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.
After marriage I changed my name on my social security card to First – Maiden – New Last Name. I dropped my middle name for my maiden name. The social security office said no problem, but when I went to change my name at the DMV they said I couldn't drop my given middle name. So now my driver's license says First – Middle – New Last Name and my social security card says First – Maiden – New Last Name. Which is my "actual" name now? I need to update my passport. Should I use the name on my social security card since that is a federal document? Thank you for any advice!
Did you try to do it in the same day? Was an explanation provided?
Social security name.
Yes.
Passport is going to reflect your name on your birth certificate dropping your previous last name but including your full middle name if it is on your birth certificate
hi im lorie.can i ask you a question about my birth certificate my mom said that when im still young i have a certificate but the midwife said they lost and now i had second certifcte.what if my first birth certfcate is active can i use that so i can change my status sir?and i remarried again to another guy?
If you're unsure of the validity of your birth certificate(s), then you can contact your local vital records office to acquire a new certified copy.
Hi,
My fiance and I are getting married in his home country and I want to take his last name, but I was wondering if I had to change my name on my passport, license or any ids when traveling back home, and if I could keep all of those with my maiden name.
Hi Lisa. Depends on the ID. If you change your name on some documents but not others you're potentially setting yourself up for pretty fragile situations down the line. For instance, when it comes time to renew your license, you may not be able to if there's a name mismatch with your social security card.
HI im newly married. I got my NSO marriage contract already and I Renewed my Philippine Pasport with the used of my Husband surname, Now my problem is My redribbon for PRC LICENCE, SCHOOL DOCUMENTS , PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTS AND ETC. are all within my maiden name. Now do ineed to change all my Redribbon or Still I can used it for my work appication such as in saudi.Pls I need answer. Tnx
Hui Efrelita. You can contact your PRC for instructions.
Question: I got married 2 months ago, updated my passport to my new married name as I will be traveling soon, but haven't changed any other documents (ie-drivers license, SSN, bank etc.) Do I have to? All other documents are currently in my maiden name. Will this be a problem? Planning on being back in 6 months. Thank you!!
Hi Sarah. If your passport name matches your tickets you should be good to travel. But you should ultimately look into getting your names synced up.
Hello,
I got married in 2013 July. Now we're about ready to send the packet for green card. The only thing is – I want to keep my maiden name. I do believe it might be a problem later on, especially on interview. I'm from Lithuania, where your last name changes after you get married. Now I'm not sure what is the best to do. Keep my maiden last name or change it to my hunsband's.
Name change is optional. Do whichever you truly prefer.
we live in Tx and are planning on getting married in Calif. (LA county) This is a same sex marriage, can this site assist in name changes, for all requirements in Tx?
Hi Cory. You're likely to face issues with TX state offices (e.g., DMV) not recognizing an out-of-state marriage certificate, so you're probably looking at having to undergo a general adult name change through a court petition.
Hi there, your website has been very helpful but I still need some clarification. I am getting married in the Maryland in late 2014. I have my Ph.D. and it's very important for me to keep my last name in some capacity, especially in the professional realm. However, I prefer to use my future husbands name socially and eventually for our kids. Friends have suggested making my maiden name my middle name, but I don't want to lose my current middle name which has been passed down. On top of this, my student loan repayment plan will require me to file taxes separately to keep the same rate. What is the best way to handle all this? Two middle names/last names, or hyphenating, or just keeping maiden name? Can I still sign work reports and operate professionally with just my maiden name if I legally add the married name in some way? Can I still file taxes separately too if I do that? Your advice is much appreciated!
You can file separately regardless of your name status.
Keeping your maiden name as-is achieves your professional requirements, as none of your records would change. I won't speak to two middle names, as you prefer not to go that route. I'll elaborate on the dual last names or hyphenation option further below.
If your employer and state licensing rules allow it, then yes.
Yes.
Not sure if I missed the elaboration on the dual last names and hyphenation part or if you forgot to include it?
Hi Christi. The bit about your employer and state licensing was in reference to that.
I got married in 2012 and took my husband’s last name. I struggled with the decision at the time and ended up giving into the antiquated custom. Now almost two years later I still regret the decision and would really like to go back to my maiden name. I am not any less committed to my husband; we are not separated or going through a divorce. Is it legally possible for me to go back to my maiden name in TX? If so, how would I begin this process?
You sure can. You'll have to petition the court as it'll be considered a general change of name for an adult.
Hey Ashley I'm going through the same. Did the courts let you change?
Hi I have a quick question. I've been reading the questions and responses, they have all been very useful. I'm not sure if my question was answered, so I figured I would ask anyway. So I apologize if this question was answered already. I've been married for 9 months now, but I have not changed any of my documents. On my marriage certificate I stated I was taking my husband's last name. However now I want to hyphenate my name on all my legal documents (SS card, DL, Passport). Am I able to hyphenate my last name even though I did not specify that on my marriage certificate? Thank you so much for your assistance, I appreciate it greatly.
Hi Samara. Yes, you'll be able to hyphenate it.
Hi – I need urgent help. My middle name originally had my Dad's name in my Indian passport, which had a valid US visa. On expiry of my passport and renewal I got my middle name changed to my spouse name.
Can I continue usiing my name (which had my dad's name included) for my international travel?
Do I now need to book tickets only by name that is currently reflecting in my passport (with spouse name)?
Since all my other documents still reflect my dad's name as my middle name, can I get my passport name changed back to carry my Dad's name again?
Thanks,
Hi Nanraj. You have to get tickets matching the name on your passport. Yes, you can get the name on your passport modified.
Got confused about my name do I have to change it or not is there gonna be a conflict with my other documents? I get my aus. citizenship and the name on it that shows on my evidence of citizenship is my given name my mother's maiden sure name and my husband family name which is I got confused coz I should take my name,family maiden name and my husband sure name do have to change it ? On my driver's license shows my name my mother's maiden name and my husband sure name,normally I don't have a middle or second name but because on my passport it has a middle name in filipino pangitnang apilyedo which is[ middle surename]what happened is I put my mother's surename to my evidence of my citizenship . Instead I should put my given name, my maiden family and my husband family name. What should I do?
Hi Lotskie. It's not clear to me which document(s) is incorrect. If there's an error, have you contacted the proper department about having an amendment or correction to your record? Have you consulted with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection?
Valera,
I just got married and took my husbands name on marriage certificate. I have not legally changed my name and don't want to since i have licenses and green card in my name.
My husband want me to ask, Will I still be entitled to his social security and pension if "God forbid "he passes before me. Same question for trusts and property. Do I just need to provide the original Marriage Certificate to prove marriage to estate lawyers and institutions?
We just want to make sure there is no legal problems with me using previous name vs married name on marriage certificate, or is it better for me to file a affidavit to amend a marriage record to correct it so there is no discrepancy of name?
Thank You for your help
That shouldn't be a problem, as you'll be referencing your current legal name, which you're not changing.
Marriage certificate serves as proof of marriage. Many people marry and later decide not to change their name after all. It's not an uncommon occurrence.
If you have fine-grained questions concerning your trusts and property, it wouldn't hurt to discuss your concerns with an attorney.
Your local vital records office may allow amendments (within a certain period of time), but typically only if there's a mistake.
Valera, this is the website I have been searching for! I'm a criminal defense attorney and I'm getting married next week in New York. I'd like to keep my maiden name for everything–my professional reputation has been built on my maiden name, and changing DMV/SS/passport/tax etc seems like a big hassle (especially if, God forbid, I had to change everything back). My fiance, though, REALLY wants me to take his name (which I'm fine using for our future kids' school, our families, etc). My question is this–it is clear from your answers that it's fine to put the married name on the marriage certificate and then never change the other documents. Is my "legal name" then still my maiden name? Or is it then my married name, even though I never changed it anywhere but on the marriage certificate? Thanks so much for your help!
Correct.
Your legal name would remain your maiden name.
I'm very confused and was wondering if someone could help me. I'm from the UK and getting married very soon. Now my fiance and I have discussed the fact that I want to keep my maiden name as while I love him- I don't love his last name ! His is very common and mine is unique and I love mine. But what happens when he is filing for my green card and SSN ? I don't want them to be issued with his surname.Any advice greatly appreciated.
Fill in your current legal name, which is your maiden name.
So I'm looking at getting married really soon and I have a very ethnic last name that I really don't want to lose, but I definitely want to take my fiancé's surname as my legal last name. I live in Ohio so I know that I have to go to the whole court petition thing to get to middle names changed. My question is once I do all that and if I were to have two legal middle names how do I go about signing documentation? Do I always have to include both middle names or do they just become like any other middle name and optional to include when signing. If i did have a document that required you to fill out middle name, would I include the two names? My maiden name is very long so I don't know that it would fit under a middle name section along with the original middle name. In that case can I just include one or the other middle name instead of both?
Thank you so much!
Unless the documentation says that it's required, middle names are typically optional.
Yes.
If possible, explain the situation to whomever is going to process the document. See if you can provide an addendum that displays your full middle name. If not possible, then use your discretion. For things such as online forms that have limited space or boxes to fill in characters, many folks will just fill in as much as they can before it cuts off.
Depends on the form and the formality behind the processing of said form. If the form is going to be using your middle name to process a match in some system or database somewhere, you don't want a mismatch. But as mentioned previously, unless otherwise specified, middle names are many times optional.
i recently got married but on my marriage license it has my last name and not my husbands does that mean my name didn't change will i have trouble changin my name at the dmv or sso with this marriage license ?
Hi Emily. I doubt that'll be an issue. You should be fine.
I got married in July 2013 and went to the SSA to change my last name. I have received a new SS card with my new name. I haven't changed anything else to my new last name so all my other documents still show my maiden name. With the tax season coming up, I'm concerned that my employer will be informed of my name change. Is there anything that I can do to prevent my employer from being informed of the name change?
If different names are reported to the IRS vs. what is on your SS card you might run into a mismatch error. So I'd somehow get it so that they're both the same.
I just got married. I plan to change my name at the DMV but nothing else.. and i am due to give birth really soon. I've heard that if i don't do an official name change on everything, and i sign my new marriage last name on my child's birth certificate, they will automatically change it back to my maiden name. is that true? Even if i changed it on my ID?
What they probably mean is that typically on birth certificates the mother's name is listed as her maiden name, even if she's changed it because of marriage (name changes for other reasons may be different though). If your ID is under your married name that shouldn't be affected.
Im curious. I have changed me First name legally. But people have been asking me if I can legaly change it back in the future.
I don't know the answer so I'd like to be able to provide an accurate answer but our probate court can't tell me either.
Anyone know about first name changes?
Yes, you can change your first name again.
Hello, my husband and I have been married for 9 years. The first year of our marriage, I kept my maiden name, and finally chose to change it because we were having a baby and I didn't want confusion as to what her last name would be, nor did I want my husband to have to sign an affidavit of paternity (I was only 19, so I didn't do my homework like I should have I suppose), at any rate, I got a new SSC and driver's license with my current married last name on it, and since then all bills and banking have been done in that format. He and I both feel that me having changed my last name to his is antiquated, and I am entertaining the idea of reverting back to my maiden name. What sort of issues should I expect, and will this be difficult? I recently moved to California and haven't registered and vehicles or obtained a new license yet…
Reverting to your maiden name shouldn't be a problem. You'll have to petition the court to get that done. Afterward, it's just a process of notifying the proper institutions of your name change. Make a list of organizations that you'll need to notify, then go through them one-by-one.
Hello, I was married to an abusive man. I divorced him, dropped his name and returned to my maiden name. I then remarried, and took my new husband's name. I don't have any shared accounts with my X on my credit report. but I do see my old name on the report which will cause me to sometimes get spam snail mail with my old name, or sometimes I get calls for collections on new accounts he opened that are not associated with me. The creditors just call me hoping I can lead them in the right direction. I don't want to be associated to him in any way. Can I have my ex married name removed from the credit reports since it is not associated to any accounts?
You can write the three credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian) to request your last name be updated on your credit report. Reference your previous and new name in the letter, and include a copy of your marriage certificate.
From experiences with others you may not be able to have the name removed unless you never obtained credit under the name. Like I've mentioned before, I have known some other "sensitive" cases (namely transgender people) where an old name that may cause real issues continues to appear on the report. While some have been able to do a work-around and get the bureaus to remove the former name via the dispute process, unless you're lucky it looks like (from those situations) you won't have any actual defense to remove a name that you've (at any time) applied for credit under. Unlike the sex-change cases, you are in an even weaker position since just a former last name appearing (that is not strongly ethnic) is not likely to result in discrimination (but rather a mere annoyance as in your case).
Also, you need to beware that even if you do manage to "dispute" your previous married name off the report, that will most likely remove any entries that were recorded under that name. At first you might think that's good if you have bad credit, but it would end up making it appear that you have NO credit at all. Unless you've just come of age or moved to the country that will raise questions when others see the report.
Hello,
My wife and I got married last year. She changed her name to my last name on her drivers license. We are going on a closed port cruise. Can she use her previous passport with a marriage certificate and Drivers license for proof of US Citizenship or does she need to bring her birth certificate and marriage certificate and Drivers license?
Thanks!
Do you mean a "closed-loop" cruse? If so, since your trip will begin and end at the same port, you won't need a passport to travel. To show proof of citizenship, upon reentry, a birth certificate would suffice.
Hello my friend want to buy a property and she's not annul to her husband, she can use her maiden name instead the last name of her husband. she live in Philippines.
Doubtful, as buying property has legal significance.
Hi
I want to apply for a Phd in US .I want to register for GMAT and TOEFL exam.I am married but my passport has my maiden name on it.Do i need to change my name or is it fine to apply with this passport of my maiden name.All my transcripts and documents have my maiden name which is required to apply.
Please guide me
If they list it as an accepted identity document, then yes.
I got married in 2010 and have been seperated(not legally) for over 2 1/2 yrs and I use my maiden name on everything but i did take his last name when we got married and changed my ssc name to his last name also. if i apply for my passport can i use my maiden name, my drivers liscense has my maiden name on it as well.
Yes, your driver's license can be used as proof of your identity.
I got married last year. On my marriage certificate I signed it with my original maiden name but would like to change my last name to my husbands last name. Do I need to do a legal petition with the courts? On our County website, where got our marriage license , it stated to sign with your legal name not intended name. When I got a copy of the marriage certificate, there is an area to enter you maiden name. Any advice on what to do now or where to start?
Hi Rose. You can use your certificate. If the SSA were to deem it insufficient, they'll request you provide an additional identity document in order to complete their processing.
Hello, I got married about a year ago and haven't changed my last name yet. I wanted to keep my maiden name for professional reasons, I am a doctor and would like to practice under my maiden name, since that is how people know me and for publication purposes. Is there a way to change my name on ID, passports and still keep my maiden name professionally?
Hi Jamie. There could be complications in maintaining your maiden name on your licensing records. You'll have to check your current state regulations to see if it's allowable. If you're not in private practice, you should query your workplace's pertinent department about your preference or intention.
Hi Valera, my last name on my DL is my husband's. My last name on my GC is my maiden name. I am in the process of removing conditions from my GC. One of the requirements among other things USCIS asks us to provide is copies of our DLs. Since my last name is different on my DL than my GC's, will I have problems in removing status on my GC? USCIS verifies everything and I am worried about this. Everything is in my maiden name (gc,checking accounts,passport,insurance,ss). The only thing with my husband's last name is my DL. This was changed when I had to replace my DL. I didnt have enough documents so I provided my marriage certificate to DMV and this is how my husband's last name was used on my DL.
Hi TG. I doubt your driver's license would be a factor, unless you and your husband's addresses don't match. Still, it can be worthwhile to ask a USCIS agent about your concern. If necessary, you could change your name on your green card (fees involved), but you may not find that to be a practical option since you're going through conditions removal.
I got married in october 2013 and opted to take my husbands last name. The only document I changed so far is my social security card. Am I legally obligated to also change my driver's license, bank accounts, etc? And is there a time limit in which I'd have to complete all this?
The DMV electronically verifies your name with the SSA, so it's important to keep them synchronized to avoid a name mismatch. Even though documents such as SSN and driver's license are prominent name change targets, it's always advisable to update your financial records as well.
Hello!! My husband and I just got married in June and on our marriage license I am taking his last name. I wanted to know if I can leave my Green Card and SSN with my maiden name and just change my name with all my other accounts??? Will this cause any problems when I cross the Mexican border??? Thanks!!!
If you're not going to update your green card or SSN, I don't see what alternative name you could validly be applying to "other accounts."
Well my "other accounts" would be like my DL, bank account, personal bills, etc. and I would like to start using my husbands last name but leAve my Green card and social security card as is with my maiden name. I just don't know if that would cause any problems crossing the border when I go visit my family in Mexico.
i wanted to change my last name to my husband's last name but i know that it would cost hundreds to change my last name on my green card.. my question is is it okay not to change my last name on my gc when i already change my last name on my ssn.dl and etc.? would it affect my petition for them? thank you..
It's important to report name changes to USCIS. I wouldn't advise otherwise.
My husband and I got married in Pennsylvania in June and are currently living here. I want to change to my married name before I go to jail, I have a warrant in Tennessee. Will they do any kind of background check when I go to the social security office?
Hi Jessica. I've not found consistent nor definitive information regarding the SSA querying NCIC or NCIC pushing warrant data to them during real-time office visits. You can contact a SSA office and/or attorney and pose this question to them for greater clarity.
My husband's ex-wife changed her name back to her maiden name with the courts in 2008. She never changed anything else. Still uses married name for her ss card, dl, bank, credit cards……etc. is she allowed to continue using her married name if she was court ordered to take back her maiden name? State of CA.
Yes.
I was married in 2009 and did what most wives do an changed my name. Though I did, I alqays identifies more with my maiden name. If I choose to keep my legal name but not use it professionally and use my maiden name instead, is their anything I would need to do legally to get my degree printed with my maiden name since I am a college student and to get my bank to accept checks written to my maiden name?
You'll have to contact your school to see if they'll be willing to re-print your degree in your preferred name. It's a prerogative of your school and whatever internal rules they've established for such requests.
You can ask your bank to allow checks be processed in your maiden name. If they consider it problematic, you may need to consider registering your maiden name as a DBA and opening a business account using that DBA.
I have a question… I was married 13 years and changed my name to my husbands name and have been known by that strictly all those years. We divorced last year and I changed my name with my NYS license to my maiden name but still have my passport in my married name and bank accounts/work etc still in my married name. I never changed my name back to my maiden name with social security. other than 2 credit cards and the DMV everything is still in my married name. My question is, since it is very confusing can I change my name at DMV back to the married name to match all my other bills?
You can try, but it's possible they may not allow it without a court order.
I am getting married next month in Iowa where gay marriage is legal however I currently live in the state of Wisconsin where it is not. I intend to take my fiancé's last name but I'm not sure how to go about it. Can I still change my name with an out of state marriage license that my state doesn't deem legal? Will I need to do anything differently?
Hi Krista. Since the out of state marriage license wouldn't be recognized by the state, you're looking at having to go the court petition route.
hi i just got married 11/20/2013. we had a shotgun wedding :) and now that i searched the "how to's " when it comes to name change i kinda not want to continue with it and my husband is okey with it. in our marriage certificate it has the name change already. i didnt process anything yet. i want to know for sure if i can go back to my maiden name. please help.
Hi Jorel. Just because you specified your intent to change your name on your marriage certificate doesn't mean you actually have to go through with it. Of course you can change your mind. Just do nothing and your legal name will remain your maiden name.
I have a question, in 2008 I got a divorce, while filling out the divorce papers I thought I wanted my maiden name back and requested it on the papers however once the divorce was finalized I never got around to changing it back to my maiden name and kept my married name, is that ok ?
Yes, that's fine.
I had the same issue as Vel with the dmv trying to go back to my maiden name on my license. They told me I needed it to state in my divorce decree that I was using my maiden name again. What can I do? I'm in the state of Ohio
Correct. You can state in your divorce decree that you want your maiden name restored. That would have resolved it for you. Unfortunately, your divorce decree doesn't specify that, so you're in a pickle.
Here's what you can do. Contact the court to see if you can get your divorce decree modified to include language restoring your maiden name. There a some states that allow this, even after a divorce has been finalized. Once a judge authorizes your request, you'll be issued an updated certified copy of your divorce decree.
If the above doesn't work, then you'll have to petition the court for a name change.
Hello, I have a question. I am legally married but havent changed my last name as of yet, which i am going to do soon. However, I am giving birth to our daughter in a few weeks. If i dont legally change my last name on file, can i still sign the birth certificate with my husbands last name so all of our last names are the same? thank you for any answers!
Hi Yolonda. I think it would be prudent to sign your actual legal name to the birth certificate. Later you can amend the birth certificate to reflect your eventual name change. You'll contact your local vital records office (where the birth certificate is filed) to request such an amendment.
I was married 19 years ago and since have been using a blended name of my maiden name and my husbands last name. When we went on our honeymoon my maiden name was still on my passport. My social security card still has my maiden name. All of my credit cards, taxes, etc. since being married use the blended version of my name. I now need to get a new passport – since mine is over 15 years old I can't renew it. Can I just apply for a passport with my maiden name and original social security number or do I have to first "legally" change my name.
thanks!
Hi Teresa. If you're looking to maintain the status quo of your maiden name, you can just do a normal renewal.
My boyfriend and I would like to get married at the courthouse and then have our big wedding ceremony a few months later. We work at the same place and would like to keep our early marriage decision a secret from all but immediate family members. In the state of Missouri would I be required to change my name right away, or can I wait until our big wedding ceremony to do so? Would it mess things up on my taxes if I didn't change my name with payroll? What steps am I required to take? Thank you!
Hi Shelly. No, you don't have to change your name right away. You can wait if you'd like. When you finally complete your name change, you can notify payroll so that their records are updated.
I plan to use my husbands name after marriage; however, will it change my insurance plan that I have under my parents?
Name change won't negatively effect your insurance plan. Insurance companies have name/address change forms and update procedures. Just contact them to update your name on file.
In the paperwork for my marriage license, I stated I would take my husband's name. I never followed through with that. Will that cause me any problems in the future?
No. It won't be a problem.
I want to know if it is legal to sign your maiden name to legal papers after a divorce is you never changed at the ss office of on your divorce papers. and if not are the papers you signed such as a deed or a loan legal.
Hi Iruka. It's important to sign your real, legal name to legal documents. You may want to consider contacting an attorney to discuss the validity of whatever document(s) you're concerned with and if they need to be amended.
I got married 15 years ago and applied for my greencard with my husband's name, thinking I'd be changing all my documents. However, I never went through with changing my driver's license, SS card, or current british passport. Now, I'm interested in applying for US citizenship and am not sure what name to list. I'd prefer to use my maiden name since that is on all my documents except my greencard, but since uscis is matching up against a greencard, do I have to list the name that is on the green card (married name)?
Hi Sami. You can contact the USCIS for instructions on updating/correcting the name on your green card to reflect your maiden name. Then you can be synced up, as you prefer.
Hello, I'm married , I never used his last name , I'm in naturalization process and I would like to use his last name as my middle name, is it possible?
example:
my maiden name: Maggie Marquez Lopez
my husband's last name: Hurtado
New name: Maggie H. Marquez Lopez
thank you!
Hi Maggie. You can change your name during the naturalization process. You can contact the USCIS for procedural details.
MY question is originating that of military personnel. My wie and I have been married for two years. We were instructed bya source (i dont remember where) that said we had to wait for 5 years before we could change her name. She's from England and I'm an airman in the Air Force. Meaning she has not only a social security card to get a name change on but a passport and green card as well. So, I'm wondering how do I go about doing all that. It's super hard and has been for us trying to figure this out. We both really want her to share my last name.
Any light someone can shed on the situation would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Christopher. Is she awaiting to become a U.S. citizen? Is a wait time being applied there as well? This may be something that is best brought up to Command for consultation.
Hi,
I am a U.S. citizen. Is it possible to have my married name on my driver's license but get a state issued ID card with my maiden name?
I have a relative overseas that passed away and I need to use my maiden name on documents for his foreign estate because that country doesn't recognize my married name.
Hi Jamila. Without knowing the state or ID type you're looking to acquire, it's difficult to say. Having said that, it's unlikely that you'll be able to get a state issued ID that doesn't have your legal married name on it.
You're typically not allowed to get IDs under different names. What you might try doing though is I've heard if you get a U.S. passport they can list an alternate name as an AKA if you like on one of the pages further into the document. You could get a passport in your married (I assume that's your current legal) name and request your maiden name be listed as an AKA if you want a document that reflects both (assuming I'm correct).
I apply for Green Card for me and I all paper I have on my husband last name. But I decide to return to mu maiden name. Can I do this?? My permit to work is with my husband last name. How I can do this? Or can I returne to maiden name even Im still married??
One more thing, I don't have SSN yet, because I don't know what last name put on paper if I want return to my maiden name. On marriage certificate I have my maiden name.
If you get your SSN with your current married name, you'll have to update it with the SSA again once you change it back to your maiden name.
You can return to your maiden name, but you'll have to update the name on your green card as well.
Hi Valera,
I am a physician in NY about to start my residency training just after I get married next Spring. I would love to change my name to my married name legally and use my maiden name professionally (just to keep things simple with respect to my medical license, diplomas, publications, etc). Is that possible, or must my legal name be reflected on my medical-related legal documents? Secondly, if I do legally change my name to my married name, is there a way to avoid changing my name on certain legal documents? I've read about a DBA and wonder if that could be applicable in some way. Thank you so very much for your help!
You'll have to check your state's licensing rules, but, generally speaking, your legal, married name should be reflected on licensing documents.
Very unlikely. Your married name needs to go on legal documents.
Hi there,
I'm looking at getting married at the end of this month. There's a few questions that I have that I've not been able to find an answer to. I was wondering if you would be able to help me.
A) I want to set my anniversary date for a certain day, but that day falls on a weekend. I can still do this, right? If so, what are the steps I have to go through?
B) I work in the healthcare field and have been establishing a career and identity using my maiden name. I would like to still be able to sign my notes, treatment plans, etc with my maiden name. Is this possible? Will trying to do this effect my credentials? or effect filed claims for my services being denied?
C) Last, I know there's an option to write out your name as follows "Elizabeth (Maiden name) (Married name) BUT, can I do the following? Elizabeth (Middle name) (Maiden Name) (Married name) And on that note, if I chose the first option (First, maiden, married) does that mean I can go by (First and Maiden name) on official healthcare paperwork?
I would like to note that I do NOT want a hyphenated name. I am really only trying to find out how my getting married will effect my work. Thank you in advance for your time.
Please clarify. I don't understand what you're getting at here.
For something this granular, it's best to consult your state's board/regulations. Having said that, it's unlikely that you'll be able to sign anything other than your legal name to any such medically-related documents.
For marriage-related name changes, you can if your state allows such a middle name change. There a few states that won't allow it easily without a court order.
No. In that scenario, your maiden is just your middle name. Its previous representation as your surname is no longer applicable.
Hi, I got my greencard through marriage and I change my last name to my husband's last name on my marriage certificate. From then, I went to SSA and other agency and have used my new last name (thought it is required to used your new last name after marriage). Now everything is under my new last name. My question is: can I change my name back to my maiden name on my Naturalization Certificate, SSA, and other important documents without changing the marriage license? or what are the best options? My husband wants me to have his last name but I also want to keep mine plus I don't want to change name on my passport or citizen certificate if something happens like divorce happens down the road eventhough I dont expect that. Thanks.
Hi Mora. Since you've already changed your name through the SSA following your marriage, you'll have to go through the courts to do it a second time. Your marriage license isn't really relevant for what you're seeking.
Hi There,
I just got married yesterday to a NZ citizen in the States and he should now be applying for social security/ green card/ license and all that to get himself situated.
Meanwhile, if I want to change my name to his, do you think that would hinder/ cause confusion during the process of him applying for those documents? Should I put off on changing my name after all of that is finished? Thank you for your time in reading my questions.
Hi Jeannie. You can wait if you'd like, but you should be fine to start now. Be sure to get a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Thank you so much for your reply!
You're welcome Jeannie. Cheers.
If I changed my name on my marriage license and not on ID such as social security card or drivers license what is considered my legal name. its problem because even if I use my maiden name, other people who know me use my married name.. for example ; checks.. letters from my boss.. etc. I know I have to straighten it all out, but right now what do i do?
Whatever is still on your social security card.
For your checks, explain the situation to your bank and request that they allow checks to be processed in your maiden/current name. You'll have to deal with other circumstances on a case-by-case basis. You can explain to your employer and associates your current name inconsistency and your intention to level it out.
DMV ?
I just realized that My Licence expired 4mo ago however I and planing to file for Divorce and would like to change my name while I renew it. So if I still have my first SS Card with my maiden name on it could I show that to dmv to change it
Doubtful, as that's not your current legal name.
HI……. I got married a year ago but haven't changed my name…. my husband is not a us citizen so I couldn't get married in my state so we went to a different state to get married but I wanted to keep my name but I was required to take his name but I didn't want to but I did so we could start working on his papers is there any way to have my name on it even tho its on marriage license
Hi Charri. You say you got married, but didn't change your name, although you later mentioned that you did "take his name" so you could begin working on his papers. Please clarify what the status of your name is.
If a woman requests in divorce court order to change name back to maiden name and it is granted, if after they go about using the old married name, is this legal? Thanks
If the divorce decree has an order restoring a maiden name, she still has to go through the necessary steps to actually change her name. If she doesn't, her married name will remain intact. So, in that instance, it would be legal as it's still her current legal name.
On the other hand, if she has formally reverted to her maiden name then that's the name that'll have to be used in all legal context. Whether she wants to occasionally mix in her prior divorced name in some informal context is getting into an ambiguous area.
Hello! I recently had a baby, and I gave her the last name that I knew I was changing my last name to. (for personal reasons, not marriage) My name change went through and we now have the same last name, but my question is, can I change my last name on her birth certificate? Is my old last name considered my "maiden" name.. even though I didnt get married?
Your question is a little confusing. You say your last names currently match, so what are you looking to change it to? Generally speaking, you'll have to contact your local vital records office to request an amendment to your daughter's birth certificate.
I don't know what the context is, so I don't want to leave you with an absolute answer. With that said, old last name typically refers to your "prior legal name(s)", regardless of marriage.
Your best bet is to contact the Vital Statistics department of the state she was born in to check their policy on amending a birth certificate due to a non-marriage-related last name change. (This is for changing YOUR last name; to change HERS you'd have to do a legal name change on her, and her father if listed would typically have to consent.) By the way, in many states you could amend YOUR birth certificate to reflect a name change (not marriage-related of course) if desired.
The most common definition of a "maiden name" is a woman's last name immediately prior to her first marriage. (This means that as an example for someone adopted as a child the name that would typically be considered her "maiden name" would be her last name after the adoption, not her last name at birth if it was changed.) It can get tricky with knowing exactly what a form wants if you had a non-marriage-related name change (including a change to the first name as I've encountered before) once you've established a paper trail of records as an adult (the situation would be even more ambiguous for one done AFTER a woman first got married). For purposes such as your daughter's birth certificate your "maiden name" has indeed probably changed (they usually ask for that instead of a married surname because the latter may change again later in life due to a divorce and/or remarriage, while the maiden name is changed only under special circumstances thus providing a more stable identifier). For purposes such as a job or credit application (where the context is knowing what other names records they want to check may be under), you'd probably need to include your former last name as another name you've used based on when your name was changed (like I touched on a few posts a couple of weeks or so above).
As a side-note, the situation is less tricky if the subject who had a name change is male since a man's last name usually does not change from marriage (although if the small number of men who do change or modify their names at marriage grows that may change) – birth certificates and the like generally ask for the father's legal name at the time in question without further clarification.
Hello Ashlee,
I know this comment is about 3 years old but correct me if I'm wrong, what I'm thinking you're trying to state is that you had a baby out of wedlock with the baby father and he is no longer in the picture. However, you know for sure you're going to get married to your fiance at some point and want to name you child after your soon to be married name correct?. You mentioned "for personal reasons, not marriage" Is this because you rather have your child, and your fiance to all have the some last name to sync with each other? Is this correct?.
Now this is what I'm not understanding. You mentioned, "My name change went through and we now have the same last name".
a) Are you referring to "My name went through and we now have the same last name", meaning you and your child?.
b) Or Are you referring to "My name went through and we now have the same name", meaning you and your husband?.
Assuming option a)
If this is the case, changing your baby name without legally going through the courts is possible as long as the biological father was not present at the time the baby was born and did not sign the birth certificate. In most states the law is that if the father is not present at the time of birth that a mother can not add such father to child birth certificate. Mother must list child last name under mother last name if the biological father was not present at the time of the name filing process at the hospital were the child was born (father must be present to take father last legal name).
Assuming option b)
If your baby father was present at the time the baby was born and signed the birth certificate at the time of birth or after; then the biological father would have to give consent for you and your husband to change the last name of the child; being that the biological father has the right to contest or not, doing so forfeit his rights as being a biological father and loose all paternity rights to the child. You and you your husband will have the sole custody of your child at this point.
Kind regards,
LaKeisha
To answer your question, "Can I change my last name on her birth certificate?"
a) Yes, only if the father of the child did not sign on the birth certificate you are fine. However, if the biological father name is on the child birth certificate then you and your husband will have to get consent to have a name chance. Also your husband would have to consent he is the father of the child and take sole custody of the child.
Answer to: "Is my old last name considered my "maiden" name… even though I didn't get married?.
Yes
I got married with my birth certificate' name, which is different than my naturalization name, How could I amended my marriage certificate to my US nme??
Your local vital records office handles marriage certificate amendments, but they may not be willing to make changes if it's not serving to correct a mistake.
Hi,
I am very confused and need some help on below query –
I have all my documents in my married name (e.g. Passport, SSN and Marriage Certificate also). I had a daughter last month and when I filled out her birth certificate, I mentioned my maiden name (as the form asked for it). I got my daughter's birth certificate with my maiden name on it. Now, I need to apply for my daughter's passport and it also asks for my maiden name. I wanted to use my married name for everything as I do not have any documents (except high school marksheets) to prove my maiden name. I am afraid that I might be asked questions about proving my relationship with my daughter as she does not have my married name in any of her records (SSN, Passport etc).
I am thinking that I should get the Birth Certificate corrected by putting my married name there, and then applying for my daughter's passport (and mentioning the married name in passport form too). But if I do this, I would be lying. So, I am not sure what should I do.
Please advise..
If your child's birth certificate is incorrect, then you'll need to amend her birth registration/certificate. Contact your local vital records office for the forms/procedures. They may charge a modest fee to process the modification.
Hello, I recently changed my last name to my husband's last name at the social security office like a week ago. I haven't changed any other documents yet. Is it possible to go back to my maiden name?? I really wasn't ready for the change. Will it cost me a lot to go back to my maiden name??
Yes, by petitioning the court. Probably not the answer you were hoping for, but since you've already undergone a name change, you'll have to go through the bulkier court process to do it again.
Yes, changing your name a second time through the court will cost you. You'll have to contact your local court to determine how much as it varies from state-to-state and even county-to-county.
I have been reading all and I am really torn. I am in higher academia and have my PhD. All of my degrees (BS, MS and PhD) are in my maiden name. All my publications are in my maiden name. I am 40 and getting married for the first time. I truly love my last name and have been Dr. XXXX for a while.
My fiance is not in higher education and does not understand me not changing my name. I am truly worried if I change my last name I will loose all of the things I have done and my title that I love in my maiden name.
Please advise.
I'd advise you not to rush into a decision that you're unsure about. There's nothing that says you have to come to a verdict about changing your name upon marriage, or soon thereafter. There's no deadline.
If you need to take more time—days, weeks, months—to make up your mind, then take the time to do so. If you ultimately decide that name change is right for you, then that's the time to do it. If you decide against it, then simply do nothing and let everything remain as it always was.
After changing my name on my social security card after marriage, I have decided that I would like to use my first name, maiden name, and husband's last name. Can I make the change on my SS card now? As of right now it is my first name, middle name, and husband's last name.
Hi Tameka. Since you've already changed your name once, due to marriage, you'll have to petition the court to change it again.
Hey there!
I've been reading through some of your replies and have been on the fence about a certain question. My husband and I just married this July – in which I put on the license I would take his last name. I'm now rethinking this and considering keeping my maiden name (to avoid the name changing process). Is this legal?
Or am I forced because of the license to change my last name?
No, you are not. Name change is optional. If you want to maintain your maiden name, then just do nothing.
Hi!
I just got my US Citizenship yesterday and I'm getting married next month in the philippines. Here's my question:
1. If i don't report the change of name to SSA, Can i still use my maiden name even if my marriage certificate indicates my husband's last name?
2. If i don't change my name, can I change my status as married instead of single? Do I have to report my married status to SSA?
Thanks!
Mary
Yes, as you're not changing anything.
No.
Hi, I recently got married and change my new name on my SSN, driver license and everything else except my passport. I didnt change my passport bc i want to wait go home and change it since I am here on greencard. My greencard has my new name as well, should I buy the tickets with my maiden name on or with my new one. How I said my passport has my maiden name. Thank you!
Maiden name. Your airline tickets must match the name on your passport.
Hello! I recently got married back in August of this year. After getting our official marriage license, I took the steps to change my last name to his. Everything is now update (Driver's licence, Social Security Card, and my Personal Bank Accounts). I have a small business, which was established before I was married. It's a Sole Proprietorship and my maiden name is filed under by Company's DBA. My Business accounts are also under my Company's name and my maiden name. My question to you is, can I still use my maiden name for business purposes even though all my identification will be in my new last name? Would this pose a problem? Thank you in advance!
Yes, you're doing it the proper way through the use of a DBA.
I'm getting married in a month, and I want to keep my maiden name at least a little but, so I think I want to hyphenate with my maiden name first then his. My question is, after I go through the whole legal process and change my name, can I still sign stuff with just my maiden name and it be legal? I do not think I can ever get used to signing my name any other way!
You'll have to sign your married name to legal documents.
Hi I recently got married. I changed my middle name to my maiden last name and my surname is now my husbands. Can I just drop my maiden name and keep my original middle name. If so, how do I change it? Thanks!
Hi Naomi. Since you've already changed your name, you'll have to petition the court to change it again.
Hello I recently got re-married, in my divorce I returned to my maiden name (Neff) I would like to continue to use Neff in some situations and Peatrowsky (married name) in others. I'm a registered nurse and would like to keep Neff for professional use. I'm not sure it that is legal or possible. What are the guidelines if I want to have both as above and what is the difference if hyphenated or not?
Sincerely,
Sheila
That may be problematic due to it not matching what's on your nurse's license. You should consult the hospital you're employed at for how to navigate that.
Basic guideline is you can use your maiden name informally, but must use your legal name for legal and licensing situations.
Hyphenation makes no difference.
I have been married for 21 years, keeping my maiden name. I have a young daughter (who has my husband's last name), and we will be traveling extensively overseas with my husband. I felt it important to change my passport to my married name, which I did, to avoid any unnecessary or unanticipated hassle about different last names regarding my daughter. My driver's license and SS card are still in my maiden name. Because I've changed my passport name, is it necessary to change to my married name on my Texas driver's license and SS card? Thank you in advance for your response.
You can get away with not changing them, as those documents are separate entities. Whether you should have such an inconsistency linger long-term is another matter altogether.
Just remember that the TSA requires that the names between the plane ticket and the ID you're using match exactly, so bear that in mind when booking a ticket.
I am married but I would like to go back to using my maiden name. Is this possible? I changed my name through Social Security but never with the DMV. My question is will I legally have to change my name or can I go back to Soc Sec Adm to change it back.
You'll have to legally change your name, starting from scratch.
I am divorced and kept my married name. I want to marry for the second time. Can i change my ex-married name to my maiden name without change it to my new husband's name?
Hi Jane. If your divorce decree has an order restoring your maiden name, you can use that as proof of name change. Makes the process much easier and quicker. If your divorce was a while back and your divorce decree doesn't have instructions restoring your maiden name, then petition your local court for a name change.
Hi Folks and Valerie,
I'd love some help. I feel like I am in an awkward situation. And it's an evolving issue so bear with my long explanation please as I need some input desperately. I never changed my name when I got married since I wasn't completely sure what I was going to do. My husband was supportive of whatever I chose, but it seemed to make him beam that we would share the same name. Also having a "clan" with the same name on a christmas envelope at some point in our future seemed exciting. He has a great last name, sounds better (and definitely more presidential) than my name, plus my last name initial wouldn't change which was somehow important to me.
I come from a place where it's just customary and expected that women change their names, but my most influential years were those spent going to school and living in NYC where I obviously met with a new refreshing reality. I informally I accepted a name change, thinking I'd feel the mental space to have some wiggle room in making my decision. I think I even let our wedding band call us in as Mr. & Mrs. I find it funny that I don't really remember if that happened in actuality, though I bet most in attendance don't either.
I didn't correct friends when they sent us letters addressed to Mr. & Mrs. I certainly wanted to test it out. It's supposed to feel quaint and comforting which it did to a degree. Though as an artist I always knew I'd use my maiden name. It's my byline. Then more and more I realized how I loved the name I grew up with and have known for almost 30 years of my life. My italian last name is very unique and we have no boys in the family. I think the kicker was I added his name to my facebook account, indicating my maiden name was now my middle name. I regret that now, as I really didn't realize how front and center of a social experience facebook really is – with friends, family and co-workers, etc.
I am an artist and I figured it would be fine to go by my (maiden) name in regards to that social setting and in all printed material. There were some printed screw ups in the beginning because presenters used my name as it appeared on facebook even though I had specified my maiden name. I finally got that squared away, but the fact that facebook still has my husband's last name tacked to mine is making it difficult. People like to "tag" each other in photos to reference/ promote our work and therefor my byline is changed. Slowly people are starting to catch on and include both, my byline and then tag my name as it is, or just use my maiden name.
In the end, a year later, while I might like to take my husbands name later in life, I think I'd like to just remove his last from facebook – but then things all of the sudden become a public affair. This sounds completely stupid I know, but I have 1,000 connections on facebook and it sickens me to think removing his name from my account becomes a topic of conversation with all these people. As if I need to make excuses or explain that no – I am not divorced but happily married. The idea that they'd be "guessing" is really weighing on my mind. Of course, maybe they really don't friggin care what I do since they are so involved with their own lives :) I'd just like to know, if you were me – what would you do? What also frustrates me with all of this is that guys never have to deal with this BS :) I have to make a choice and not dabble in middle grounds, I am learning that just makes things harder…
Just wanted to isolate these few points so it's clear to others reading your story that you never actually changed your name and have only been using your husband's name informally.
It's not an uncommon sentiment. As you haven't undergone a formal name change, you have the advantage returning to full usage of your maiden name without any legal procedures.
You're an artist and maintaining a connection to your maiden name is vital, so the simplest answer is to just go ahead and remove your husband's last name, restore your maiden name, and be done with it. The longer you wait, the more it'll needle you. The quicker it's done, the faster your connections will become acquainted with the change.
Having said that, if you want an Option B, then you may want to consider just adding your maiden or married name (informally, I know) as an "alternative name" in your Facebook account name settings.
I got a divorce years ago but my divorce decree doesn't say I can resume my maiden name. I just got remarried today and was wondering if when I change my name can i use my maiden name -married name? Or will I only be able to use my new married name?
Hi Monika. You can use your preferred hyphenated format.
Will I have to have a court ordered name change to be able to use my maiden name? When I went to the ssa office years ago they wouldn't let me change it back since it wasn't on the divorce decree. I'm just wondering how it works. I'm very determined to change my name to maiden-married.
Yes, you'll have to go through a court ordered name change. As you said, the SSA wouldn't recognize your divorce decree as proof of name change because it didn't have an order restoring your maiden name.
FYI, divorce decrees without maiden name restorations can typically be amended to include such requests, but the window is short (around 60 days).
Re: #3 – In contexts like applying for jobs or credit whether or not you need to give out your maiden (or other) name you've used is pretty simple – if you have any records under the name they want to check you need to mention it. For all practical matters, unless you've gone back and changed every applicable document/record, that basically means "yes" in the context of maiden/former married names*. For a job, that means any work or school (since high school) records (and criminal records if they check that like most employers do); in terms of credit that means if you've ever applied for credit under said name.
*I know about this because I've encountered some people with other types of name changes. In some cases their name was changed before adulthood as a result of adoption/paternity dispute/mother remarriage (and another case where someone's first name was changed). In terms of credit and most jobs, former names from before they were of working age would not have to be listed (since no applicable records would exist under the name). (An exception would be security clearances, and other government documents like passports, which involve checking documents dating back to your birth.) I've also dealt with some transgender people, which is a situation where minimizing references to the former name is essential; my response is if there is something an employer/lender/etc. would want to check under the old name you unfortunately will probably need to mention it sooner or later, but for those who are lucky to transition young or manage to change everything pertinent over you may be able to dodge outing yourself. (In such cases, and other situations where one's privacy or discrimination is at stake and there would be nothing to be found under the old name, I suggest asking if a name from [insert age/time frame] needs to be mentioned like what you said, put down something like "none which are relevant" in the blank asking for other names if you can honestly say that, or for high-security situations ask to give the name directly to the background checking company/agency.)
Hi My question is this.. I'm married 9 years now and my marriage certificate list my new married name. My social security card was never changed and still has my maiden name. I would like to keep my maiden name along with my married name. I need to change my social security card name now for insurance purposes Can I add my married last name to my social without having to remove my maiden name? And if I can do I need to change it on my Marriage Certificate along with my NYS drivers id? I would like to keep both names but am not sure where it must be changed for identity purposes concerning taxes, insurance and travels. Thank you for any help.
Yes, using a hyphenated last name. You'll need to update both your social security card and driver's license.
i was married in 2002,thendevorced in 2009, i changed my name on my drivers licence but never on my ss card. im renewing my drivers lic today can i show them my ss card and have my maiden name put on my dr lic. i always have filled my taxes out in my maiden name.
if i never canged my name on my ss card when i got married,but did on my dr lic. now im divorced, can i just go ahead and start using my maiden name again?
Yes.
When you go to update your license, bring your divorce decree and social security card.