Name Change After Marriage in Michigan
Just like in many states, you can definitely change your name in Michigan in a simple yet straightforward manner. Nonetheless, there are a number of things you need to know, especially if a legally acceptable name change is what you seek.
Yet if you're interested in changing your name without going through an elaborate guide, our online name change forms make it fast and straightforward. Whether changing your name in Michigan or elsewhere.
Marriage name change
In the state of Michigan, both non-residents and residents can seek a marriage license from the office of their county clerk within the state by fulfilling the statutory requirements of the state.
Before you can change your name through the various options available, such as hyphenation or taking the last name of your spouse, wait for the county clerk to issue you a marriage license.
What you need after marriage is to request a certified copy of your marriage license from the clerk's office within the county of residence where the marriage took place. A fee for the service will be required: $20 for state residents and $30 for nonresidents.
You can then take the certified copy of your marriage license to the Social Security Administration (SSA), Michigan Secretary of State (SOS), and other governmental bodies to change your name with them.
Keep in mind, a certified copy of your marriage license is the same thing as a certified copy of your marriage certificate. It's just different phraseology that refers to the same document.
There are a number of options you can go with to get the name you want after marriage. However, note that in Michigan those who can seek a name change after marriage are brides only and not grooms. The bride has the following options.
Hyphenate
The bride can take up the husband's name as the last name and separate it using a hyphen, perhaps if she doesn't want to stop using her maiden name entirely because it's known widely.
Leave name unchanged
You can also decide not to touch your name and leave it as it is after marriage. This is legal in Michigan.
Adopt the surname of the husband
You can also take the surname of your husband and apply it on all records and identifications.
Husband's last name, but keep using maiden name
You can also continue the use of your maiden name, perhaps in various social settings and work related areas while taking the surname of your husband on all records and identifications.
Divorce name change
After marriage, many women take up the last name of their husband's, but after divorce most seek to revert to their maiden names. In Michigan, the woman can revert to her maiden name or a previous name or keep the name of the ex-husband once the divorce has been finalized.
It's also worth noting that the ex-husband cannot force the ex-wife to seek a name change, nor can a judge, and the change has to be as voluntary as possible.
In case you would like to seek a name change during the divorce process, you need to indicate it in the complaint for divorce you are about to make. No additional steps would be required or extra charge if you include the name change as a part of the divorce complaint.
Certified copy of divorce decree
A certified copy of your finalized divorce decree is the legal document you'll need to complete the name change with various federal, state, and non-governmental institutions.
After changing the last name through divorce proceedings, it's important that you continue to notify the Social Security Administration as well as the state's Secretary of State's office, banks, credit card companies and other bodies that need to be alerted after a name change.
To save money and time, seek your name change in Michigan during the divorce process. If you don't, you'll have to petition the court for a full-blown adult name change.
General adult name change
You can seek to change your name in the state of Michigan as long as you have lived in the county of your residency for at least 12 months. Legally changing your name requires a completion of form PC 51, which is titled the Petition to Change Name. The form has to be filed with the county's circuit court.
Name change for fraudulent purposes
It's worth noting that seeking to change your name with the intention of defrauding anyone will not be allowed. Those who have a criminal past and seeking name change are generally considered to be changing their names to commit fraud.
Thus, it's important to really convince the court that the request you are making to seek a name change is not for fraud, otherwise the request will be rejected.
Circuit court of residency
Name change in Michigan is done in the Circuit Court in the county where you reside. To effectively complete the petition, you need to complete as required the form for Petition to Change Name and file it within your county's Circuit Court. As previously stated, the form is called PC 51.
Fingerprinting
The filing fee has to be paid, which is about $150. For those 22 years old and above who want to change their names, they are required to have their fingerprints taken within their local police office.
In fact, the court hardly processes the change name petition until the existence of pending charges and previous convictions or lack of them has been reported by the Michigan Department of State Police.
In case prior convictions and pending charges are not there and you are considered clean, the Michigan Department of State Police usually destroys the copy of the set of fingerprints taken.
Publication and hearing
The petition also needs to be published using the PC 563 form, titled Publication of Notice of Hearing. The publication must contain the name proposed, and place, time and date of hearing.
In case of a good reason or cause as to why you shouldn't have the petition published, the court can order the notice to remain confidential, such as a publication that could lead to physical danger. Evidence has to be produced in support of this before the court.
Filing fees and certified copies
A $10 fee has to be paid to the court processing your petition for the final order to be entered. In case you need certified copies of the order, you'll have to part with an extra $10 for every copy.
Child name change
When it comes to changing the name of a minor in Michigan, a number of things need to be done. Age variations matter.
Older minors must give consent
If the minor is 14 years old or older, the child has to sign a written consent to the name change in the court prior to the granting of the order.
If the minor is not yet 14 years old, both parents who are legally the child's parents have to agree to it.
Parental consent and exceptions
In case any of the parents fail to give consent, the court requires the custodial parent to prove to the judge/court that the noncustodial parent hasn't been supporting the minor substantially or regularly and has not been supporting the minor as the court had order for at leas 24 months prior to filing the minor name change petition.
The custodial parent also has to prove to the court that the noncustodial parent hasn't been contacting or visiting the child for at least 24 months prior to filing the minor name change petition.
It's also worth noting that changing the name of a child below the age of 14 years is not possible unless the child is the adopted or natural child of the parent filing the petition or the consent has been obtained from the father and mother of the minor jointly, from the parent who is alive in case the other is deceased or the consent is obtained from one of the parents in case only one legal guardian/parent is the only one around to give the needed consent.
While filling out the petition for the change of name of a minor, it's important to remember the petition will require the current name of the minor and the proposed name, a clear reason for the change of name, the father and mother's name, and a date and signature.
Newspaper publication and waivers
A notice also has to be published once the place, date, and time of the hearing of the minor name change petition has been set. This is done towards giving any of the noncustodial parents the chance to object if they want to in case they couldn't be reached prior.
The publication has to be done within a local newspaper clearly indicating the place, date, and time of the hearing. The notice has to appear for a month or four weeks if the court will approve it. After the four weeks the court will then hold the hearing to consider and effect the name change, legally.
Remember, if you think the hearing shouldn't be announced in a newspaper for the safety of the child you need to let the court know. Only persons who are 18 years of age or above can change their name in the state of Michigan without the need of consent from parents.
Change of name on birth certificate
In Michigan, seeking a legal name change in a court of law doesn't change the name appearing on the birth record automatically. It's important that after you have completed the process of legally changing your name you go ahead and complete the process of changing the name on your birth certificate through the Michigan Vital Records office, in the Changes Unit.
To do this, you need to submit a signed and completed name correction application and part with a $50 fee in money order or personal check payable to Michigan State.
Include a current and valid photo ID as well as a certified copy of the name change order so that the process can be documented. The fee of $50 includes a single certified copy of the birth record with the name changes completed. For an extra copy you will need to supply $16.
Expected turnaround time is 5-6 weeks to update your birth record, but you can pay an extra $25 to get it rushed to 2 to 3 weeks.
A legal name change on the birth certificate can be requested by any of the following:
- The parent whose name appears on the record
- The child's legal guardian also appearing on the birth record
- The minor appearing on the birth record if 18 years old and above
- A licensed legal representative of the parents
- A legal guardian of the child who is 18 years of age or older seeking to change the name on the birth certificate.
Social Security, DMV, Passport, IRS
First, approach the Social Security Administration to effect your name change, since most governmental agencies usually link records with the agency and you might only be allowed to change your name if you have done so first with the Social Security Administration.
You need to complete the Application for a Social Security Card that is also used in changing the name on current social security cards. You can return the form in person or via mail at any of the Social Security Administration's acceptable facilities.
After you update the name on your social security card, visit the branch office of the Secretary of State with your state ID card or current license including the certified copy of the name change order.
Apart from a new photograph being taken, you will have to part with a $9 driver's license replacement fee. The enhanced license cost $24. In case the driver's license is about to expire, renew it with the new name for $18. Remember, the fees can change at any given time and without notice.
Also note that enhanced licenses and applying for such, the fees differ and might be more than one and extra identity documents might also be required. While it's not mandatory, you can approach the Secretary of State for Michigan vehicle title and registration for a change of name.
You can continue to change your name and address with IRS, on your current passport, and with any other governmental body.
Non-governmental institutions
It's obvious that there are dozens of companies that need to be notified of your name change. Go ahead and approach them with a request to change your name providing the name change order granted by the court or the marriage certificate and any other document that might be needed by the non-governmental institution. These include insurance companies, financial institutions, employers and professional documents, among others.
- Documents needed to effect the name change:
- Certified marriage certificate copy for marriage name change
- Certified divorce decree copy for divorce name change
- General adult name change court order
Hi, I was married for the 1st time in 1995, then got divorced in 2005. I kept my married name when I got divorced. Now, I'm in the process of getting another divorce. It should be final in 2 weeks.
On the default paperwork, it says I can go back to my maiden name. Now, I'm getting close to getting married again. Can I skip over going back to my maiden name, even if it says, that I can on my default paperwork?
When I do get married again, I will be taking on my soon-to-be husband's last name. So is it OK to skip over, changing my last name to my maiden name, just because it is on my default paperwork?
How many times are you allowed to change your name in the state of Michigan?
Yes, you can skip over your divorce name change even if your divorce includes language restoring your maiden name.
Yes, your divorce decree gives you the option to change. You are not required to follow through.
There is no maximum name change limit.
Hi, after I got married in Michigan, I took my marriage license to the social security office to change my name. I dropped my middle name and added my maiden name as my new middle name… so First Name, Maiden Name, Married Name. The ss office said I could do this without a court order. My social security card, passport, drivers license and every document reflects this.
I am also a dual Italian citizen and I went to get an Italian passport for the first time. The consulate is saying that when I changed my middle name, that it wasn't legal and the only way to do it legally is to petition the court. I disagreed with them and they said if I could get a letter stating my name change is legal that they would accept that.
Was the way I did this legal? Also, if I have to petition the court to change my middle name to my maiden name (even though it is on all my ID), do I have to amend my birth certificate to reflect my new middle/maiden name? I certainly don't want my birth certificate to be First Name, Maiden Name, Maiden Name.
So the Italian consolute knows more than the federal SSA, federal U.S. State Department, and state government DMV? Interesting.
Yes, your middle name change was legal.
Also,
No, you can leave your birth certificate alone.
I have legally changed my first name and would like my marriage license to reflect that. Is this possible?
Hi Lucia. Unless the names on your marriage license were incorrect at the time of application and issuance, you can't modify it.
I have been married for a while now. After I got married I changed my last name to my husbands last name. Now I would like to hyphenate it with my maiden name. Do I have to go through court for a name change?
Hi Kristin. If you've only changed your name with social security, you can look into redoing your name change. Otherwise, you will have to go through court.
So I got my last name changed on my social security card sent in my marriage license with my married last name but I keep getting mail with my maiden name and my husband gets really upset about it.
Did I do it the correct way by sending in my marriage license to the social security office and updating my last name on my SSC or Do I have to legally change it through the court?
Changing your name on your social security card only affects the name on mail sent from the Social Security Administration. You must notify everyone else one-by-one of your new name.
Yes, you did it right.
No, you don't need to go to court. Just use your marriage certificate to notify other organizations. Certified copies for government agencies, and photocopies for everyone else.
We are married in Michigan in 2012 and after that, my husband changed his name when he got his citizenship, l want to change our marriage certificate with my new husband's name is that possible? ne
We are Minnesota residents right now
No difference.
No, you can't change your marriage certificate to match your husband's new name.
I'm in the military and I've been told that I can't use my marriage license to have my name changed through the military because the certified copy doesn't say my name is now legally changed. Is that true or has my name legally been changed? I got married in Michigan but live in Alabama at the moment.
Hi Gabriella. That's half right. You can't use your "marriage license", but you can use a certified copy of your "marriage certificate." And in Michigan, the certificate won't say that your name is legally changed. That's not a problem though. You can use it to change your name on federal and state ID.
A friend accidentally signed her maiden name on her marriage license instead of her married name. Will she still be able to use the license to change her name with Social Security, or does she need to correct the license? If she has to correct it, how does she do that? Thanks!
She did it right. Married name isn't asked for on the application.
She'll be fine there.
No, not necessary.
Hello, I'm a Michigan resident getting married in Hawaii in August. Hawaii allows you to declare your new middle name(s) and last name(s) on the marriage license application for both parties.
I (bride) would like to declare two names for my middle name (middle name, maiden name) and for my last name (spouse's last name).
Hoping to confirm that I should (1) sign this new ordering of names on my actual marriage certificate at the ceremony and (2) that this marriage certificate is all I will need to show when I change my legal documents in Michigan (SSC, ID, PPT, and so on).
Thank you very much!
Hi Sarah. What you're allowed to do in Michigan is based on Michigan law. They won't allow a "middle surname" combo for marriage-related name changes, even if your marriage certificate reflects that. However, you can drop your middle name and replace it with your maiden name.
I am getting married in June and I would like to drop my middle name and replace it with my maiden name then take my husband's last name. So I want to go from
Frist Middle Maiden –> First Maiden HisLastName
How do I go about that? Can we do it when we are filling out the marriage license?
Not on the marriage license. You'll use your current name there. Your marriage certificate will show your current name as well. That alone is enough to change your name as you prefer. The certificate authorizes your name change.
I got divorced in 2012 and asked to change my name back to my maiden name. It was approved in the divorce decree, but I never changed anything officially. I remarried recently and want to change my name now to my FIRST name, MIDDLE name, MAIDEN name and my husband's LAST name, without a hyphen? Is this possible in Michigan? Or do I have to hyphenate it? Thanks!
Hi Cecelia. You'd have to hyphenate.
When I got married, I changed my name by adding my maiden name with my husband's last name. Now, I want to see about if I can but his last name as the middle name and put my maiden name as my last name. What steps do I need to take to do so? Also, if I just want to go back to my maiden name, what steps should I take. I live in Michigan. Thank you.
Example of what I want. Currently my name says…
Jane Smith Jones but would like to go to Jane Jones Smith or just Jane Jones.
Hi Tasha. A couple of things to unpack here. If you want to take your husband's name as your middle name, you'll have to petition your county's circuit court.
If you're willing to accept a full revert, you can opt for a "name correction" through the Social Security Administration. This is a name reversal. Undoing what you did. You'll use your marriage certificate to effect the change.
The potential problem with this approach is it'll work with the SSA, but it's unlikely to work with other documents, such as your driver's license. If the only credential you've updated is your social security card, it's worth considering.
If you want to take you husband's name as your middle and return to your maiden name as your last name, you're right back to petitioning the court.
I was recently married and chose to keep my last name as well as my husbands last name but without the hyphen. My SS card reflects my full name (first, middle, maiden name, husbands last name). The Michigan Secretary of State says I need to hyphenate. My new passport will have my name the same as it appears on my social security card with no hyphens but my drivers license must have a hyphen. Won’t this mess up my ability to travel internationally? How do I sign legal documents because my legal name contains no hyphens.
Unlikely, as your name isn't materially different. Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate with you during travels to reconcile your diverging IDs.
You can sign what's matched on your social security card.
I was married, divorced then remarried. After marriage #2, I hyphenated both married last names, now want to drop the first- last name- what do I have to do?
Hi JP. That wouldn't be considered a marriage-related name change. You'll have to go through the circuit court to drop part of your last name.
Hi Valera ,
Okay I’ve recently gotten married not to long ago and when I signed my certificate I’ve made a mistake and out my husbands last name first then my dads . Where or what can I do to change it ???
Hi Brenda. Your signature wouldn't be used for name change purposes if that's what you're concerned about. Your new name will be derived from your printed name on the certified copy of the certificate.
If you just prefer to make a signed correction for the record, you'll have to contact the county clerk to see if such an amendment were to be allowed.
Hello. I was married and changed my last name to my my husbands name. I got divorced (final Jan 2017) and did not change back to my maiden name – I still have my exes last name.
I plan on marrying again and would like to change my current married name to my new partner's last name. Are there any other requirements needed to change from my current name to new name other than obtaining a marriage license?
I didn't think that there were any other steps but I wanted to ask to be certain.
Hi Ms. DS. There are no other steps. You can skip the divorce name change and go straight to changing your name through marriage.
I am a man and i want to take my wife's last name upon marriage. How would i go about this in Michigan?
Hi Joshua. You'll have to apply for a court-based name change.
Hi! I have always gone by my middle name and now that I am married would like to drop my first name and go by MiddleName (as new first name) MaidenName (as new middle name) and myHusbandsLastName (as my new last name). I would have to petition to the courts for an entire name change?
You would.
Getting married in Vegas, reside in Michigan plan to keep my name for a year and then change to his last name. Will I have to petition the court or pay a fee when I'm ready to change my last name?
Hi Kay. You won't have to go to court. You'd use your marriage certificate. Even a year later.
What about a scenario where my husband would like to take on my maiden name and hyphenate his last name? I know there was a house bill introduced a few years ago regarding name equality, but I'm not sure if it passed.
Hi Abby. Your husband would still have to do a regular adult name change court petition.
I’m married and only have my husbands last name. What do I do if I want to change my name such that I hyphenate my maiden name and my married name??
Hi Mel. If you've already formally changed your name, you'll have to go to court to change it again. If that's not the case, please clarify.
Hi,
I am thinking of changing my name when I get married, but I would like to add my maiden name to my middle name. I currently have a middle name and don’t want to remove it. So I would go from FirstName MiddleName Current/MaidenSurname to FirstName (MiddleName MaidenName) HisSurname.
How should I write this when filling out the license online? I noticed that Michigan’s license doesn’t have a space to write your new last name. Does that mean I need to fill out the license in the format of my current name, or the name I intend to keep after marriage?
How does the process then work to change my name if I fill it out with my maiden name? Also, is it cumbersome to have two middle names? Thank you!
On the online form for the license, there is a place to write your surname at birth (if applicable), what does this mean? Is that indicating that I write my preferred name that I want to keep after marriage, and in the space that says birth surname, I write my maiden name? Also, for parents’ birth place, is country sufficient? How detailed does that need to be? Thank you!
It's asking you to specify your last name at birth if it differs from your current legal last name. If your current surname has never change, you can leave it blank.
No, it's asking for your birth surname, not your new name post-marriage.
They're asking for your surname at birth a second time. It's confusing, but the first go round is asking you to jot it down if it differs from your current name. The second time they're asking you point blank what's your last name at birth. It's not optional at that spot.
If that's as detailed as can get, it's good enough.
Michigan county clerk's aren't looking to trip people up when applying for a marriage license. Just get the basics down and you're good.
You'll have to petition the court.
Current legal name.
True.
Current name.
Court. Not name change through marriage. If you were dropping your middle and replacing it with your maiden, that would be different.
It may cause confusion in others who aren't sure about the grouping. Does this person have two first names, two middle name, or two last names. Is there an error or missing hyphen? That sort of thing.
But, if it's the name you want, it's the name you should get. Let others deal with it. At worst, you'll have to correct them and make sure you're filling out forms and other paperwork as clear as possible. Maybe carry around some small Post-It notes that says, "Yes, I have two middle names."
Thank you so much for the thorough reply! I will keep the post-it note tip in mind :))
Hi, I got married in Vegas in 2017, but reside in Michigan. I decided not to change my last name then, but now I would like to take my wife's last name. Would I have to petiton the court still?
Hi Crystal. Yes, that option is still available.
Hi Valera, I'm from the Philippines. I got married here in Michigan last year and I only have my [FirstName and myhusband LastName] in our marriage license, but I want to insert my MaidenName as my MiddleName. Is it possible to change it here in Michigan?
Thanks in advance
Neither possible nor necessary for name change purposes.
If I am a Michigan resident but was married in North Dakota (I am military) and want to take my spouses last name but it says my maiden name on the marriage certificate, how should I go about changing my last name? Should I do it in ND or MI?
Hi Julie. You don't have to change it. Your certificate will work fine as-is.
Hello! I just got married in March and I didn't change my name at the marriage's certificate, but I changed my mind and I'd like to add my husband's last name now. Is it still possible? What I have to do? Thank you!
Hi Clyo. In Michigan, you don't need to add your spouse's name to the certificate. You can use it as it stands.
I know this. When I sign my marriage's licence I kept my name how it was before, but I would like to change my name and add my husband's name. The question is: how I didn't change my name in our weddiing' s certificate I can't change it anymore? Thank you!
Hi Clyo. You can't change the name on your certificate. The state requires your pre-marriage name on that document. That doesn't prevent you from changing your name across credentials if you so choose.
This is similar to a previous question, but I'd like to clarify.
My husband and I were married last year and we want to merge our last names to create an entirely new last name. I signed the marriage certificate with this merged name.
After I go through the process to petition to change my last name, will my husband be able to use our marriage certificate to change his last name without having to petition? Is there a time limit for this process?
Hi Rachel. You'd both have to file separate petitions. There's no time limit attached.
Hi Valera,
Instead of petitioning the court in MI, can Rachel change her name to her new name in California, where the name equality act allows merging the couple's surnames, if she'd become a CA resident?
There is an earlier comment asking if a MI-married IL-resident person can go to Illinois to change her name, and you answered yes.
Hi Anna. In that scenario, the marriage needed to take place in California.
My husband's last name is hyphenated (he has both parents last names). After marriage I had my name changed on my driver's license to only reflect the first of the 2 last names. Upon trying to renew mmt license today they informed me that it was illegal to only take 1. So why did they do it the first time? And is it really illegal?
It means whoever processed your name change the first time around let an improper name choice slip through.
I prefer the term invalid or unsanctioned.
My brother recently died and he named our mother his beneficiary for his life insurance. My mother’s first name was incorrectly listed on the beneficiary form and the life insurance company issued check with wrong first name.
My mother’s bank will not allow her to deposit check in her bank account because the bank account shows a different first name. All her identification (SSN, State of Michigan ID, etc.) shows the same first name as her bank account.
The bank is asking for legal or court doc to show name change before they will let her deposit check. This is silly because her last name is the same?
Is this typical type of error? How can we get this corrected with the least amount of effort and cost?
Do we need to have the life insurance reissue check with correct name?
Any suggestions on what we can do to make deposit of the current check?
That's the path of least resistance. Contact the insurance company or a local agent. If they can't help, get in touch with your local court for a resolution. If they can't help, get in touch with an attorney.
Hi,
I was naturalized as a US citizen in Michigan in 1993 and at that time I chose to have my name changed. On the Petition for Name Change document the name I changed FROM: was spelled without the middle name (a mistake I didn't catch). Now I would like to have it corrected and have the middle name added to match my birth certificate. Is that possible and how?
The name I changed TO: is correct and all my current CN, SSN, DMV, etc. are correct.
Currently I leave in Pennsylvania, do I have to do it in Michigan?
You'd use USCIS Form N-565 along with a court order.
You don't have to update your certificate. Your identity documents are all up to date.
You don't have to do this.
Hi Valera,
Strange, but my certificate of naturalization has only my new name on it. However, I have a separate Petition for Name Change document that has old and new names and was issued by a US District Court. Since my old name is the one I want to add my middle name to, would a court order be sufficient?
Do I also need to request a new naturalization certificate (form N-565)?
If that court order predates citizenship, you'll need a new court order.
Not the old one.
Yes, but it's not clear to me the purpose of having your certificate of citizenship match your birth certificate since your identity documents (e.g., social security card, driver's license) have your preferred name.
Just because you've changed your name for whatever reason (e.g., marriage, divorce, citizenship) doesn't mean you have to go back to update your prior certificates.
I just got married and we want to pick an entire new last name. If I take my hisbands last name now, does that mean we will need to Both petition for a last name change and pay $150 each?
Or should I wait to change my last name until he does and then go and change my last name to his new one? If marriage cert shows his current last name and not new one, and we signed it with intent to use current last name, Will I still be able to use my cert to change my last name to his new one?
Yes, separate petitions.
You'll still have to petition separately.
No, you could only change to his last name as shown on the certificate.
I got divorced 3 years ago & never changed back to my maiden name even though I was approved to do so. Is it too late to change it now?
No, there's no time limit to change your name after divorce.
I live in Michigan and got married in early July. I was asked at the courthouse where the wedding took place to sign my marriage license as what I would go by as a married woman. I signed my name as my maiden name as I didn’t want to change my name at the time. I now wish to change my last name to my husbands. How do I go about this? Do I need to amend my marriage license and apply for a new one?
Hi Kelsey. Unless Michigan's marriage license application was recently designed, they do not ask for your new married name. Did you see this question asked when you applied? If not, you'd use your marriage certificate as-is to change your name.
I just recently got married in Michigan and took my husbands last name on marriage license but would like to keep my maiden name same ss# same passport same all in my maiden name everything I have in my maiden name is that legal
Hi Dawn. You don't have to change your name. That's perfectly legal and valid.
My husband when he became a citizen changed his last name but our marriage certificate still has the
Old last name
Will I need a new martial certificate?
We live in Michigan
No, marriage certificates/records are historical documents. Just snapshots. You don't have to change yours, nor could you.
I am getting married in Michigan, but reside in Illinois. I want to use my maiden name as my new middle name ie Jane Doe Newsurname. I know this isn’t possible in Michigan without a court order but can I take my Michigan marriage license to Illinois to change my name there? Thanks!
What makes you think it's not possible in Michigan?
Yes, that would work.
So I can legally change my middle name after marriage on my marriage license without having to petition the court?
Hi Lou. It's unnecessary to change it on the certificate. The certificate alone can be used to change it on identity documents.
So I can write my new married name on my license and then take it to SOS to change it officially?
So for example, (Fake names) It's currently: Lou Jean Grey but I sign it as Lou Mary Grey-Water and SOS changes it to that?
Hi Lou. You don't need to write your new name on the certificate. They'll derive your preferred name from your current name. They'll piece it together.
My husband and I had our daughter when we were in high school (obviously not married at the time), so when she was born I hyphenated her last name with my maiden name and his last name. When she turned 3 we got married and now we want to change her name to just his last name, and drop my maiden name so her last name matches both of ours. Not sure how to even begin? Most info I’m finding on this is for parents who aren’t together, and arguing over name changes. Thanks for your help!!
The process is the same. File a petition with the circuit court's family division.
Hello, I got married a year ago and now would like to change my name. I would like my name to be First Middle Maiden Married. I got married in Utah but live in Michigan. My marriage license only has my maiden name on it.
Can I add my maiden name as a middle name while still keeping my middle current middle name? I read that I couldn't somewhere but I can't find it again.
Alternatively, can I add my married name as a second last name without having a hyphen? And if I do that would I need to use both last names ALL the time? Is having 2 last names a huge hassle if I would normally only go by one?
Thanks!
I don't believe either is possible through marriage.
You'd have to use both last names in legal contexts, government forms, taxes, etc.
You'll likely have to deal with clerical errors and folks improperly formatting your last name. You'll have to correct people. It's manageable, but something to consider.
My fiance and I want to take my biological fathers last name but I'm a bit confused on how to do this.
If your biological father's surname isn't your current legal surname, then you'll both have to petition the court for a new last name.
Hi Valera,
Would you confirm that "taking his last name, but adding a gender-agreeing suffix" is consider as "taking the spouse's name" or "creating a new name" in Michigan?
In some cultures, last names come together with patronymic suffix "–ov/–ev" (men) or "–ova/–eva" (women). So when she takes his last name, for example, Ivanov for him becomes Ivanova for her.
Hi Anne. That would be considered creating a new name.
Hello, I got married 7 years ago, on my marriage license, I have my dad's last name. Now, I would like to change my last name to my husband's last name. Do I have to get approval from county clerk or can I go straight to social security office.
You don't need to deal with the county clerk's office again. Just go straight to the social security office with a certified copy of your marriage certificate in hand.
Hi. My marriage license shows my maiden name and not my husband's. How do I get it changed. Do I have to go to court?
Michigan marriage licenses don't provide spaces to specify a new name after marriage, so there's nothing for you to change.