriage license can’t be used to change a middle name (someone mentioned the RealID Act, so maybe that's is), I did find what I am hoping is a loop hole in NH.
In the NH DVM’s administrative rules they list a passport as a possible proof of name change (see Saf-C 1011.02 pasted below), interestingly this isn’t on the list the DMV provides in the name change instructions on their website.
I am going to change my passport and then bring that and a copy of the DMV’s own rules to the DMV and try to change it that way. I’ll certainly add to the post if this works.
Section Saf-C 1011.02 states the following:
Change of Name.
(a) Within 10 days of changing a name, a licensee shall furnish the following on form DSMV 30:
(1) Date of birth;
(2) Former name;
(3) New name; and
(4) Signature of the licensee.
(b) As evidence of a new name, a licensee shall present a copy of one of the following:
(1) Name change petition from the court of Probate;
(2) Marriage certificate;
(3) Divorce decree;
(4) Passport;
(5) Adoption decree; or
(6) Court decree.
(c) The licensee shall surrender his/her driver license and the director shall furnish the licensee with a replacement driver license indicating the new name.
Source. #8109, eff 6-24-04; ss by #10176, eff 8-23-12 (from Saf-C 1010.02)
Current with amendments received through October 2, 2014
N.H. Code Admin. R. Saf-C 1011.02, NH ADC SAF-C 1011.02