Use Your Maiden Name Even After a Name Change
Whether you're changing your name to better align with your new spouse's and kids' names or because you like the new name better, there may be situations where it makes sense to continue using your maiden name.
You could achieve the best of both worlds where:
- You change your name after marriage.
- You continue to use your maiden name when it suits you.
Let's explore real-life circumstances where it helps to use your maiden name over your married name, whether that's sometimes or even most of the time.
1. In professional contexts
If you've invested time building your maiden name into your professional identity, don't discard it arbitrarily: consider the consequences and prepare for the transition.
Even after changing their name through marriage, many people still use their maiden names in professional contexts. You can join the ranks of those who find this approach beneficial.
It's doable without conflict, while ensuring everything is legal and compartmentalized: your maiden name over here and your married name over there, coexisting peacefully.
Our online name change kit can help you complete this transition while you prepare for a future where your maiden name remains prominent in your life.
Everyone knows you by your maiden name
Consider the numerous places your maiden name is firmly plugged into the world, extending far beyond your diploma, professional license, or general reputation.
Your colleagues, customers, and clients know you by your maiden name. Your authored articles, references, and referrals from others are linked to your maiden name.
Your professional network converges around your name, weaving a web of recognition. Like Coca-Cola, you've covertly and masterfully branded your name throughout your life.
But now that you're married (or soon-to-be married) and have changed your name, it's like a burst of lightning, short-circuiting these connections.
Like X, formerly known as Twitter, you've warped and fragmented your brand recognition and must carry the "formerly known as" millstone around your neck.
But you might not have to undergo a complete reset…
Starting over with your married name
Changing your maiden name severs your network of associations until you assimilate your married name. Yet, like refreezing melted ice cream, it's never quite the same after.
Traces of your maiden name will persist, etched into your birth records, and deeply embedded in genealogy databases, as well as in the memories of everyone you've met.
While you can change your driver's license, you can't erase the historical record. Your yearbook is just one permanent testament to the past.
Yet this article isn't focused on downsides and rejecting your married name, but on completing the transformation while still placing your maiden name at the forefront.
Let's delve into putting your maiden name to work…
Navigating the tricky transition
Here's one way dealing with name changes can get tricky: people still send mail and write checks to your maiden name even after you've switched to your married name.
The opposite also is true: checks made out to your married name are problematic when you haven't yet updated your bank records away from your maiden name.
A name mismatch might disrupt check cashing, deposits, and direct payments, including those from employers or potential IRS tax refunds.
Prepare for the inevitable: talk with your bank and make sure they'll allow deposits in both your maiden and married names.
While you're at it, if you have a hyphenated name, go the extra mile by ensuring your bank accepts three name variations:
- Your maiden name
- Your hyphenated name
- Your spouse's surname only (just in case)
If you're well known by your bank's staff, an informal acknowledgment may be enough. But it's better to have an official notation recorded in your account that applies globally.
You should repeat this routine with every new bank account you open.
Notifying your bank is an often overlooked name change task that merits elevated importance alongside updating your social security card but rarely receives the attention it deserves.
Tick off this name change to-do early, as soon as you have a certified copy of your marriage certificate available to show your financial institution.
Doing business in your maiden name
Registering a DBA in your maiden name is useful when you need to conduct official business using your maiden name after changing it due to marriage.
FYI, DBA stands for "doing business as" and is synonymous with other terms, such as fictitious business name, assumed name, brand name, trade name, or trading name.
This approach ensures seamless continuity and legal compliance, sparing you the need to alter business cards, letterheads, signatures, or the brand you've cultivated.
Put simply, a DBA is a clever way for you to use your maiden name as a legal alias, nickname, or pseudonym for your business or company.
Using your maiden name as a licensed professional
Having the aforementioned DBA in your maiden name is not a sufficient replacement for failing to update the legal name on a professional, government-issued license.
For instance, if you're a registered nurse or doctor, the DBA approach won't work. Instead, ask your state's licensing board about using your maiden name professionally.
In this scenario, your state's licensing board would record your married name as your legal name and add your maiden name as an alternative name.
This allows you to continue working under your maiden name as your professional name, legally and transparently.
State regulations vary, so contact your state's licensing board to confirm if this practice is permitted and its potential impact on your DEA number, NPI, etc.
Consider requesting written confirmation from the board to acknowledge working under your maiden name as your professional name, despite your legal name change.
The preceding logic applies to other state-licensed professions too, such as dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, counselors, and physical therapists, among others.
2. In social contexts
Changing your name is a bold move, so it's understandable if you're reluctant to make the switch. After all, you've had the same name for your whole life… until now.
So, why bother changing?
Perhaps you're pragmatic in seeking a smoother experience with insurance and paperwork, or you may simply prefer to embrace the tradition of adopting your spouse's name.
In various situations, you don't necessarily have to strictly adhere to your legal name. Consider the context, exercise sound judgment, and avoid confining yourself to rigid boundaries.
For instance, when you're meeting new people who don't know your spouse and address you by your maiden name, there's no obligation to correct them.
Another scenario is when you're meeting with old friends; you might want to stick with your maiden name, as your longtime friends may have trouble adjusting to your new name.
Most of these events are social in nature, so there are no legal implications to worry about. Feel free to rotate between your maiden and married names whenever you like.
3. Legal disclosure obligations
When a security or background check gets ran against you, they'll ask for any previous names you've gone under to get a thorough look at your history.
Background checks are standard for job applications, volunteer positions, and credit checks. In these cases, you're usually legally required to provide your maiden name.
How can you tell if it's required? Check the form; if it has a section for listing other names you've used, you'll typically find instructions mentioning "such as maiden names."
Better safe than sorry, unless you're really set on leaving your maiden name behind. In that case, ask whoever's handling your paperwork if listing your maiden name is mandatory.
Your "legal name" is your "real name"
Your legal name is the name on your social security record, which is also the name you'll use for tax filings, job applications, and W-2 forms.
Beyond the talk of DBAs and social contexts, you must use your real name when filling out legal or government forms that asks for your name, current name, or legal name.
So if you've officially changed your name after marriage, but use your maiden name in social or formal capacities, your legal name and real name is your married name.
For instance, if you're an actor or singer with a stage name, you must sign your contracts and file your taxes using your real name. This is where artistry meets reality.
4. Paperwork not finished
One compelling reason to temporarily stick with your maiden name, whether you like it or not, is when you have paperwork and ID that still needs updating.
Before moving from your maiden name to your married name, the former will play a key role in preserving your legal identity before passing the baton.
When using your maiden name is unavoidable
Similar to methodically repairing a complex mechanical device, changing your name is a step-by-step process, addressing one document at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
But you've also got to navigate when to strategically and temporarily hold onto your maiden name on a case-by-case basis, especially when time constraints or logistical challenges make updating everything in sequence impossible.
But sometimes the decision is out of your hands…
Certain documents are interconnected, requiring your names to match. In such cases, updating one ID necessitates changing others simultaneously.
For example, if your driver's license is in your married name, but your passport has your maiden name, international airline tickets must match the name in your passport.
Another example is if you've updated your social security card and nothing else, you must still file your taxes to match the name social security has on file.
Don't crack out of turn
Picture changing your name as a high-stakes game where you're juggling two identities: your maiden name and your married name.
Much like a con artist guards their words to avoid "cracking out of turn" and revealing their true intentions, you must master the art of smoothly transitioning from one name to the other.
Only when you've updated all your documents can you finally shift from your maiden name to your married name, preventing any identity "cracks" in your smooth changeover.
Managing multiple identities
You're managing conflicting identities, but each credential, from your social security card and driver's license to your bank accounts, allows only one name to prevail.
Keep a checklist of who has confirmed your name change. This will ensure that you never find yourself in an embarrassing situation where you're unsure which name to provide.
Before obtaining official approval for your new name, introduce yourself with your maiden name, and then explain that you're in the process of changing it.
This is often enough to satisfy requirements at places such as banks, as they understand the time-consuming nature of the name change process.
5. Haven't decided to go through with it
For some, the decision to undergo a name change is a can they keep kicking down the road, sometimes for years.
It's a procrastination that can make them wonder if they've missed an unspoken name change deadline that'll snare them with penalties or consequences.
Buying yourself some time
You might choose to slow-walk the process by updating your legal name on certain documents while you mull over whether you genuinely want to undergo a name change.
You might even welcome the idea of name change at first, only to backtrack when it comes to signing documents and introducing yourself with an entirely new name.
You're not alone if you're not sure if name change is right for you at this time. Maintaining the status quo is a tempting alternative to indecision.
You can legally change your name, but if you ever want to switch back to your maiden name, you can do so at any time. It's a reversible decision.
At a minimum, make sure your preferred name is chosen before applying for a marriage license to avoid your marriage certificate missing your married name.
Closing thoughts on using your maiden name
Some people think changing or keeping their name after getting married as a Hobson's choice. In reality, you have room to maneuver.
You can legally change your name and still use your maiden name at work or with friends. So, you're not boxed in. It's about what feels right for you in the moment.
If you're interested in starting the name change process, our online name change kit provides expert guidance through the transition.
I am eloping on Saturday. The marriage license has my soon to be husbands last name as my surname. We plan on filling our taxes together but I don't want to change my name yet in my license, ss#, credit cards etc… is that a problem if my marriage license says his name but I keep my maiden name for everything else right now?
No, it wouldn't be a problem.
Hi. Ok. So i got married in january. I asked my name to be changed in marriage cert however I didnt changed it anywhere else. Although we did get me a DoD id since he is military. My green card has now expired, has been expired for 6 months now actually, and now I am just going to apply for citizenship. So Do i just wait til Im naturalized to have my name changed in SS and my DL?
(i think i might have to, since my card is expired, i need an unexpired greencard to change name in SS)
2.) Also, I am in a nursing program at the moment, and I thought that maybe I shouldnt change my last name yet and just renew my greencard with my maiden name still (i will be spending more money tho when I want to apply for citizenship) so I dont have to deal with changing my last name everywhere and get paperwork all mix up … if I decide to do that, can I do that?
(I feel like, i might get in trouble if i do this)
Also, lets say I didnt ask the question above (#2). Once I get naturalized and all, can I not change my last name in my SS right away, maybe wait til after the nursing program, about a year?
Thanks.
You can. During the naturalization process, you can request your name be changed. Then you can proceed to change it with the SSA and DMV.
You'd be changing your name twice, which'll be two expenses.
The name on your naturalization certificate and social security card should match.
I am a dentist in Ohio and I just got married :) I would like to keep my last name professionally, like Dr. Maiden Name, but go by Mrs His Last Name every where else. Would that require me to legally change my name? Would I have to hyphenate it? If so, do I have to get a new drivers license, passport, dental license etc?
That depends on if you're planning to actually change your name, or to just use your new married name informally. Let's map out both scenarios.
1) Option 1: Change your last name to married name with SSA, DMV, passport, etc.
You can continue doing business in your professional name, but you'll have to contact your licensing board to determine what notification standards they have in place. Would your license have to be reissued in your married name, or do they just need to be notified of the name change for their internal records? Taxes would be done in your married name.
2) Option 2: Don't change your name anywhere; just use the married name socially.
In this scenario, nothing legally would change. Your documents would remain the same, no one would have to be notified of anything, as there's nothing to update. You'd use your married name in social settings, or anywhere else that doesn't require the use of your actual legal name. If you're filling out a government form or doing your taxes, you'd still use maiden.
I have a Dutch passport and US permanent resident card, both in my maiden name. The passport has my maiden name showing married to xxxx which reflects my married last name. My legal name on DL and SS is my married name. I need to update to the current format permanent resident card and am guessing I probably need to change to my married name. I was told by the embassy that I won't have issues traveling with the discrepancy in names as the green card will show the tie to the passport. Can you confirm that interpretation is correct? Also, the Dutch hyphenate the maiden name after married name routinely other than on passport, but this only appears in my signature on passport. Do I need to sign with exact same signature on my green card replacement request? I normally don't sign in US with maiden name hyphenated.
I've been married many years, but current TSA and Homeland Security rules have complicated the process
You should be fine. You can also keep a certified copy of your marriage certificate with you to serve as additional identity confirmation.
Your signature should match the name on your green card.
I got married 17 years ago and hyphenated my name at that time. My husband wants me to drop my maiden name. A lot of stuff, like medical records and papers with our kids' schools, are only in my married name. Do I need to involve the court system to make the change? Or do I start with Social Security?
Changing your name a second time would require you go through the courts.
Hello. I am filling out forms I-130 and G-325a. I changed my last name to my husband's on my marriage certificate, but have been using my maiden name since we got married 3 years ago. I have never used his last name or changed anything. Should I use my maiden name or his last name on these forms? I feel strange using his last name since my passport and eveything is in my maiden name, but under 'other names used' it says 'including maiden name'. I really do not want any unnecessary delays with this process. What is the best choice to make? My maiden name or married name under family name?
Hi Melissa. You can put your maiden name, since you haven't actually changed it anywhere; the marriage certificate doesn't really count.
Hello Melissa,
Good question, I had this same problem once, now i know how to handle most of these types of forms.
Kind regards,
LaKeisha
First of all, thank you for taking the time to answer all these questions! I am widowed and getting married soon, and planning to take my maiden name back. I'm an established and published physician under my late husband's last name, which presents its own issues. If I plan to use my maiden name professionally, is it just better not to take my fiancé's name at all, than to complicate documents and such with his name? I'd like to be able to use his last name socially, at times, so should we just do that unofficially instead? Thank you SO much for your guidance.
Hi Suzdoc. This depends on whether or not you intend to legally change your name to your maiden. If you plan to do so, the path of least resistance would be to have your legal name be your maiden, then informally use a surname of your choice. This assures your legal and professional identifications will be synchronized.
If you plan to use your maiden name professionally, but legally change it to your fiance's, then the circumstances for navigating that would be similar to maintaining your late husband's name. You'd still have to notify your licensing board, employer, and arrange taxes under your legal (non-maiden) name.
Good morning,
So my husband and I are currently married and I have already changed my last name to match his. We are having another ceremony due to our parents not knowing we got married and I was wondering if it's possible to obtain another marriage license with my maiden name even though it has been legally changed.
Hi Jessica. Contact your clerk's office (or whichever office distributes marriage licenses) about a getting a remarriage license.
My ss was never changed when I got married, I've been divorced for 7 years now and just recently got married again, and in the process of changing my name to my spouses name , but my license and other things are in my previous last name ? Is this going to be a prob when changing ss card?
No, that shouldn't pose a problem.
I recently got married a year ago, my husband is in the military so on my military card I took his last name but I didn't change my new last name on my ssc and dl until a month ago because of NC state law. I had to in order to get a DL. I am currently in Tn where I'm from and i was wondering since I still have my old social security card that has my maiden name can I get a id with that name? Because I have flight benefits where I get to fly free because of my mother but I can't fly with my married name I have to go by my maiden name.
Will it show up in Tn DMV that I have a DL in Nc with my married name?
It wouldn't be valid. It's doubtful it would even work if background checks are processed, or if your social security number is ran. It would just turn up a name mismatch.
Hello,
I'm beyond frustrated I've been married since May of 2015 and I've gotten my name changed on my DLs and at the Social Security office. I've attempted to check my credit reports, apply for loans, credit cards, and have been unable to due to them all stating "my identity cant be verified". I've been the Social Security office and have been informed everything has been changed in their system with my married name. What else is there for me to do??? Please HELP!!
Hi Jalisa. When you change your name with the SSA, the credit bureaus should eventually become aware of it without your intervention. This transition period usually shouldn't affect things, but if you find it becoming a problem you may have to contact each credit bureau in writing (via postal mail) to move things along. In your correspondence, specify your old and new name, social security number, and include a copy of your marriage certificate.
Yes hi,im Lilly and me and my boyfriend want to get married soon but we still live with our parents and we don't want them to know so I'm asking all I have to do is change my name on the marriage license and i can keep my maiden name for legal documents,paychecks,SSN,doctor records and and any thing else to keep my marriage anonymous .
Hi Lilly. Correct, changing your name on your marriage license is an isolated action. It doesn't affect any other document unless you take the next step to formally change your name.
Is the marriage recognized by law if you change your name on the marriage certificate but not on legal documents like ss, drivers licence, etc?
I want to change my name to my fiancés last name on the marriage license so I can legally change it to his name if/when we have kids, but if we don't have kids I want to keep my maiden name. can I wait years to change my name? What if I never change my name to match the marriage license? Are we married?
Yes.
Yes.
Yes to both.
I recently got married and plan to tag my husband's last name onto my own, sans hyphen. (First middle maiden last marriedlast). I proposed this name change on my marriage certificate but haven't yet changed it anywhere else yet, as I am a but hesitant.
I plan to use his last name informally, (socially, and for our children's school contact info, pta, phone lists, etc.), (firstname marriedname), and keep a double barreled last name, sans hyphen, legally (firstname middle maidenlast marriedlast). My first question is, how common is this? I know most women do the opposite and use their maiden name informally or professionally, while keeping their husbands name legally. From what i understand, this is my choice as long as I use my legal name where required. But I'm wondering how often I will need to explain myself socially as this is not the norm.
My second question: on the marriage certificate I have a proposed name change with my last name as MaidenName MarriedName. If I decided to switch the order would I need to change the marriage certificate to MarriedName MaidenName or would ssn office allow me to change it without the exact name on my marriage certificate?
I have heard of people having difficulties having a hyphenated last name. I was wondering why hyphenated last names are so inconvenient, aside from spelling out a long last name. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I would assume the same difficulties lie in having a double barreled last name without the hyphen. Are there any added difficulties to not having a hyphen?
Final question: a friend of mine got married and did not propose a name change on her marriage certificate. The name on the certificate is the name she has been using since birth. She plans to change her last name to his last name next year, moving her maiden name to her middle name. Would she need a court order to change her maiden name to her married last name or would presenting her marriage certificate suffice?
Thank you much. This thread has been incredibly helpful.
If you're just using it socially, you can keep your legal name private so that it doesn't come up in conversations.
Such an amendment wouldn't be granted by the recorder's office, so that option's out.
Depends on the state. Some will only honor what's on the certificate, while others don't have such a requirement.
There have been technical problems reported with long names not fitting on the driver's license, or having to be truncated within the DMV database due to column length constraints.
Hyphenatation is universally accepted as an option for a marriage-based name change, while double-barreled may not be a viable option with all states without having to get a court order.
It depends on the state. For instance, in California, the "change to" name must be specified on the marriage license which will subsequently be reflected on the marriage certificate. The name on the certificate is what it'll need to be changed to. Otherwise, court order.
Not all states are like this. Some states don't even have a space on the marriage license to specify a new name.
Hello! I have been married for more than 20 years. But now I want to change my last name to my husband last name. Do I need a court order? Or just go to SSN and DMV to change my last name? Thank you so much.
Hi Linh. You can go to the SSN then DMV. Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You may be asked to submit additional identity documents since your marriage took place several years ago. You can call ahead to make sure you gather the required documents before going in.
Hello Linh,
I never would have thought that I'm not alone about my decision to not wanting to change my name to my husband's last name. This would be my first marriage and as of now I'm approaching my 1 year anniversary on November 14 of this year and I also did not or do not want to change my maiden name as well. While viewing other comments where the majority of the questions that are being asked is do I have to change my name? Which now I see the answer is No. Anyhow, I feel not so guilty for not wanting to change my last name to my husband last name seeing you have waited 20 years and now your name change is taking place or about to take place. For me Its just too much work and hassle and not to mention if ever we were to get a divorce (God willing that we don't) I would have to go through so much to change everything back over to my maiden name so with that being said I prefer to keep my maiden name, I think for me this is best.
Kind regards,
LaKeisha
I just recently got divorced in the State of Oklahoma, Aug 29, 2016. I requested the option to change my last name to a former married name. I just had my DL changed, Sept 9, 2016, but not my SS Card or any other documents. I am disabled and on SSI. After reconsideration of everything I would have to have changed, Wills, Life Ins Policies, Titles, Credit Cards, Deeds, Pre-Paid Funeral Plans, SS…ect…it is overwhelming. I do not want to keep the former married name. Is there any way such as a legal affidavit or something I can sign to take to the DMV to have my license restored to what it originally was? Thank you.
A court order would do it.
Hi
I became a US citizen by Naturalization, I used my husbands last name.
I'm divorce now.
Can I still use my maiden name as my legal name ?
Hi Balbina. Was your maiden name restored within your divorce decree? If yes, then you can use that document to change your name with the various institutions. If no, you can try to contact the court to get an amendment, but it may not be granted. If neither of those work out, you can undergo a court ordered name change to restore your maiden name.
Hi, I would like to know if its posible for me to use my maiden name while annulment is on process. My husband and me separated about ten years and we both have new partner in life now. He is not supporting our teenaged kids. I find it insulting myself using his name as he is no longer a part of my life and I dont want to be identified as his wife anymore. So please help me if there is some way I could atleast use my maiden name while we are not yet officially separated. More power!!!
Only informally, until it's finalized. If you need to jump ahead of the process, you can look into getting a court ordered name change.
I've been married for 3 years and I changed my name on my social security card but have been unable to get to the DMV. When I called I was told that I couldn't do it by mail, I would have to go there physically and present the marriage certificate and get a new photo.
Have you ever heard of it being possible to get a drivers license changed in the same way that I was able to the Social Security Card? I work in an area that is very far from the DMV and the hours do not work with my work hours. Also, I don't want a new picture. My license is good for another 6 years so can't I keep the one that was taken originally? I can go online and change the address without the picture or any proof of address? Maybe the employee that I spoke with was unaware?
There are a few states that allow driver's licenses to be updated through the mail, but most don't. You apprently live in one that does not permit it.
A new photo is required for reissuances or renwals.
Since you're trying to change an aspect of your license related to your identity, the standard is different.
I was married in 2002 in PA. At that time I never legally changed my name with local SSA. I DID, however, change my name on my PA Driver's License (at that time, I was simply able to request the change online to my ID and registration; certainly no longer this way). For all employment I always professionally use my married name but for payroll and tax purposes use my maiden name, again since I never changed it with SSA. For many other bills/utilities, vehicle title, bank account, lease, etc…. I am listed as either First Name Maiden Last Name Married Last Name or First Name Married Last Name.
NOW…..fast forward and I am legally divorced as of June 2015 and getting remarried.
I have one child with my ex-husband and one child with my fiancé.
I don't know if I should keep my previous married name in honor of my first child and add my new married last name or if I should only take my new husband's last name. And, based on which I determine is best for me/us, what I need to do and how to go about it as I never did legally change my name with SSA in the first place.
Do you have any recommendations and how to's on how best to proceed given my circumstances?
Your only available name change path with the SSA is to change it to your new married name. Since you never changed your name with the SSA for your first marriage, your maiden name is the only reference on file. You couldn't do "prior married last name + new married last name" without going to court.
So, your options are:
1) Old married name + new married name = court order.
2) Remove old married name, only use new married name = basic marriage-based name change process.
3) No name change, keep everything as-is = nothing to do, but your SS record and driver's license would still be out of sync, but you're already dealing with that.
4) Use "old married name + new married name" informally = this is with the understanding it wouldn't be your legal name and you'll have to continue using your maiden name for legal/government/tax purposes.
Hello! I recently eloped with my now husband and are planning a church wedding next year. I had my name changed with my husband's last name on my DMV driver's license and I am about to change it on my Social Security; however, I am hoping to wait until our church wedding to change my information at work. I do have few concerns.
What consequences will I face concerning any legal matters?
Will there be consequences when I file tax as my W-2 will still have my maiden name?
How will it affect my health benefits as my health insurance will still have my maiden name as well?
Lastly, if I change my bank information with my married name, will there be a problem with the direct deposit of my paychecks?
Unless you're planning to commit fraud or avoid debts, there's not much to be concerned about there.
File whatever name is on your social. You say you're updating that next, so you'll file with whatever name's on your SS card at the time.
It shouldn't. It's just a record update. Your SSN isn't changing, so the unique identifiers pointing to your old name will still point to your new name. Just be sure to update your insurance company of your name change, just as you would state and federal institutions.
As long as the name on your checks matches the name with your bank, you should be fine. Some ACH systems don't even both with the name portion; it's just based on the routing and account number.
Hi I am a permanent residence I got married one year ago and I just decided to start changing my last name to my husband last name I did it with the social security office and my driver license …. But now the problem is that I had barely renew my green card 1 year before I got married and I dnt want to pay a fee of 450 again to change my last name on it… My question is if I travel outside the United States would it b a problem to re enter due to my green card not having my marriage last name?
Hi Maritza. You do have to update your green card to reflect your legal name change. I understand not wanting to absorb the fee again, but your document should kept in sync.
As for reentering the country, equip yourself with documents linking your prior and current name. Document your name change event by keeping a certified copy of your marriage certificate with you. Still, updating your green card resolves any potential problems or holds you may face when reentering.
After divorce I legally resumed my maiden name. But I would like to match my children's last name, my former married name, on all the paperwork and such, class phone directory even when I call in to the school, is this legal?
Hi Lisa. It is legal, but it would have to be done informally on a case-by-case basis. For official circumstances, where your legal name is requested, you should provide your maiden name.
hi…my husband died last year and I'm widow now, i did not changed my passport yet from single to married and i want to renew my passport to work abroad, it is possible to use still my maiden name in my passport but my status is widow. And will it affect to my other documents like philhealth, my diploma/certificate etc. because that time i used my husband surname.
Also my other ID's remain in single status because didn't changed it yet.
Thank you for your response.
Hi Kirchel. You shouldn't face any issues with your existing passport. It's still valid. Same goes for your other documents.
Hi I'm a green card holder . I was divorced and then remarried. I already changed my SSS#, drivers license, insurances, debit/credit cards accounts on my current husband last name. Also I'm on the process of changing my Philippine passport last name to my current husband name. My question is do I need to change my green card last name too? I hope this will not cause a problem. Thank you so much.
And also my green card is under my previous marriage last name. Thanks again.
Hi Lhina. Yes, it makes sense to update your green card as well.
Hi! I'm a green card holder under my maiden name. I got married in 2014 and had changed my documents to my married name; except my green card. I plan to change my maiden name to my married on the green card when I renew it. But my question is, will it affect my status on my Philippine passport? I need to renew my passport sometime this year but I don't want to change my last name on that. Do I still have to do a Report of Marriage and not change my maiden name? Will it affect my travel back to the Philippines? Thank you for your response.
Hi RJ. You don't have to renew it under your married name. When you travel keep a certified copy of your marriage certificate with you to clear up any possible confusion.
Hi, I got married in New York State 2 years ago. On my marriage license I put that I wanted to hyphenate my last name with my husband's. I never went through to change my name with social security or the DMV or anything. I've actually decided I want to keep my maiden name and not change my name at all. Do I have to get a court ordered name change? The only place the hyphenated last name for me appears is on the marriage certificate. Thank you
You don't have to do anything. Your legal name is still your maiden name. Name change is optional and if you do nothing everything will remain as it always was.
Hello Sally,
Good question, I'm approaching my 1 year anniversary as of November 14, and yet to change my name to my husband's last name and prefer to keep it that way.
Kind regards,
LaKeisha
I need to renew my passport for travel immediately and the courts are moving at a glacial pace, Can I still renew my passport now?
Hi Simone. I don't know which court you're referring to; divorce or name change petition. Let's just cover both scenarios:
If you're undergoing a divorce, you can request the judge restore your name to a prior name. If you can't wait until your divorce is finalized, you'll have to petition the court separately for a name change.
If you're petitioning the court for a name change, and the turnaround is slow, there's not much you can do other than asking about expedition options or look into getting the assistance of an attorney (which may or may not help).
You should also take into account the State Department's turnaround times to process passport renewals. So, if you're in a time crunch and need a quick renewal, you may have to opt for their expedited service option, which has an additional fee. At this point you'll have to decide which name you'll be renewing under. If the court isn't going to finish with your name change request before you need to renew your passport, then you'll just have to renew it in your current name then renew it again, later.
I have a question. It may have been answered, but the list was so long I lost track. Lol. I changed my name to my husbands through the social security office, changed my drivers license, and on my bank account and PayPal account. I didn't really want to change my name, but felt pressured because I had changed it in my last marriage and didn't want to offend my current husband. I wish I hadn't done it. I still have my old ss card and dl with my maiden name. Since it's now in the computer, do I have to go through another name change process? Do I have to get a court order, or can it just be done with my birth certificate? Thanks so much.
Yes, you will have to go through another one.
Yes, you'll have to go through a court petitioned name change. You wouldn't be able to use your birth certificate to undergo any type of name change, be it marriage or non-marriage-related.
Hi Ms. Valeria, git married since 2003 & separated for 5 yrs now… when I enter college I fill the information document with my maiden & married name ex. Liza Guzman Tamayo Santos, but when graduated all my credentials appears as Liza T. Santos, I request the School registrar to issùe me TOR & Diploma using maiden name but the chief registrar says "it cant be" since i was admitted as Liza T. Santos.
I use my Maiden name on all my Government (past & present)Valid IDs specially passport under the article 370 civil code of the Philippines.
Do i have the right to corrrect my records to get a copy of TOR/DIPLOMA using my maiden name and re-enroll for another course to appear my maiden name on the same school? Pls. Help, thank you.
Hi Liza. Is the school registrar aware that you are divorced? Also, has your divorced been recognized in the Philippines?
This blog of yours is really helpful.
Thanks, and thanks for visiting.
Dear Valera,
I am a Filipina married to a Filipno but because of so many reasons, (womanizing being one of them) I left my husband 8 years ago and work abroad since the separation. Our separation is just our mutual decision, no papers at all. He lived with so many other women after that and even have children with some of them. As for me, I stayed celibate, (my own decision) and just work and live for my son. Is it possible for me to use my maiden name although all of my documents are registered under my ex-husband's name? It's been 8 years after all and I want to drop his name from this year onwards. Is this possible?
Hi Louie. Are you a citizen of the U.S. or the Philippines?
Philippines. I hold a Philippine passport. I work abroad but I go home every year for Christmas and New Year so I can be with my son. The university is kind enough to allow me to do this.
Hi Louie. You just need to go to court and get a judicial order to change your name. Then you can change your name on all your documents.
Thank you so much for your advice. I will work on this when I return to the Philippines this coming Christmas season.
I'm getting a divorce and will be changing my name back to my maiden name. My passport still has my maiden name and is not expired yet, do I need to get a new passport anyways or will my Maiden name work?
Also, would I be able to travel out of country with my maiden name on my passport even though I am using my husband's name on my license? Should I just book the ticket with my Maiden name instead of my legal name?
You can continue to use it as-is.
You'll be fine as long as the name on your ticket matches the name on your passport.
Dear Valera,
I am an international student and have been in US since 2005. Year ago I got married to an American citizen and changed my last name to his last name on the marriage certificate. We got married in Oregon. However I am not ready to take in the new last name and continued to use my maiden name and did not change my name on any immigration, passport, drivers license, bank account or any other document. The only place I have the name change is the marriage license and face book. Can I just continue to use my maiden name and disregard the marriage license? Should I get a court order to change last name back to my maiden? Also I am visiting home in 4 months and will have to go to an American embassy to get visa stamped before entering United States. I will be keeping my maiden name in all documents. Would the name change in marriage would cause me an issue? Would I have to mention this this name change on marriage certificate at all? If I am going to apply for permanent residency based on marriage would not adhering to the name change be an issue?
I really appreciate your advice!
Thank you.
Yes.
Unnecessary, as your legal name hasn't changed; it's still your maiden name.
No.
No.
No.
Hello Drs,
Good question, this would be my first marriage and as of now I'm approaching my 1 year anniversary on November 14 of this year and I also did not or do not want to change my maiden name as well. Seeing other comments asking this same question makes me feel not so guilty for not wanting to change my last name to my husband last name. Its just too much work and hassle and not to mention if ever we were to get a divorce (God willing that we don't) I would have to go through so much to change everything back over to my maiden name so with that being said I prefer to keep my maiden name, I think for me this is best.
Kind regards,
LaKeisha
Hi!
I changed my last name, but prefer to use my maiden name for work. I make my maiden name my middle name. Is it a problem to use my maiden name and my married name as I see fit? Is it unlawful?
Hi Jana. As long as you're using your married name when your legally required, you should be fine.
Hi,
can you help I have been using my maiden name since my divorce in 2008 on all my documents apart from my exit husband's pension and my passport .l needed to replace my passport but I haven't changed my name by depot can do i still use my married name my ticket have been booked in my passport name just found out that it needs replacing as I only have 3 months left and need six months for visa . What must I do.
Yes, you can.
I remarried about a year ago and am not sure if I want to change my name on all my documents because of a disabled son. My social security card and driver license still have my son's father's name. I also haven't changed my name yet on anything like the banks or credit cards. My husband is pressuring me to get this done so I need to decide what to do. I am having a hard time making the switch because of my son's name will be different from mine. Do you know of any other situations like mine. I read all your posts and didn't see any. I am worried that not having my son's last name will present problems as he is special needs and I had to file for legal guardianship when he turned 18. It's required by law or he becomes a ward of the state. Do you know of any complications that could arise if I didn't have his last name?
Hi Kathy. The SSA know how to handle such such situations. Yours is not uncommon. When you change your name, it isn't as though your previous name history and linkages are erased. The SSA maintains a prior name timeline for all changes which are mapped to your social security number/record.
I married 13 years ago in NYC and took my husband's name on the marriage license. I changed my name on everything except my Social Security Card, which still shows my maiden name. I'm in Louisiana and am changing jobs and filled out all the applications in my married name. They need to run a background check and now I'm realizing I might have needed to use my maiden name on everything since it is on my Social. If I take my marriage certificate to the SSA office, will they give me a receipt showing that my name will be changed, so that I can move forward with my job on boarding? How long does it take to show up with the SSA. If they run my background the next day will it trigger a rejection? Will I need to fill everything out again using my maiden name for now? Thank you for your help.
If you're going to change it with the SSA, it would be up to the office/agent to provide you a document showing your name change is processing. You'll have to contact your local office to determine if they'll provide it.
Employers often use third-party services to perform background checks. Their databases and procedures are different, so this can't be answered clearly. Since you're going to the SSA office, in person, you can pose this question to the agent to get an idea of the typical background check services ran in your area and expected turnaround times.
For things such as filling out government forms, insurance, employment, yes. At least until you complete the changeover.
I am in process of getting divorced and have put down to change back to maiden name legally. My husband and I have had a business together and will still be continuing it. How long do I have to change my name back once judge grants it, and can I continue to use married name professionally even though legal name would actually revert back to maiden name?
There's no deadline.
Yes.
Hi,
I got married in California but I am a resident of Oregon state. On my CA marriage certificate it states my new last-name (husband's last name). It's been already 2 years and I haven't changed my last-name on any of my legal documents (social security, passport, driver's license, etc.) because I realized that I want to keep my maiden name. Is there a law that says I am now required to change my last-name on all legal documents because on my marriage license it states that I took my husband's last name upon marriage? Can I just continue to officially use my maiden name on all legal documents and never change it to his last name?
No there is no such law or requirement.
Yes, you absolutely can.
But am I breaking a law by leasing a car or having a car insurance registered under my marriage last name?
Hi Mary. That you should not do. For such documents, continue using your legal name, which is your maiden name.
Hello Mary,
Good question, I got married last November and still haven't changed my last name to my husband's last name as well. Monday is our 1 year anniversary and I'm still legally listed as my maiden name. It's not that I don't want my husband's last name; i just prefer not to go through all the hassle of changing my last name, but since I've been viewing all of the comments regarding marriage name change I now see that I do not have to change my last name to my husband's last name. I really prefer to keep my last name instead. And thanks for asking this question because I thought I was the only woman in America that didn't legally change names being I got married November of 2015 and now approaching my 1 year anniversary.
Thanks Again,
LaKeisha
Dear Valera, I have been separated from my husband for more than 7 years. I know that he has a series of women, not that I care since we are separated already. He even had children with those women, and now i was told that he is living with another woman. I am working abroad and so, contact between us is certainly impossible, besides, I really do not want to have anything to do with him. I am not planning to remarry but I want to know If I can drop his name from my name. If so, what should I do?
Louie
Hi Lusreel. You have a couple of things to consider, depending on what's transpired.
1) You are divorced: If so, did the judge issue an order to restore your maiden name? In this instance, a certified copy of your divorce decree can be used to change your name back to your maiden. If it wasn't part of the order, then you may be able to return to the court and get it revised (which could be a longshot, depending on the state). Otherwise, you'll have to petition the court for a name change.
2) You are planning to divorce: Make sure you request your prior name be restored upon finalization. If you don't want to wait until finalization to change your name, see the last option, below.
3) Separated, not divorced: Court petitioned name change if your remaining option.
Thank you so much. Seems like i am stock with his name unless, like you said, I apply for a name change. If this will cost me a lot, then, i have no choice at all.
Again, thanks a million
I Have a questtion, Can I have a problem if My Passport i used now is my Maiden name although I already Married but in my other documents I used my Husbands surname like my PhilHealth and Pagibig.
I want to work in abroad I have no time to change my Passport. Can i have a problem in paying my Philhealth and Pagibig when i used my Maiden name?
Hi Gladys. Your passport is still valid and usable, even though you haven't yet synced it to match your other changed documents. You may want to keep a certified copy of your marriage certificate on you when you travel, in case there's ever a question about a name mismatch between your passport and other documents.
Hi, I am getting married soon and I was previously marrie, been divorced for 20 years. when I got divorced I kept my ex husbands last name because of the children or I would have taken my maiden name back. My question is , when I get married this time, can I go back to my maiden name hyphenated with my new husbands name? I live in Michigan and just wondered if this is possible without it costing anything extra or going through a court process.
Hi Anita. Yes, it is possible.
Hello Valera,
After my first marriage I changed my name with social security and received a new card. During my second marriage I changed my name but never updated social security of the change. I filed my taxes using the name from my first marriage. I would like to apply for a drivers license using my maiden name (as is on my birth certificate). Will this be a problem when trying to get my license since my social security number is still listed under my first name change? Do I have to get a name change and submit it to social security first?
Thank you!
Hi Jane. It's unlikely the driver's license office will update your name unless they're provided a document authorizing it, such as a court order. Going by what's on your birth certificate wouldn't be sufficient. As far as they're concerned, your legal name is what's on your social security card, and your previous (maiden) name is no longer applicable.
Hi. I got married abroad to a non US Citizen. I did apply for a name change (my husband's last name) , so I have a new passport with my husband's last name. I did not apply for a new Social Security card. When I return to the US, can I still use my driver's license and social security card with my maiden name (when applying for employment and government programs)? Thanks!
Hi Lili. Yes, you can.
Hi Valera,
I had change of name requested on my divorce and it was granted; however I haven't made name change to any of my legal documents. I am still using my married name, will that be a problem?
Thanks,
Not at all.
Hi I got married in Nov, changed my last name to my husbands and kept both my middle name and maiden name as my new middle name. My question is that because we are now starting to plan for kids would I be able to change my last name again to be both our last names so it would be S******-s***** we may want that for our kids last name. Thank you!
Hi Paige. Changing your name again would entail going through a court petitioned name change.
Hi;
I am a divorced women, and still use my ex's last name. Can I buy stocks in my maiden name?
Thanks
Judy,
in Alberta Canada
Hi Judith. You'll need to contact the financial or brokerage firm that holds your account.
Hi
I would like to change my name to my new married name.
but I would like to keep one of my bank accounts in my maiden name and not change it to my married. Am I allowed to do this even though I will change my credit cards and other things to my new name?
That would be entirely up to your bank. If they're willing to accommodate it, sure.
Hi Valera,
I've been divorced 5 years and kept my maiden name as my middle name and kept the ex's last name. Professionally it is a hassle to change all insurance panels I serve in mental health field. I had believed we would reconcile at one time. I'm starting my own practice and no longer wish to use his last name. My DBA is under a business name I.e. City Counseling Services. Can I legally use my maiden name for purposes of marketing with the business name? – Lori in Texas
Hi Lori. You can register a second DBA under your maiden name.
Thank you! That's good to know.
Hi Valera,
I don't like my current name that has been on all of academic credentials, I want to be known under new name. If I change my name, Can I still use my previous name as legal name in account in bank, insurance, office? or can I use both names alternatively?
Hi Shuvo. You'll only have one "legal" name. If you continue to use your previous name, it will be informal or for business purposes.
Hi, I been married for 20 years and we are in the process of getting a divorce and I want to change my name back to my maiden name but I have never liked my first name and always use my middle name. Is it anyway that during the name change process can I drop my first name and combine my dads and moms last names?
Hi Carito. It may be possible. You'll have to request the judge to grant it. If he/she does, you can use your divorce decree to change your name as you prefer.
Hello,
I just got married in ny state (7/2016) and obtained my marriage certificate in ny city. I want to use my maiden name professionally and use my husband's last name personally.
My profession requires a license to practice, so whatever I change my name to legally, I need to change that with the licensing board as well. That said, my plan was to add my maiden name to my middle name (assuming I could use my middle name professionally) — — OR to add my husband's last name to my maiden last name, which would mean having 2 last names, without a hyphen.
For example, if my name before marriage is Jane (first) Jen (middle) Smith (maiden last), I would become Mary Jenn (middle) Smith (last name 1) Jones (last name 2). When I went for my marriage license, they said that my only 2 options were to hyphenate my maiden name with my husband's last name or only take my husband's last name. Adding my husband's last name to my maiden name without a hyphen was not a permissible option, nor was I able to add my maiden name to my middle name while taking my husband's last name (they wouldnt allow me to adjust my middle name in any way).
In the moment I was told that it would be easy to add my maiden name to my middle name or add a second last name after I received my marriage license (adding my maiden name to his surname). I ended up just taking his last name on the marriage certificate. However, I think I am finding it is not so easy to add my maiden name without it on my marriage license.
I have not yet changed my name on my license, with ss or with the DMV etc. What is the easiest and least expensive way to have my maiden name added to my name again (either to my middle or as part of my last name)? Could I just ask to add my husband's last name (which is on my .marriage certificate) to my maiden name when I file with SS and DMV? Or do I need a court order to have my maiden name also appear on my legal documents if it is not on the marriage certificate?
Is adding my maiden name to my middle just as difficult? Is a court order needed for that in ny, or is there a more simple way to add my maiden name to my middle name? If a court order is needed for all of the above in ny, would it be easiest to try to get an ammendment to the marriage license (in which case I think I would be required to hyphenate if I want both last names) ? And if I can't get an ammendment, would remarrying be an easier option than getting a court order?
1 last question– if I do need to get a court order for a name change, would my name be changed on my birth certificate? I obviously don't want my husband's surname on my birth certificate. Thanks so much!!!
They probably mean it's easier just to do this in court, rather than issue you a license containing a name sequence that wouldn't be acceptable to any of the government agencies you'd end up trying to change your name with.
Court order. It's not necessarily the easiest or cheapest, but it's the option you have left for the name combination you prefer.
Unlikely. They'll want to go by what's on the marriage certificate.
Correct.
Same process through the court. You can change all aspects of your name at once.
You can request an amendment with the City Clerk. If you married within the past two weeks, it'll be free. Otherwise, it'll cost you $10. Unless the fault is their own, they don't technically allow surname changes. Having said that, you can try to make your case for hyphenation. It's not a big change.
Yes, it would be an easier option. You'd purchase another marriage license, and can even get married within the Clerk's office.
No, not unless you want to. You can leave your birth certificate unchanged.
Im getting married soon but my problem is aftr my marriage i dont want yet to use his family name coz all my papers in applying is using my family…could it be??pls i need ur help..thank u..
Hi Ging2x. Name change is optional. You don't have to change it after marriage if you'd prefer not to.
Hallo im marriage for 2 years with My husbands Name.All My papers already change in philippines as mrs.Now My husband want To convert My single Family Name.Since we use now her ex wife Family name…any suggestion atty.
Hi Mary. I'm not sure what you're asking. Could you please clarify which part of your name you're looking to change and in which country?
Hello,
I recently got married to my US husband and he's currently filling for me to become a natural citizen here in the US. When we started the filing, I used his last name which I didn't ant to take at first because I love my Maiden name, but I was told for legal reasons , It would be best to take his name.
I already got my SSN card and AED card which has his last name and my name is also updated as his last name. I want to go back to school but I would love my Maiden name to be on my degree, is that possible? and also if not , am I allowed to change my name back to my maiden name at this point , just so i can go to school with my maiden name . I want all my degree, certificates to have my maiden name. ( Now I wish I didn't change to his name). I do not want to hyphenate my name either.
Thank you.
Hi Rona. You would have to petition the court to return to your maiden name.
Hello,
When my husband and I got married, I wasn't quite sure how I would officially change my last name. In the end I decided to hyphen my last name incorporating my maiden last name and his. I was semi attached to my initials TNT that I figured with adding an "S" it would still be me. But once I officially changed it and saw my new SS card I didn't really like the hyphen separating the two.
My first question is, can I change my SS card resubmitting my name without the hyphen? Or would I have to legally ask for a name change to remove the hyphen? When we bought our car I signed with both last names without the hyphen and my Driver's license has the two last names without a hyphen as well. And at work I sign documents with my husband's last name. Can I not include my maiden name and just use his or because I "legally" changed it to incorporate both I must use them? It really confuses me sometimes and I feel like I just want to be Mrs. S and subtract all that has made me feel unsure. Which would say would be the best solution?
Thanks in advance.
It would have to be a legal name change using a court order.
You could use it informally, but your hyphenated name would still be your legal name.
Hi Valera,
I live in CA and recently changed my name after marriage to my husband's surname. I work as a consultant and continue to use my maiden name professionally (and it's not at all part of my now legal name).
Do I need to file a DBA? Would doing so allow me to use my maiden name on contracts/billing?
With a DBA, would my taxes still be filed in my married name or maiden?
With a DBA, would I fill out w9s and have my 1099 issued in my maiden name or married name?
With a DBA, does it matter if my business name is just Jane Smith vs Jane Smith Consulting (is it allowed to just be a name?).
Or, can I continue to use my maiden name without a DBA and use my married name on legal/tax forms with the caveat to my clients that my name is Jones legally but I continue to use my maiden name Smith to avoid confusion?
If so, can I write my name as Jane (Smith) Jones on contracts? Or would it need to say Jane Jones?
My bank will allow me to have an aka on my account. Can I still ask for business checks to be made out to Jane Smith vs Jane Jones?
How you file your taxes depends on how your DBA is structured (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership). You should contact an accountant to determine what's most proper for your situation. Generally speaking, you'd use your DBA (or trade name) for business, professional, advertising, consulting purposes, and your legal name for tax purposes.
It doesn't matter.
You could, but you may face consequences (minor to significant) depending on the situation and state. Some states may impose a fine and for failing to register. You could also face problems dealing with other businesses. For instance, if you use your non-registered, fictitious name to hire a company to do a job or deliver goods, and they fail to deliver, you wouldn't be able to sue them until you register your name.
See above for the consequence of taking this approach.
That depends on whether or not your bank will honor them.
I got married last month and ended up dropping my last name and took on my husbands name. Ever since I've been having a lot of anxiety about dropping my maiden name. Now I want my name to be hyphenated so it'll be first, middle, maiden-husband name. Do I have to fix this on the marriage license? Or can I just add it in? I am in MA. I have not changed any documents such as SS card, passport etc…
Thank you
Hi Christy. You can't update a marriage license/certificate after it's been issued, unless the clerk made a mistake on it. You may not be able to change your name just by using your marriage certificate since you didn't specify your preferred surname on your marriage license. You can try to use your certificate as-is with the SSA, but if it doesn't go through, that'll be the reason why.
Hi,
I got married in April and decided to maintain my maiden name till my passport expires in 2018, then I would take my husband's last name and change my name on my passport at the same time. My question is, what prefix do I use now? Is it ok to use 'Mrs' along with my maiden last name just so people easily know i'm married? If maintaining your maiden name, must you remain 'single' and keep bearing 'Miss'?
Thanks
Yes, that's perfectly fine.
Not necessary. It's a personal preference. Use whichever you're comfortable with.
My wife and I got married last month but haven't changed her SS yet. Her license is expired, can we renew under her maiden name and then change it to her new name after we get her new SS card back with her new name?
Yes.
Hi,
I recently got married and want to change my name to match my husband's. The problem is I recently started a business and it is legally filed under my maiden name. Do I have to re pay the fees to have it changed to my married name or can I leave it as my maiden name and if so how does that effect the company bank account, tax filings etc…?
Hi Brittney. Your maiden name would be considered a legal alias. Still, you may want to look into restructuring things under something such as a DBA. This can help you to avoid potential conflicts with your state's laws about doing business under a name that's not your legal name.
Hello Valera,
I'm a physician who recently completed residency and also recently got married. I would like to add my husbands last name to mine, thereby giving me two last names without a hyphen (First Middle Maiden Married). I'm fine with going forward with changing my name to this on my SSC, DL, and passport. However, I want to know if I'm legally required to change all other miscellaneous documents (ie: banks, credit cards, airline miles, etc) that are currently under my maiden name to my my full new last name? What about licenses and certificates if I intent to continue practicing under my maiden name? I guess the bigger thing I am trying to figure out is if having two last names would grant me some flexibility in using either last name or both together interchangeably. Thank you in advance.
Not required, but a good idea to do so.
It's up to your employer and your state board. The prior needs to be cleared with HR and to make sure taxes are submitted under your legal name. The latter determines if new documents reflecting your legal name will need to be issued.
My divorce was final in April of this year and I requested my maiden name back. I still have my social security card with my maiden name on it and when I looked on the site it said I would get a new card. Do I even need a new card? Do I need to go through that process? We do receive state health benefits would it effect them?, I would tell them about my name change of.course but is having it changed through social security mandatory is I still have my old card in my maiden name?
Hi
If your current social security record does not reflect your maiden name, then you need to update your record. It's not about the card, it's about the record on file with the SSA. It needs to be updated internally.
It shouldn't, but you want to make sure your name is in sync across records so mismatches don't become problems.
Just because you have an order restoring your maiden name in the divorce decree doesn't mean you have to go through with it. If you've decided you prefer not to return to your maiden, you can keep your married name by doing nothing.
If you do intend to return to your maiden, then it's important that you update your records. Your old card showing a pre-marriage name isn't relevant.
My husband and I have been married for 27 years. From the start, I took his name legally and used my family name as my middle name. Professionally, I have continued to use just my first name and my family, or maiden, name. (My husband and I are both writers so a separate identity in my writing is important to me.)
But, six years ago, I began teaching high school, and school officials have been reluctant to allow me to use my professional name. After some convincing, I was allowed to use my professional, maiden name as my email address, but they insisted that my student rosters and grade book had to reflect my legal name. But, at least, this allowed students and parents to see my professional name as my maiden name in this context. Students refer to me as: Ms. Maiden Name.
But in about a week, I start a job with a new school district where officials refuse to use my professional name or even my legal first, AND middle and last name. The IT official at my new school district said this: "Following the Patriot Act, we are supposed to create any online identities by what matches the government ID that payroll receives. Usually that is the social security card." My Social Security card indeed has my entire legal name. However, that may be too many letters for an email.
Advice? Thank you for your good work.
Hi Kathleen. Would they willing to accept an alias or DBA document? IT and HR problems frequently come up. Often times it's just a matter of the software unable to accommodate much or any flexibility.
I got married and changed my maiden name to my husband name.only my wk permit and DL have same name all other documents have my maiden name.can I change my DL to my maiden name?if so how do I do it
Hi Angel. If you've changed your DL to your married name already, they'll want another document to change it back. Such as a court order.
Hi Valera,
My fiancé and I are planning to marry within the next year. We already have a son together who has his last name, and if it weren't for my son, I would probably not consider changing my last name. But since I would like to make things easier for him, I'm looking for options. I am a 45 year old nurse practitioner with certifications, licensures, DEA registration for prescription writing privileges, passport, DL, employer records, etc that would need to be changed to reflect a change from my maiden name. My question is…..If I dropped my middle name and used my maiden name as my middle and then assumed my husband's name, would I be able to continue using my maiden name on all of my professional documents to avoid having to change everything? But then still be able to sign with my husband's last name on everything else?
Hi Pati. In professions where there aren't licenses and boards to satisfy, then it's a matter of making sure your employer is able to accommodate and accept it. You'll have to get the OK from your employer and to check with your licensing boards to determine if 1) they require notification of formal name change, but not credentials be reissued, 2) do they require credentials be reissued under the new name?
thank you
My wife and I were married 10+ years ago. Technically on the marriage certificate she changed her last name to a hyphenated one with her maiden name and mine. However, she did not change here name anywhere else — ever. She uses her maiden name on everything — SS card, green card, Drivers License, Passport, legal documents, financial accounts, etc.
She is now applying for naturalization! On the form we are required to use her legal name, and we want to get our ducks in a row. Does she simply apply with her maiden name — which is used everywhere? Does she need to get a name change from her marriage certificate back to her maiden name, before she applies?
Yes, maiden.
No, not necessary.
Hi! My question is, how difficult is it to add my maiden name back into my legal name if I only changed it through the DMV. Either with a hyphen or just in addition to. I want to still use my new married name but regret not hyphenation or just adding on the married name to the maiden name. Thanks!
Hi Angel. When you change your name at the DMV or SSA, they'll want some evidence of the name change event. Such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree with a name restoration order, or court order. Such documents are one-time use.
So, if you change your name from Maiden to Married, but later change your mind. Or you want to add a hyphen, or switch the order around, or remove a name, or change the middle name, etc, those institutions will want to have some document evidencing the new name change event. As long as they're requirements are satisfied, they'll process a name change without incident like any other service they provide. But, as previously stated, it's one-time use.
You couldn't go in with a marriage certificate at the first of the month to change your name, then return a month later to change it again using the same marriage certificate. They'll want another document; the prior can't be recycled.
So, I'm assuming you used a marriage certificate the last time. To change it again, you'll need a court order. Or get remarried, and have a new marriage certificate issued. Remarriage is as simple as getting a "remarriage marriage license" and following it up with a civil ceremony.
The only time the DMV might alter a name, after the fact, is if there was a mistake/omission on their part.
Im a widow and i have been using my maiden name ever since…my fiance is filing a fiance visa… Will it post some problems with USCIS if i use my maiden name in our application?thanks
Hi Anne. As long as your maiden is your legal last name, it should be fine.
I got married two years ago, and I decided to change my last name and have his last name, but because I'm just American Resident and not a citizen my country doesn't allow such name, however I already change my name in my social security. My question is; can I go back to my regular name and change my social security or they won't let me do it?
Hi Colin. SSA would change it back if you can provide a document supporting a new name change event. You wouldn't be able to use your marriage certificate again. You'd need a new document, such as a court order.
Hi there,
Great posts and answers. I hope you can help me as well. My wife used her maiden and my last name, both, after we got married. Her green card shows both names. The naturalization certificate however, reverted back to her maiden name only. Now if she were to issue get a passport, I'm assuming it "Must" match the naturalization certificate, but our marriage certificate has both maiden and my last name. Confusing as heck. What is the best corrective action?
Hi Daniel. That depends on what your wife's preference is. Is she looking to renew in your maiden+married name? If you want that name reflected on the naturalization certificate, you can have it reissued with the name on the marriage certificate. USCIS may charge a reissue fee. If maiden+married was supposed to be on the naturalization certificate (meaning the mistake was on their part), then she can request a correction, which wouldn't entail a fee.
Hi when i married my ex husband 10 years ago i took his last name and had it changed on my social security card. We divorced two years ago and I'm fixing to get remarried. I have misplaced my social security card and have applied for a new one but we would like to get married as soon as possible. I still have my old social security card with just my maiden name on it. Can i use this one to get a marriage licence? or should we just wait for my replacement to come in? My driver licence has my ex husbands last name still.
Hi Kelly. You can try to use it, but the clerk who issues your marriage license might not accept it. You may have to provide other identity documentation. Contact your county/city clerk to determine if you'll need to supply alternative documentation.
I was married years ago – and now i'm divorced. I did change my name when married but kept my maiden name on the SS so it states First Name Middle Name Maiden Name Married Name.
Do i have to go back through Social Security office to go back to my maiden name? Like update my DL back to maiden name?
Hi Amanda. If you haven't changed it on your SS card, then there's nothing to update there. There's nothing to do. If you've changed it on your driver's license, then it's possible you may face difficulties getting it to renew in your maiden name due to it not matching what's on your social security card.
Hi, my husband is going through a stepparent adoption and our lawyer was going through our paperwork and realized that I change my name to where I had my first husband's last name as the middle name and my current husband's last name but never changed it for my first child's birth certificate. Was I suppose to update the name change on all my kids birth certificate?
Hi Mrs. Smith. No, it's not required you change your name on your children's birth certificates.
Hi I got married on August 8 2015 and kept my last name but / with his and I only changed my licence and sin card and health card do I need to up date my mortgage account to married and my bank accounts if he is not on them?
Hi Nelia. Yes, it's a good idea to update your mortgage as well. It's easy to do since you're only changing your name. Your marriage certificate will serve as sufficient proof. You can do it in person or contact them about how to complete the process through the mail.
Hi Valera, thank you for your good article and information. I recently became an American citizen last week and I changed my last name. So my naturalization certificate has my husband's name. I will apply for a passport also with his last name. But is it ok to keep my maiden name in social security card, DL, work, bank and etc? There was a section of writing social number when applying for a passport so I am worried. Thank you so much for your help! :)
Hi Sophie. The name you chose when you became naturalized is the name that should match what's on your SS card. Your driver's license must also match your SS card. At your work or bank, you may be able to continue using your maiden name. That would be up to your respective employer or bank to agree though.
When I first came here in USA I wasn't married but after 1 year I did go back to my country to get married and I took his last name but when I came back here I didn't change my ssn id or the green cart last name more my passaport .. It's been three years but he is not in usa with me .. We are not separate.. I was wondering if it will be a problem when I get my citizenship? Cuz when I will apply for that I'm gonna change it to his last name .. Now I just don't want to go through all this truble ti change eveything… Is there any problem? Please help
Hi Xhina. It shouldn't pose any problem. You needn't change anything if you don't want to. You can just ignore your previous intent to change your name.
If my international passport is in my married name and every other certificate and document is in my maiden name, can I continue with my maiden name for professional reasons and use this for my driver's license and SSN?
Hi Glits. Yes, that's doable if you're able to manage it without difficulty.
I'm a physician. I wasn't married when I graduated from medical school, but got married at the end of fellowship. I changed my name to First MaidenName HisLast. This is the name on my board certification and state license. I took some time off to be with our kids and am now going back to work.
I'm wondering if there is any legal reason I can't be referred to as Dr. MaidenName, as long as my badge has my full name and my full name is on my paperwork. Can I ask that emails, memos, etc be addressed to Dr. MaidenName and that I be addressed as Dr. MaidenName?
Thanks so much for your time –
Hi Claire. That would be an employer/HR decision. If your place of work doesn't object, and are able to technically accommodate your preference across correspondences (e.g., email, memos), it shouldn't pose a problem.
Hello, I recently applied for a job and was hired. I work with a family member who doesn't know I'm married and I'd like to keep it that way for personal reasons. So I asked the work place to use my maiden name, instead of my legally changed name. However HR has called and wants it to all be my legal name. Is there any way around this? If I hyphen my last name to both will I be able to keep the work place name the same without showing the married one? Can I hyphen it without a court petition? I would just like to add my maiden name not drop my spouses name.
Unfortunately, this is a matter that'll have to be determined by your HR department. If you explain your issue they may be able to accommodate. Perhaps with the use of an alias or addendum record referencing your legal name internally without disclosing it publicly.
No, hyphenating your name after you've already changed it would require a court petition.
Hi i have a question I have to go to court next month and I started renting with my maiden last name
(I have been renting there for ten years now) and put my real social security number and everything but I was married already and didn't use my new last name and now my court papers have my old last name can I get in any legal trouble because i used my old last name now I am going to go to court and well what should i do or say about my last name? or is there no problem because of that ? is that something I should ignore ?is that something I should worry about? if so please let me know
Hi Esperanza. It's not something you should ignore, nor is it something you should be nervous about. The court should reference the name that's currently on your social security card. Notify them of them of your current name. Furnish a certified copy of your marriage certificate, if necessary, to confirm your name change event.
I'm getting married soon. If I decide to keep my maiden name (which is Woodward) is it still proper to introduce myself as Mrs. Sandra Beal (which is my future husband's last name.)
If I decide to use Sandra Rae Woodward-Beal as my married name will I have to change SS, drivers license and everything else or can I still them under my maiden name.
There's nothing wrong with you using the name informally.
If you're using the name informally, but don't wish to update your documents, that would be up to you. You're not required to make any change. You can maintain your maiden name for however long you choose. You don't ever have to change it.