My Marriage Certificate Is Missing My Married Name. Now What?
So your marriage certificate is missing your married name and you're wondering if you'll ever be able to change your name. What happened? What went wrong? You're not alone.
Today we're going to answer the following question from every angle:
Can I change my last name if my marriage certificate has my maiden name?
Asked by many-a-married person
What's the problem?
Folks in California, Georgia, Oregon, New York, among others, have it easy. When they apply for a marriage license, the application has a clear spot to choose a new last name after marriage.
But if you don't live in one of those types of states, you can't declare a new name on your marriage application, marriage license, or marriage certificate.
Are you missing out?
On the flip side, maybe you live in a state that allows you to choose a new name on the application, but you regret your choice. Or maybe you didn't choose.
Are you at a disadvantage?
In this brief article, we'll cover both angles. You'll find out how much trouble you're in and potential fixes to resolve your woes.
Once you've eased your concerns, you can use our online name change kit to fill out your forms with confidence, knowing you've covered every base.
They never asked me for my new name
Maybe the marriage license application asked for your new name, but you missed it.
- Did you forget?
- Did the clerk forget?
- What are you missing?
- Do you need to correct your marriage certificate?
- Does it even matter at this point?
If these are the questions you're asking yourself, you're in limbo. It's time to bring you out of the fog and get your name change back on track, minus obstacles.
Let's assume that you're sure the marriage license application never asked for your new name after marriage. Your memory isn't faulty. You looked for it and it wasn't there.
- Your marriage license only has your maiden name.
- Your marriage certificate only shows your maiden name.
If you're not married yet, you expect your marriage certificate to fall in line and show your maiden name after it's returned and recorded by the marriage clerk.
At this point you may wonder how you'll change your name if your marriage license or marriage certificate only has your current name or maiden name.
You can't be the only one facing this predicament, right? If this matches your experience, you're in the majority. This omission may appear to be a roadblock, but it's not.
Note: Although we reference maiden name, it could be your current name or birth name instead. It's the same predicament: lack of a new designated surname.
It just doesn't matter
Most marriage certificates don't show married names. Instead, they'll show a current name, maiden name, or birth name.
This is because the marriage license applications for most states don't offer spots to specify a new name after marriage. But this won't stop you from changing your name.
For those predominate states, a certified copy of your marriage certificate is proof of a name change event, even if it doesn't show your new name.
The act of marriage itself is what allows your name change to take place when your marriage certificate does not show a new name field because of its inherent design.
They did ask for my new name, but I screwed up
Everything explained so far only applies if your state's marriage license application didn't offer a space to choose a new name after marriage. But what if they offered it?
You have a problem if they asked, but you left it empty—whether on purpose by accident. If you made a mistake choosing your new name, you have a problem.
If you mess up your marriage license, it will mess up your marriage certificate as well. Avoiding these problems starts with a flawless marriage application.
1. I left my new name blank
What if your marriage license application had a spot to choose a new name after marriage, but you left it blank? Did you miss your shot by omission?
Yes, you have missed your shot if your marriage ceremony has taken place. But you may apply for another marriage license if you're not married yet.
Remember, they tell you to review your marriage license before signing it for a reason. Your signature locks in your choices. Not choosing a new name is a choice.
2. I chose the wrong name
What if you specified a new name, but have since changed your mind? Today you want to pick out an entirely different name. Are you out of luck?
Yes, you're out of luck, assuming your marriage has taken place. If you're not married yet, get a replacement marriage license in your preferred name.
Picking the incorrect name on your marriage license will cascade and get mirrored onto your marriage certificate. Avoid this ripple effect at the outset.
I signed my marriage license or certificate wrong
You should sign your marriage license with your maiden name if it's your current legal name at the time of signing. Bottom line, just sign your current name.
But it doesn't matter if you signed the wrong name, your maiden name, or your future married name on your marriage license or certificate. The fact is:
- It won't invalidate your marriage.
- It won't nullify your marriage license or certificate.
- It won't affect your name change in any real-world sense.
Applying the wrong signature to your marriage record is an annoyance and red herring that's not worth mulling over, assuming it's not an egregious blunder.
Why am I stuck?
If you choose a new name on your marriage license application, it will automatically show up on your marriage certificate.
The Social Security Administration (SSA), DMV, and other government agencies will only use the new name shown on your marriage certificate when you update or renew your documents.
For instance, when updating your social security card, the SSA guidelines stipulate that any new name specified on your marriage certificate must be adopted:
If the document [e.g., marriage certificate] itself has an entry specifying what new name will be used, the SSN card must be issued in the legal name specified on the document.
Evidence of name change quoted from SSA POMS 10212.055.
That's why the wrong name appearing on your marriage certificate is a problem. You're locked into your new name unless you amend your certificate or seek a court order.
Next, we'll document a common failed name pick scenario.
1. Documenting your new name
For example, say you were to marry where the marriage license application asks you to choose a new last name. The form may even let you to adopt a new middle name.
On the application, you replace your middle name with your maiden name. You then take your spouse's current surname as your new last name. (This is a common preference.)
Arrive prepared to answer the new name question. Don't get caught flatfooted and panic respond. Your state may not ask for it today, but laws change and it may later.
2. Seemed like a good idea at the time
Now you're married, yet haven't changed your name with anyone. Your social security card, driver's license, and passport are still in your old name. Well, your current name, that is.
Now second thoughts, regrets, and doubts invade. Did you make a mistake?
3. Change of heart
Your marriage certificate arrives by mail. You're not happy. It shows the new names you chose, but they're no longer the names you want.
Now you want to restore your middle name to its original state. And you want to hyphenate your last name in reverse order—spouse's first, yours last.
4. Dejected and rejected
The city or county clerk refuses to alter your marriage certificate. Next, you visit the Social Security Administration and DMV and ask them to make an exception.
But they both refuse. They will only honor your undesired new name that is shown on your marriage certificate. No exceptions, overrides, or waivers.
Fix your mistake
You have three options if you're not satisfied with the name you chose (or didn't choose):
- Apply for a new marriage license;
- Change the name on your marriage certificate; or
- Petition the court for a separate legal name change.
Next, we'll explain the pros and cons of each potential solution.
1. Apply for a new marriage license
If your marriage ceremony has not happened yet, you're in luck. You still have time to replace your faulty marriage license by applying for a new one.
You must pay the marriage license fee again, assuming they do not offer complimentary, reissued licenses. (A meager sum to secure the name you want.)
2. Change the name on your marriage certificate
Marriage certificate amendments are not for changes of heart. They're meant to fix mistakes and typos. Yet the clerk may sympathize and allow for the change.
It's a Hail Mary pass, as you're not guaranteed a successful outcome.
Even if you could change the name on your marriage certificate, it may well snag you. Because they might attach (instead of overwrite) amendments to the original marriage record.
- Everyone would still see the old record.
- And both documents would remain public records.
If a vital records clerk forgoes or straight up breaks the rules, other federal and state agencies might consider your amendment questionable. (Assuming they even notice.)
Caveats aside, most city and county clerks and recorders have vast authority to change marriage certificates and other records within their discretion.
3. Petition the court for a separate legal name change
You must petition the court for a name change when you've run out of options. This is the worst-case scenario that's worth avoiding if possible.
Court may be an expensive and time-consuming process, but at least you're guaranteed to get the name you want. Your court order will assure acceptance by every organization.
You could even change your first name while you're in court. Or opt for a brand new middle name or surname. You can't do that with a marriage certificate.
Note: A court order supersedes—not supplements—your marriage certificate.
Will I get in trouble if I don't change my name?
No, you won't get in trouble if you don't change your name after marriage. That's a myth or misconception. There are even ways to return to your maiden name while still married.
You don't have to follow through with a name change even if your marriage certificate shows a new married name. Maybe you'll defer it and change your mind two, 10, or 20 years later.
Is there a loophole?
We've had intrepid readers report unlikely name change successes dealing with city, county, social security, passport, and DMV clerks.
You may fail where they've succeeded. But you may find an opening where others don't even bother to venture; through grit, luck, or a forgiving clerk.
Did you find a name change loophole? Were you able to get your name changed when you thought it was impossible? Share how you did it in the comments section.
If all is well and you're ready to get your name change underway, you can use our online name change kit to fill out, save, and complete your required name change forms.
Recently got married in Michigan signed my marriage license with my maiden name. Can I still change to my husbands last name? Will the marriage license with my maiden name work to change at social security office?
Hi Rach. Yes, your marriage certificate will work fine in Michigan. That state doesn't have a new married name spot when applying for a marriage license, so you're good.
Is it the same in HI? I don’t remember if they had a new name section and signed with my maiden name. Thank you
Hi Gianna. Hawaii should have a section that asks for your new name post-marriage.
What about Tennessee?
Hi Brittany. It's not asked in Tennessee.
I have the same problem, but with Utah. I don't think they had they had a new name section, but I can't remember and I signed with my maiden name.
Utah doesn't.
Hello,
I read through the comments and you have somewhat answered this above, but I want to confirm. My husband and I both married in California and changed our names to First Name (as given), Middle Name (my maiden name), Last Name (his last name) in the "new name" section.
I am pursuing my name change as listed on the marriage license/certificate but we were not planning to legally change his name to add a middle name because that may complicate some trusts that he is involved in with his parents. My questions are:
1) do we need to legally change his name to add a middle name and then follow through on changing his names on all documents to reflect the addition of a middle name?
2) if not, will our marriage license still be valid if he never adds the middle name legally?
3) are there any situations where it might get complicated that he has added a middle name on our marriage certificate but never filed for any name changes with any agencies?
4) in your opinion, is it better to include his full name (including new middle name) on those trusts now that we have a document that does in fact have a change in his name?
Thank you in advance for your time!
Not mandatory.
Yes.
No.
Use his current legal name, not the new name on the marriage certificate.
Hi. I live and got married in CA. I don’t have a middle but my maiden name was added as my middle name and my husband’s as my new last name on the marriage certificate.
However, I don’t want to use my middle (maiden) name and have it reflected on my SSI or driver’s license. I just want to use first and last name. The SSI office says they use the exact name on the marriage certificate. Can the married certificate be changed or amended?
Hi Lia. Unfortunately, your marriage certificate cannot be altered to drop a name.
Thank You for replying.
Hello,
Me and my wife got married in Michigan a few years ago. In our county on the clerk website it says you may sign the certificate with the name you intend to use. (Macomb county). My wife signed it with her first, middle names and my last name but she has not changed her name on anything else (Like SSN or ID). She now doesn’t really want to change her name. Is there a time limit she would have to change it by? Or can she just never change anything and stick with her original last name forever? Does this have any effect on the legality or our marriage??
Thank you
Hi Frank. There's no time limit. She needn't change, ever. There's no legal consequence for not changing.
Hello! I currently live in TX and plan on getting married in Vegas this fall. My name on my birth certificate and SS card is currently Elvia X Y Z, with X and Y both being my middle name. All of my records, passport, tax returns, DL, nursing license, credit cards, bank accounts, etc only list my name as Elvia X Z.
I have never used middle name Y. It is actually my mom's maiden last name. Therefore, when I apply for my marriage license, do I need to include middle name Y or can I just leave it as Elvia X Z as that is what my DL shows and that is what I plan on showing them at the clerk's office?
I do plan on changing my last name to my fiance's last name, and NV gives you the option to do so on the marriage license. Do you know if it is your new married name or your maiden name that shows up on the certificate?
I basically don't want to run into trouble obtaining new records if I use Elvia X Z without middle name Y since it is on my birth certificate and SS card, but not on another other document I've had.
You needn't include it. Neither your social security card nor birth certificate is required to apply for a Nevada marriage license.
Yes.
Both will appear.
Hello, I got married in North Carolina, but on my marriage certificate it’s doesn’t state my new last name. I live in California will I be able to change my documents?
Hi Celest. You'll be able to change your name fine. California understand that other state's design their marriage certificate differently and won't hold it against you.
Hi – Just went to get my name changed at the CA DMV, they said nope. Married in PA, had official certificate but they said it didn't reflect the name change so they couldn't do a CA driver's license in my married name. Is that correct? Do you know what steps do I need to take now? I would like to have ID with my correct name soon.
Hi Vee. That's odd. They should understand they're not dealing with a California certificate. Pennsylvania doesn't have a new name spot on their license or certs, so what they're demanding isn't possible. Can they even back up their position in writing? You may want to ask for a supervisory override or try another office.
I recently got married on June 4th in New Mexico. I accidentally hyphenated my maiden name and my husbands last name, and didnt notice until we got the papers back from the county clerk when I wanted my maiden name to be my middle name. Do i need to do an amendment or how shall I go about this?
Hi Autumn. You can request an amendment with the county clerk's office you applied in.
I just applied for my marriage license and there wasn't any place to put my new surname. I used my maiden name for the license. (I'm in Anderson County, TN.) Do I need to reapply to change my name after the ceremony or can I use the license with my maiden name?
Hi Mary. That's standard in Tennessee. You needn't do anything.
I got married in California, but left the new name box empty because I was not planning to change me name until later since we were working on a Visa for my husband. I am not ready to change my name, but that box is empty. Do I need to have that filled in before I apply for a new Social Security card?
Hi Megan. In California, no new name specified would preclude you from changing your name through marriage.
My wife and I are trying to change our last names in Florida. We want to do a combination of my wife's last name and my mother's last name.
I currently have my father's last name. I was raised by my mother so I feel my mother's last name is actually more accurate to who I am. The trouble is that I've never had my mother's last name. So essentially, both my wife and I want to change our last names to a name that neither of us have had.
My understanding is that both my wife and I will need to petition for a legal name change through the courts. Since we want to switch to name neither of us have had previously, we can't use the marriage certificate to change our names.
Does that sound correct? It would be nice if I could get a legal name change, and then my wife use the marriage certificate to change her name without needing to go through the petition herself. I don't believe that is possible though because the marriage certificate can't be updated even after a legal name change according to my local clerk of court office.
So no matter what my wife and I both need to petition for a legal name change? Do you know if there would be any troubles if we both try to change our names at the same time? Or would it be best for us to change one at a time?
Hi Steven. You've got it mapped out correctly. Your marriage certificate would no longer come into play. You'd both have to petition the court separately. You may be able to have your hearings held simultaneously. That's up to the court.
We recently got married in Tennessee and we live in GA, I put my maiden name on the the application for the marriage license because it asked for current name. On my marriage certificate it has my maiden name but I want my husbands last name, can I still change my name with social security and DMV even though my maiden name is on my marriage certificate?
Hi Valerie. Yes, your Tennessee marriage certificate will work fine in Georgia for name change purposes.
I got married to my husband while stationed overseas in Japan and when translated there was never a place on the form to change my last name to my husband's. Will I be okay to change all my documents to my new last name?
Yes, you'll be fine.
I got married in Texas. My marriage license and certificate have my maiden last name. I want to change it to my husband’s last name. Can I just go to SSA and request a new SS card with his last name?
Yes, you can.
My husband and I got married in N.H. he has a hyphenated last name, on the marriage certificate I took his full hyphenated name but now only want to take one of the last names. Do I need to amend the marriage certificate, petition the court, or will the ss office and dmv not care?
Hi Irma. They'll want to use the new name on your certificate, so you'll have to petition.
Hi Valera!
My wife and I married in Las Vegas in December 2017, but at the time we thought it was best for her to keep her last name, but now she wants to get my last name. We live in CA, but married in Nevada. I went on their website, and there's a form for correction. Do you think that form will suffice? Or is there another method that is more accurate? Thank you very much!
Hi Ismael. The correction form isn't meant to be used to retroactively add a new name.
So, what should I do in this situation?
Hi Ismael. Your marriage certificate should still work fine since it's from out of state.
Hello !
I got married a few months ago, January in CA. I didn’t change my last name in that time. We just moved to VA and I decided that I want to change and add my husbands last name. How do I proceed ? Can I still change for my husbands last name ? If yes, how ?
Do I have to change my name in my marriage license or just fill a petition for a name change on the court here in VA? There’s any problem to change here since my marriage license is from CA. I’m so confused
Thank you
Hi Nyki. You don't have to go to court. A certified copy of your California marriage certificate will work fine in Virginia.
But my marriage license has the option for the new name but o didn’t put at the time. Do I have to change my marriage license ?
Hi Nyki. If you were living in California, you'd have a problem. Now you're a Virginian, so the restriction doesn't apply.
Hello – I was married in California in February of this year. When applying for our license I filled out the section for NEW NAMES with my first, middle and last name (hyphenated: my maiden name and my husbands's last name).
I just received my marriage license and will be heading to SS office soon for name change.
BUT, I never use my first name and would like to drop it completely ….I go by my middle name. For my middle name I'd like to use my maiden name. For my last name I'd like my husband's name.
Since my marriage certificate doesn't state this what are my options?
When changing your name using your marriage certificate, it's all or nothing. Therefore, your sole option is getting your name changed through court.
Hi got my marriage certificate in Georgia in 2017…I filled out the application with my husband’s last name to use in place of my maiden name however the certificate shows my maiden name on it. I assumed that was how they are supposed to look in case you don’t end up changing your name like in most states but now I am thinking it was supposed to be printed with my new intended last name.
I am 1000% sure I filled out my husband’s last name in the field that asked what would I like my new name to be. If this was a clerical error would they fix it or accept by current certificate for legal name change docs?
Hi Lauren. They should issue you a corrected certificate without charge. They can lookup the application on file to confirm the clerical error.
Hi, I got married in March in NY but at the time I was not sure if I wanted to take my husband’s name so I kept my maiden name but now I sure I want to take his name. What is the process of acquiring his surname a month later?
Hi Alecia. Consider a remarriage marriage license or else you'd have to pursue a court-ordered name change.
My wife and I (we are a lesbian couple) got married 2 years ago tomorrow. We only signed our birth names on our marriage certificate. We decided to go with my last name. How would we be able to accomplish this? We live in Texas.
That's standard in Texas, as it's the only option available.
Your marriage certificate is all you'll need.
Hello,
I just recently got married in the state of Georgia. When filling out the application I decided to put new surname as my husbands however I would like to keep my last name. Is this okay?
Do I have to change my last name on everything now or am I okay to leave my maiden name on all legal documents such as SSN and ID. Also will this present as a problem later when renewing ID’s and such.
Sure. Feel free to disregard the new name specified on your certificate.
You needn't change your name on anything.
It won't become a problem.
Thank you so much!
Hi,
I got married in Miami, Florida 8/22/2019. I am trying to get my name changed and have trouble figuring out what is needed. When I went to the county clerk to get my marriage license, I asked if I should put my legal name or what I wanted my name changed to. They told me that I had to put the legal name (the one on my driver's license). When I got my marriage certificate, it only has my legal name and my husband's legal name.
I’m not a American citizen and we live in NYC. I have a SSN and a NYC ID license. The SS offices are closed now, I have the option to mail in my documents.
I just don’t know what is needed for me to mail to SS office?!? My marriage certificate only has my legal name and my husband's legal name, do I have to go to curt to ask for the change before going to SSN?
I’m lost.
Thank you for your help and understanding.
Hi Dana. You don't need to go to court. Your marriage certificate as it stands is sufficient.
Thank you and stay safe!
Hello,
My fiancé and I are getting married this year in Oregon. He has decided he wants to take his families last name, which isn't his right now. So because we will both be changing our last name, can we just do this on the marriage cert? Or does he have to change his before that??
Thank you
Hi Alisha. He'll have to change it beforehand. He'll also need to update his ID before applying for a marriage license so that the new name is current and legal.
Hi,
I just got married in Florida on 3/26/2020. I am trying to get my name changed and have heard two different things about what is needed. When I went to the county clerk to get my marriage license, I asked if I should put my legal name or what I wanted my name changed to. They told me that I had to put the legal name (the one on my driver's license). When I got my marriage certificate, it only has my legal name and my husband's legal name.
Due to Covid the SS offices are closed so I have to mail in my documents. When we called the SS office, someone told us that our marriage certificate had to have the name I wanted my name changed to, but when I called my county clerk for clarification they said that my marriage license is proof of my husband's last name which should be enough for SS to change my last name.
I am just confused as to what is needed for me to mail to SS office. I know I need my marriage certificate (which only has my legal name and my husband's legal name), my passport (for picture/ identification) and my birth certificate to accompany the SS change of name form. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Michelle. The clerk (which would be the circuit court clerk in Florida) was correct. You just need to send in your marriage certificate showing your current legal name.
I'm kind of in the same boat as Michelle, and you have probably answered this several times, but I just want to make sure since I have to mail things off instead of visiting in person due to COVID.
I got married on August 1 in SC but we live in NC. The license just has my current name (which is from a previous marriage) and my maiden name in another section. Nothing at all on there about new married name.
When I call my local SS office I was told I only need mail in the certified copy of my marriage license and the application for changing my social security card. Then this evening I started seeing things about how if it doesn't show the name change on the license then it may not be used as proof of name change.
It's been so long I don't even remember what an NC marriage license/certificate looks like or if it has a spot for new name but got nervous that maybe the SS worker just assumed it was an NC license rather than SC.
But, you are saying that the license NOT showing a name change will Still count as proof? Thank you for your help!
Some offices are now allowing appointments, if you'd rather go that route.
That's standard for North Carolina and South Carolina.
Certified copy of the marriage "certificate" not license, but we're probably just splitting hairs referring to the same document.
Refers to states that explicitly allow you to choose a new name after marriage on the marriage license application. SC doesn't apply.
It doesn't.
It wouldn't have mattered. The marriage and residency state could have been swapped and the SS worker would have been right.
Yes, as your spouse's name will be derived from the certificate. You're good to go to change your name. No roadblocks ahead.
Hi, I'm getting married in AL and since my certificate has my maiden name, do I sign it on our wedding day with my maiden name or with my new name?
Hi Zowie. Sign your maiden name.
Thank you! And there will be no trouble getting my name changed with SSA even though the certificate doesn't signify my new name?
Hi Zowie. You won't face any trouble.
I got married in Jacksonville, NC but I live in GA. Will I still be able to change my name with Social Security if my new name isn't on the certificate or license? I don't recall the application having a place to put my new name.
Yes, you will.
You didn't overlook anything. It doesn't exist on NC applications.
Hi, I married my husband in 2014. I did not realize at the time that I didn't have my amended birth certificate with me to use my current corrected first and middle name on the marriage license/certificate so on the marriage certificate is my first name and middle on the original birth certificate.
I now have the amended birth certificate with my current corrected first and middle name. Can I request the court to fix my first and middle name on the marriage certificate? Thanks!
Hi Rose. You may be able to get a simple amendment using those documents. You'll want to contact the office that recorded and issued your marriage certificate, which is usually the office that issued you your license.
I got married in California, March 2019. Both mine (maiden) and my husband's original names are on the marriage license. I left my "New last name" option blank.
What do i need to do to change my last name to my husband's with the SSA and DMV?
Hi Hacelyn. You'll have to pursue a name change through court. You can't amend your marriage certificate after the fact.
Hi,
I was married in California in 1983. There was no space/line to show new married last name so marriage certificate only shows my maiden name. I did change my name with social security keeping my maiden name along with husband's last name at the end. Now I'm applying for a REAL ID and the marriage certificate does not match my SS card or my current D/L. Is that okay? Also, does the marriage certificate have to be a certified copy? I have the original….but it's not a certified original.
Thank you.
Hi Susan. Your legacy certificate will be accepted. It must be a certified copy.
Hi my name is Eileen. I got married in In MI October 2019. I decided to hyphenate my name name but now I’m regretting it because it’s so long and confusing. We are currently residents in IL and I’ve decided that I would like to remove the hyphen and have my husbands last name only. Where do I go to make this change and what will be needed from me?
Hi Eileen. If you've only changed it with the SSA, you can request a name correction to switch out your name as you'd prefer. If you've updated other documents, such as your driver's license, doing a switch back is impractical. In that instance, you're looking at having to petition the court.
Hello,
MN resident here, got married in Ireland in 2017. Our marriage certificate does not list a place for a new name (nor was there a place to include it on the application) nor does it contain our signatures but it is on the republic of Ireland's official paper/letterhead. It has my maiden name and my husbands name.
I need to 1. change my last name to my husband, and then 2. update my passport and DL.
If I take my certified marriage certificate from the republic of IE into the SSA office, will this suffice as documentation for a name change or do I need to see a judge because it's a foreign doc with only my maiden name? I emailed the county court and they sent me all the paperwork for a legal name change that required a judge's approval but it was clearly an automated email and didn't answer my questions specific to a foreign marriage certificate.
Thank you!
Hi Kelly. You don't have to go to court. Your foreign marriage certificate will be accepted fine for a typical name change via marriage.
Hi I got married last week in Texas – I have only a marriage license as they said they use this also for the certificate. I live in Ohio and it has my maiden name – will this be a problem with changing my last name to my husbands? Also, how do i go about doing this??
Hi Megan. You can use a certified copy of your Texas marriage certificate to change your name in Ohio. The fact that is only has your maiden name is fine. That's standard in Texas.
I got married two weeks ago in Las Vegas, but I live in California. When I applied for the marriage license, I left the part blank that asks for the new name after marriage. But I do want to change my last name. Is this going to be a problem?
Hi Ashley. You'd probably be fine with the SSA, but the DMV will see it differently. For the latter, a blank new name spot on your marriage certificate is a missed opportunity.
Ok I’m confused. I live in GA. when I applied for my license I chose a new name but my license had my maiden name on it. I thought maybe it was because it states that this person is marrying this person so in that instance having my maiden name there would be correct cos I wouldn’t actually have my new name until after the wedding.
I didn’t think any more of it. However, I just got my marriage certificate and it also has my maiden name on it. What happened?? Will I be able to get the clerk to pull the actual application so they can see that I 100% entered a bake in the “name after marriage” field??
*name not bake 🤦🏾♀️
Hi Krystin. It's okay if it lists your maiden name, but it should show your new married name too. If that's not the case, you can request a correction, amendment, and reissued certificate.
Hey. I just wanted to say that the information you’re giving out for the state of GA might be incorrect; it was for Floyd County at least.
I just spoke with the probate court and they advised that the marriage certificate will show the maiden name alone, regardless of whether or not you picked a new name on the license application. What we have to do is take the certificate along with the certified license application that shows the name change request. That’s how we get our new name.
Such a silly process and the fact that they don’t tell you this upfront at the probate court is a problem!!
Hi Krystin. Thanks for sharing your experience. Georgia counties, like many states, have to design their own marriage applications and certificates. Some states have it standardized at the state level, which eliminates such inconsistencies.
Thanks for this. Helped a lot!
Got married in NC and now moving to GA. Do I have to change my name through court action? Or can I take my NC marriage certificate (with only maiden name) to GA DMV and have name changed?
thanks,
Hi MG. Your NC marriage license will work fine in Georgia. No need to go to court.
Hello, sorry for my English, I'm originally from Russia. I got married in California in 1995, so there were no space box for new bride's name on my document at that time. And actually, I didn't want to change my name because I had and still have many ties with Russia – daughter, old parents, pension, as well as I didn't want to bother to change all my USA documents.
So after marriage I was using my maiden name for some period of time, not more then 2 years, I think. Later, my husband insisted on using his last name and I do it until now, all my US documents from until then are on my husband's last name.
Now I have a need to prove in Russia for several purposes that I am the same person with different last names. For example, I stuck with money transfer to my daughter, because she can't prove it's a gift from her mother (otherwise there is a pretty big tax on her).
The translation of marriage certificate gets us nowhere since there is no indication on name change. Before I had a stamp in my US Passport "also named as", but last time I got passport I was told they don't stamp it anymore.
What should I do? Please, help, I will appreciate it very much. I am sure I will face other "surprises" not known yet in a future without having some kind of prove that's I am is I am. Thank you very much in advance.
Ooops, I see Galina has the same problem…and looks like there is no way to solve "our Russian" problem…Obviously, me, Galina and other Russian fellows (well, why only Russians, all the people from all over the world) now in nowhere for the rest of the life…
Our children have no parents anymore and our parents lost us too…Try to joke but it's actually a nightmare.
Is it possible that there is NO any chance to have document about name change? Authorities in other countries cannot and must not know all US laws and nuances of different US states in addition. Valera, help us all, I beg!!))
Hi Sophia. You can try contact the SSA or DMV to inquire if they can provide a printout documenting your name change. Something that shows the before and after. It should have sufficient dates and biographical data showing you're the same person.
If that doesn't work, you may have to contact an attorney. Perhaps a sworn affidavit confirming your name transition with documentary proof (i.e., marriage certificate and ID).
New bride signed her new name not maiden name which is printed on marriage license. Will this be an issue for her
Hi Monica. It's not a problem.
Hi, I got married in Vegas in September. I reside in NJ. I took my husband’s last name and hyphen mine at the end. It’s been six months And I still haven’t changed any of my information to reflect the marriage certificate. Do I have to change all my paper work to my new last name. Is there a time limit ?
You do not have to change your paperwork over. There is no time limit.
Hi. I just got my marriage license on Friday 2/7/2020 and will go turn it in on Friday 2/14/2020 .. I didn’t change my name because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to so I wanted time.
I told her I won’t be changing it yet and told my wife that I’ll have to think if I want to or not . My wife wants me to change it to her last name now … can I still change it ? And what is it that I have to do?
Do I have to wait until they do that process after Turing in the marriage license? I live in Oklahoma. Or did I already messed up ? I’m still thinking of having time to think about it
Hi Reyna. You have to choose your last name at the time of application. Otherwise, you'll have to opt for a civil name change through court.
I got married in Michigan over a year ago, when I signed my Marriage License I signed with my husband's last name, and never legally changed it anywhere else. Over the past year I have decided to keep my current/maiden name. Do I need to change my Marriage license and certificate? And are they still valid even if they are signed with a last name I never actually took?
You do not.
They are valid and will remain so.
I’m a New Jersey resident who was married in New York. I would like to start the process of changing the name on my social security card, driver’s license, bank accounts, etc. The last name on our marriage certificate is hyphenated, but now I’m considering taking my husband’s last name fully. Would we have to remarry and/or go through a lengthy court process to do that?
Hi Cris. You can go for the remarriage option. Otherwise, you'd have to go to court.
I got married in Florida which doesnt give you the option to elect a new name on the marriage certificate. My question is can both my husband and myself change our last names?
Hi Claudia. You both may change.
What is the legal document other than Marriage Certificate that can prove the change of surname after marriage? All my documents are currently showing my husband's surname.
Hi Galina. If your marriage license application didn't ask you to choose a new name post-marriage, then your marriage certificate will serve as proof of name change. Your new surname can be derived from your husband's.
Hi Valera. I came to USA from Russia and got married in 2003 in Florida. I got all documents including USA passport in my husband's surname.
I need a legal document from Russian Embassy and they are asking me for a Change of Name order from court to prove my identity, but Florida's marriage certificate and license has no spot for specification of the new name after marriage.
I went to the Court House few times and spoke to the clerk, they said no court will issue such order because my name already had been changed and I want to keep my husband's surname.
What would you suggest? Is there the possibility to amend marriage certificate? I put my previous to marriage last name in the blank for Bride's name, but on the marriage license spot "Signature of Bride (sign full name using black ink)" I signed with just my signature that has no specification of any name.
I went to a few attorneys and no one could give me any legal advise. In the Collier County Court House no one heard about amendment to marriage certificate forms. Thank you in advance.
Hi Galina. Can you get the circuit court clerk's declaration in writing (on their official letterhead) to present to the embassy? This would show what they're asking for is not feasible.
Hello – I got married in CA but reside in NV. When filling out my marriage application, I put his last name as my last name but left the middle name blank (I was not given a middle name at birth). I would like to put my maiden name as my middle name and keep his last name. Will SSA and DMV accept this change or do I need to petition the court? If I need to petition the court, would it be the CA court or NV court?
Hi Natalie. You should be able to make the change fine. If you did have to petition, it would be in your state of residence.
Hello – I am in NYC and about to apply for a marriage license. I am still undecided on whether or not I will take by fiances last name. If i select to change my name on the marriage license, does that mean I MUST change my name on SS, license, insurance etc? Or will none of these agencies know I changed my name unless I tell them?
It's not mandatory.
They won't know unless you alert them.
I got married on 2007 in Los Angeles, CA and didn't change my name then. I Want to change my last name name, is it ok to do so with just my marriage certificate?
Hi Erika. Yes, using your marriage certificate will work fine. The California Name Equality Act of 2007 didn't go into effect until January 1, 2009, so you didn't have to choose a new last name when you applied.
I got married in 2013 in texas and they never told me to sign with my husbands last name can i still change my last name?
Hi Ruby. In Texas, you're meant to sign with your current last name, not your husband's. It's not a problem.
Hi Ruby. In Texas, you're meant to sign with your current last name, not your husband's. It's not a problem.
I got married 2018 in California. Only to find out a year and a half later that my first name is missing a letter on the official marriage certificate. I have been issued a new SS card and DL with my correct spelling first name and new last name. What worries me is renewing my passport. I have to send my marriage certificate in with the application and I don’t want it to be denied because a first name spelling error.
Hi Kaitlyn. You can contact the county clerk to issue you a corrected marriage certificate. If the clerical error was on their part, it should be free.
I recently was married in Utah and I signed my marriage certificate with my maiden name. I'm Worried now that when I go to change my name with SSA and the DMV they won't accept my married name since it's not on the marriage license. How can I get my last name changed?
That's standard in Utah.
They'll accept it.
Use your certificate as it stands and you'll be fine.
I got married in November and signed my marriage certificate with my maiden name hyphenated to my husbands name. I would prefer to NOT change my name. I need to renew my passport.. If I do not change my name to be hyphenated will this cause issues for my passport renewal?
Not at all. It's fine to renew in your maiden name. You can renew it again any time afterward if you decide to make the change.
Hello, I have a marriage certificate from California where I did write in a new name to take my husband's surname and to drop mine completely. I never changed it through SSN, DL, etc. I now live in Texas and I had a change of heard and want to keep my maiden name as my middle name and drop my middle name which is just an initial anyway. Am I able to do this? And how?
Hi Alex. The SSA would use the new name on your certificate. TxDSP would want to have a name match with the SSA. So, you're effectively bound by that certificate.
Since you're not a California resident, it wouldn't hurt to try to convince the clerk in your home state to let it slide, but it's unlikely to be effective. The alternative is to petition the court for a name change.
Hi, I got married in San Francisco in 2015 and chose to keep my maiden name and left the new last name section blank. Now I'd like to change my last name to my husband's and we currently live in Illinois. Will Illinois except my marriage certificate to change my name since it doesn't have my new name on it?
Yes, that would work fine.
I live in California but am getting married in Las Vegas and want to have 2 last name with no hyphen. County Clerk's online application does not provide this as a drop down option. It only offers Maiden name, Married name, Maiden-Married, or Married-Maiden. If I simply select to not change my name at this time will I be able to change it to how I want later in CA?
Hi Anna. Yes, with the SSA, but you'll likely have problems with the DMV, as California's Name Equality Act doesn't apply to out-of-state marriage certificates.
Just got married dec 2019,here in CA, didn’t change my last name. My question is can I use my husband last nme now, to update my dmv and ss? Should I just bring my marriage certificate as a proof that we got married?
Hi Niky. Unfortunately, no. You had to specify your new name choice when applying for your marriage license.
I got married two days ago in Louisiana. My birth name is Janet Lynn Smith. When i was married (1989-2010), I was Janet Lynn Gibson. After i was divorced, I eventually changed my name to Janet L Smith, first with Social Security and then on my passport and driver's license.
Notice that the middle name is just "L", not Lynn. Last week when the clerk made up my marriage license, she used Janet Lynn Smith from my birth certificate, not noticing that my driver's license is only "L". I absolutely will NOT take my new husband's last name, Jones. It's too much trouble to change names everywhere.
Will the fact that my marriage certificate (to come) will show Lynn instead of L cause me any problems with Social Security or any other governmental agency when i retire and go to collect Social Security payments as wife of Michael Jones?
Btw, the clerk advised that i will need to alert Social Security to the fact that I am married, even if there will be no name change
You can ask that the certificate be corrected and reissued due to the clerical error.
The SSA maintains a history of name changes. The "L" won't throw anything off. You'd be able to verify your identity even if it did.
That's true if you have current benefits that would be affected by marriage. If not, there's nothing to notify.
I called a few days later, and the clerk told me that they issue the certificate in the name that is on your birth certificate, no matter if you've changed it five times since then (which really seems like a good policy to avoid confusion). So there's nothing to correct.
I'm glad that I don't have to go to the Social Security Administration office.
Thanks!
Hi Janet. Glad you got it sorted out.
Hi Valera,
I recently got married in California and did not change my last name at that time. Our marriage certificate does not show my new last name. Could I still go to the DMV and SS offices and change my last name for those locations?
Your website has been so helpful. Thanks you!
-Rachelle
Unfortunately, you can't use your marriage certificate at this point. You'll have to petition the court for a name change instead.
Hello! I got married in Georgia and our marriage certificate only has my maiden name. On the application I specified that I wanted my name hyphenated. I want to change my name on my passport, DL, and so forth. On the application for the passport it states to send in the marriage certificate and on the application to fill in the name as I want it to appear. Do I just fill out my last name hyphenated or will that be a problem?
Thanks
When you say "application" are you referring to the marriage license application or passport application?
Marriage license application. There was a space that they told me to put my name how I wanted it after I was married.
If you hyphenated on your application, that's how it should appear on your certificate. Perhaps it's time for you to contact the probate court to find out what went wrong and to get a proper certificate issued.
Thank you. So I wouldn’t be able to write it out hyphenated on the passport application and send in the marriage certificate?
Hi Carolina. You can, but if the probate court issued your marriage certificate with your new name missing, you're entitled to a correction.
Hello, I'm getting married in Michigan next month. I have my marriage license and the clerk told us to sign the marriage certificate part with our desired surname after marriage. Is that what will show on our final certificate?
And if I indicate a new name on the certificate, can I keep my maiden name on all my documents and records? I'm not ready to go throught he axle of name change now.
I will also like to know if I can use the licences as a proof of marriage and keep my maiden name on all other documents (eventhough I use my husband last name on the certificate). Please guide me on this, I'm very confused. Thank you!
Yes. It should show your prior name as well.
Yes, and the option to change later remains opens.
Yes, it's proof of marriage.
I got married 2 years ago in California and listed my husband’s name as my “desired” last name on my marriage license. But I later changed my mind and decided to stay with my current name. Am I in trouble? Does a marriage license legally change your name??
I haven’t used the new name anywhere or updated my name with any other agency.
No.
No.
If you haven't changed your name with any institution, your name hasn't practically changed.
I got married in NYC and had my new name printed by the city clerk on my marriage license. When I got the marriage certificate in the mail, it only shows my maiden name. Is their their error and what can I do?
It appears to be. You can contact the city clerk for a corrected certificate.
Hi, got married in Colorado. We didn't realize the clerk made an error leaving out one letter of my new last name, until I had to go get my ID & ss card, I needed to get them asap so I didn't have time to figure out how to fix it. So, years later & I want to fix it. Do I need to go to court & also pay? Thank you.
Hi Star. Contact the county clerk and recorder's office and have them issue a corrected marriage certificate.
Ok, so even if it's been like 5 yrs they can still fix it? I don't mind re doing my ss & driver's license again, as long as I can fix it. Thanks!
Hi Star. There isn't a time limit on corrections.
Thank you for your help! Greatly appreciate it!
I got my marriage license in November 2019 (last month) in Queens, New York. I was not sure if I wanted to change my last name at that time so I left it blank, but now I want to change it to my fiancé’s last name. We are getting married in 2 weeks. Can I still change it? Do I have to go in person again to change it? And will my fiancé need to go with me to change it? My fiancé lives in a different state.
Yes, go back and apply for a new marriage license.
Contact the city or town clerk to determine if they're willing to reissue you a marriage license with only one in attendance. If not, you'll both have to attend and apply all over again from scratch.
Hi, I got married in San Francisco, California 2014. Now I live in Sacramento.
I noticed my first name and middle name are slightly different on my marriage certificate (missing part of the first name), naturalization certificate/SS card/Passport (without middle name), and driver license (contain full first and middle name) .
It seems to me that the marriage certificate is very important. Should I use the exact name on it when getting the REAL ID since I have to provide full name and residency proof? Do I have to update the name on my naturalization certificate to match the marriage certificate? I am so confused!
Thank you!
If your marriage certificate is wrong, why not have them correct it?
You shouldn't match your certificate if it has a spelling error. Try getting it fixed.
Not if you don't want to. You don't have to change your name just because your certificate tells you to.
Hi, sorry I didn't make it clear. There is no spelling error. It is correct on what I have written on the marriage license application. And I decided not the use my husband last name.
The scenario:
last name=A
first name=B+C
middle name=D
The problem is on the marriage license application , I put middle name=D , first name only B. However my naturalization certificate/passport/SS card/birth certificate=A+B+C. Driver's license=A+B+C+D.
I read all the comments and not able to find anyone has the same problem that I can refer to.
I am confused and frustrated on which document is the most important of all that I should follow to make name change.
Please help me!
Hi Kit. If all your important documents are updated to your correct name, which appears to be the case, then you're fine. You don't need to correct your marriage certificate unless it's bugging you. It doesn't appear to be giving you any problems, so you can dismiss it.
Hi I got married in Yerevan, Armenia. However I live in Canada, Ontario.
I signed with my maiden name & now want to change my last name to my husband's last name. Would there be a problem? And what are the legal steps to take. Thank you
Hi Rita. You should be able to change your name fine. Use your Armenian marriage certificate.
Hi I’m getting married soon from Guam. I recently received my marriage license but it has my current name on it. Is that correct? What is the process of changing my last name once married?
I know I filled in the new name portion of the application.
It's correct. You didn't omit anything.
It's what you'd expect. Use a certified copy of your certificate to change your name with various entities, governmental and nongovernmental.
Hello! I got married in New York a year ago and I wrote my husband's last name as my new surname on the marriage certificate. We're taking an international trip soon and my passport is about to expire, but I am still unsure if I want to take his last name (I have not changed my name on any other documents). Can I renew my passport in my maiden name (the name I am currently using)? And if not, is it possible to change my marriage certificate to remove my husband's name from the "new surname" line? You slightly touched on this in a previous comment from 8/15 expressing that it "could be a problem" referring to deviating from the name listed on the marriage certificate…Thank You!
Yes.
No, but unnecessary in your case anyway.
That was related to someone trying to change their name to something other than what was listed on their certificate. You're trying to maintain your existing name, which is perfectly valid.
Hi there, I got married in Pennsylvania. They asked me if I want to change my name and I said I wasn’t sure and asked if I could do it later. They said that would be fine. Now I decided to take my husbands name, the certificate states my maiden name. I had no issue with the social security office or DMV to change my name.
I read online Different opinions on if I have to petition a name change or just have to change my social security card and drivers license.
I just want to do this correctly since we will travel abroad to visit my family for christmas. (I have a green card, so am not a citizen. I don’t know if that makes any differences) I just want to make sure I have all documents for reentry.
Hi Christi. No need to petition. Your name change went through without a hitch.
Hi! I scrolled through all the comments and didn't find this one. Thanks for responding to everyone!
My situation: married in California very recently, still reside there. Didn't pick a new last name at the time, but now would like to take my partner's. Do I need to go to court, or will our marriage certificate with my maiden name suffice? It sounds like California might be pretty strict if you miss it on the form the first time?
Hi Kris. Since you left the new name portion of your marriage application blank, you'll have to go to court.
Hello and thank you in advance for your wealth of knowledge about this topic. I am getting married in the Bahamas and reside in Missouri. I am wanting to have:
Stephanie 'Maiden Name' 'Married Name' (without a hyphen).
Will I then be able to use either last name without changing it legally?
If not, what are my options to be able to use both how I choose…if any?
Also, do you know if there will be a spot on the marriage certificate to decipher this, as we are told we do not have to obtain a marriage license before we get to the Bahamas??? Therefore I have seen no documents…
There won't be.
Hi Stephanie. You should be able to take on your preferred name using your marriage certificate.
Great! Thank you!
I didn’t sign my new name in Colorado. Was there a spot for new name?
And It’s my official marriage certificate is there any way to change that
Not possible and unnecessary.
Hi Candice. No, there's no new name spot in Colorado. You didn't miss anything.
Great thanks! Also, is there any time period you have to start the process of changing your name after you get officially married. Can you do it whenever?
Hi Candice. You can start as soon as you get your marriage certificate. You could even wait decades later. It's up to you.
I got married in Missouri, when the person filling up the marriage license asked me if any name change would happen. I said, No. I wasn’t ready for this question, but after getting married. I realized I wanted to take my husbands last name. But my marriage certificate is with my maiden name.
Question, can I still change my name on legal documents with my husbands last name? Or have to file for a name change?
A certified copy of your Missouri marriage license alone is sufficient.
I did a online marriage application on November 3 2019 . I answered all the questions but got confused on the part that says last name and birth name i put my birthname on birth name part and last name part
Hi Annielou. Last name without another qualifier should refer to your current last name. Birth name is the name you were given at birth.
I got married in Texas (Travis County) in July and at the time wasn't sure if I wanted to change my name. Looking back, there isn't a spot on either the application of the marriage license itself for the married name. So to change my name now do I just go to the SS office with the name change form and my marriage license (certified copy)?
That's correct. You didn't overlook anything.
That's right.
I recently got married in Wisconsin and I'm trying to figure out how to go about getting my name changed. I just received copies of our marriage certificate but I notice that it has my maiden name listed in both boxes.
I looked back at the application I filled out to request the copies and the only spot where I could see where I would've put my married name is at the top when it asks for "current name". I put my maiden name because that is still my current name!
Will the copies of the marriage license I have not be valid for changing my name with SS and the DMV? We applied for the license in office and I know that we would've stated that I planned on changing my name if that question was offered to us. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do!
As it should.
You did the right thing. That was your only option.
The SSA and DMV will accept your marriage certificate.
That option isn't offered in Wisconsin. It's a non-issue.
Use your marriage certificate as it stands and you'll be fine.
Thank you very much!
Did you have an issue when you went in or did they accept it? I have the same problem.
Hello, I have a friend whose been married for almost 25 years. However, the name entered in the marriage certificate is Ma. Theresa but in her birth certificate her legal name is only Theresa. Also, she has known in the community as Ma. Theresa, likewise, in all her documents and information.
Does it mean that I my friend is not legally married with her husband since it could be a different person. Since in her birth certificates name is only Theresa, could it be possible that if she will get a copy of CENOMAR there is a possibility that she is not married.
Unlikely, as she'd likely able to prove identity. Many marriage certificates display identifying attributes, such as age, date of birth, or place of birth. A misspelling wouldn't invalidate a marriage or marriage record.
Hello, can you please help me ,my husband and I got married last year, but only this year we find out misspelling on my husbands last name, local Illinois clerk said what there is no law for correction, my green card and ssn with right husbands last name but I was worry if our marriage still legal? And how can we change that mistake, thank you
Hi Taty. Your marriage is still valid, with or without a correction.
I was born and live in MA. I was married in RI and my marriage certificate does not have my married name. When I had to renew my driver's license and wanted a Real federal ID, I had to use the initial of my birth middle name which I have never used in 50 yrs. I was really blindsided on that.
Ever since I was married I used my maiden name as my middle name. Unfortunately, I never got a passport which would have helped. I don't want a different name on my license than is on everything else, so I had to pay $165 to have my maiden name be legally my middle name. The only other option I might have had would have been to apply for a passport before my license expired.
That is really shameful on the part of the Commonwealth (and other states) to do this, and unfortunately you're not the only one who's had this happen. It makes one want to ask, "Why did you allow me to have this name all these years, and now you're changing the rules, and I have to foot the bill?" Aaarrgh!!
Why are they the decider of names? Are we in the USA? Oh, and don't we all feel so much safer? It seems to me that using a maiden name as a middle name is a much better way to identify someone than the average Ann, Marie, or Lynn middle name ever could. Sigh.
I'm a resident and married in CA. On my marriage certificate I kept my original middle name and just added my new last name. I never filed the name change. However now I don't want my original middle name I would rather have my maiden name as my middle name. Would it still be possible to make this chane?
Hi Chelsea. California's name change rules for marriage are fairly explicit. You can't shift from what's on your marriage certificate without getting a court order. The name you decide on when you apply does lock you in.
We just got married on Friday in VA, I don’t remember there being a spot to place my new name and the clerk asked if I was changing it and I told her yes and just said don’t forgot to get the license with you to the DMV etc but now I’m getting mixed answers on what to do….
someone is saying to fill out paper work for s name change at the courthouse and some are saying just take the license to the Social Security Administration office and they will be able to change my name and get new card etc and then I can go to the DMV…could someone clarify?
You didn't miss anything. Virginia's marriage license application doesn't have a new name after marriage field.
Do as the clerk suggested: use a certified copy of your marriage license (actually your certificate) to change your name as you normally would.