Congratulations on getting married! Congratulations on getting through the ceremony and dealing with all of the details that that sort of thing entails! Congratulations on joining your lives and starting off on this new adventure! Congratulations on all of the other cliché things that people are saying are happening to you right now! You're probably sick of hearing them, but they are still true. In fact, at this moment it is likely that you are so sick of wedding stuff that you don't ever want to hear the words "wedding", "ceremony" "bride" "groom" "decision" or "but what about… " ever again.
You probably just want it to all be done.
If you would like to change your name online, you can make use of our name change application to complete the required forms.
You've probably (hopefully) had a fantastic time on your honeymoon and now you are ready to just settle into the business of your regular routine again. Sure you've got some thank you notes to write but that has to be it, right? And really, you can do those in the evenings after work.
Not so fast!
Before you toss your tired body on to your couch, kick up your feet and declare yourself done, are you sure that you've taken care of all of the details that go into getting married? After all, the wedding and the thank you notes are just a part of it. There are also some legal things that need to be taken care of. For one thing, if you didn't keep your name, you have to make sure that you have your name legally changed on… well, as exhausting as it sounds, everything.
How Exactly Do I Change My Name?
First things first: you need to get a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This can usually be done by visiting your local records office and requesting a certified copy. It shouldn't take long for them to get it printed out and stamped for you. You might order a couple of them, just to keep your bases covered. They aren't usually expensive to have printed out for you.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The fancy looking certificate that you signed at your wedding doesn't actually count as your marriage certificate. That is just for you to put up at home. The legal document you signed and turned in when you applied for your marriage license and that your officiant had to sign and turn in after the ceremony are what make your marriage legal and will result in the production of a marriage certificate. You probably already know that, but it seemed like a good idea to include that here, just in case.
The good news is that, in most states, all you have to do to change your name is decide what your name will be after you get married and include that on your marriage license. This isn't always the case, though. In some states you are still going to need to go in to the courthouse, with your certified marriage certificate, and meet with a judge to get the process finalized.
Once you've gotten your name legally changed and you have official and certified proof of the change you are ready to get rolling.
Changing Your Name: The Steps
There are three major steps involved in changing your name.
Step One: The List
First you need to make a list of everything that you have under your non-married name. This is going to get overwhelming and quickly. It is possible that you have things listed under your name that you've forgotten about. That's okay. For now, let's start with what you can remember.
Typically your list will include things like:
- Your ID/Driver's License
- Your Social Security Card
- Your Passport
- Your HR Information at Work
- Your Bank Account
- Credit Card Accounts
- Your rental agreement/Mortgage agreement
- The title and registration for your vehicle (if you have one)
- Your Library Card
- Your Gym Membership
- Store Discount Cards
- Magazine Subscriptions
- Online Profiles
- Any other thing you can think of
Step Two: Prioritize
Obviously it is going to be more important to change some of these things than others. Your legal identification (driver's license or ID card), and updating your social security card should be at the top of that list.
This is usually because, to have your name changed on other documents and accounts, you will need these things to display your new name as proof of your new "identity." In some instances the marriage certificate itself is good enough because it will contain your pre-marriage name. In other cases, however, like with gym memberships, prescriptions, etc—you will need a new legal photo ID to get that done.
Step Three: Take Action
While you are waiting to receive your new social security cards and photo IDs (this can take longer in some states than in others. In New York it can take a month. In Oregon it takes about a week), you can get the ball rolling with your employer and at places like your bank. These typically will accept the temporary ID issued to you by the DMV as well as your marriage certificate as proof of the name change.
When you have your new photo ID and social security card, you can start to change things like the name on your library card, your gym membership and the name on your credit cards.
How Long Does This All Take, Anyway?
This is going to take some time to complete, especially if you try to do it all by yourself. You can probably get to the DMV and the Social Security Administration in a day, depending on where you live and how busy these offices are.
It might also be worth it to change the name on your vehicle registration and title while you are at the DMV changing your name on your license.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You are allowed to mail in your marriage certificate and other information to the Social Security Administration to get a new social security card, it is just a longer waiting process for the new card when you do it this way.
From there it is mostly about how much time you have each day to devote to changing your name. You are going to have to pay a visit to your bank to have your name changed on your accounts and, potentially to order new checks (though this can be done at any time online). The same is true if you have a mortgage or auto loan—you'll have to pay a visit to those lenders to change your name with them.
Other things, like changing your name on your credit cards will need to be done through the mail or by faxing in a copy of your marriage certificate. You can do a few of these things each day so that it doesn't seem overwhelming.
Wow! That's a Lot of Work
It truly is a lot of work to change your name. Like planning a wedding, making sure you get it all done means being organized and making sure that you've got everything written down and a centralized location in which you can track your progress on each place in which you need to change your name.
The Good News
The good news is that changing your name doesn't have to be a completely overwhelming process. It's really just a matter of getting all of your ducks in a row and then just going down your list.
The Better News
There are some really great online tools that will help you streamline this process. This very website you're reading, for one, offers you a centralized online portal through which to track every thing you do not need to do live and in person. It offers you a simple step-by-step form in which to input your information and then you can print out the forms you need for each type of name change. It can even help you get through the submission process.
Hey That Sounds Like a Sales Pitch
It isn't. It is up to you to figure out how to do the work of getting your name changed. If you prefer to take care of all of the details yourself and feel more comfortable that way (type A's, we're looking at you), that's fine. It is definitely an option. If you don't have the time or inclination to do every little part yourself and in person, tools like our online name change service can be of major assistance in guiding you through the name change procedure.
To Sum Up
Changing your name is a huge process. Don't let anybody lie to you and tell you that it is easy. It is one of those things that, just when you think you've got everything done, you find a new account or a new piece of mail arrives that is still in your old name. It can be frustrating.
What matters is that you will get through it. Much like planning and carrying out your wedding, changing your name is something that you are more than capable of doing. It might not seem like it now but you had moments when you were sure you'd never get your wedding planned, right? You got through that! You can definitely get through this.
After all, what matters now is that you are married and you are starting a brand new adventure (stop gagging; it is true, you know that it is true and you love that it is true. It's okay to admit it)!
Hey!! I’m getting married this month and I was wondering if I had to wait until the marrige license was official before I had to change my name? With our honey moon everything is under my married name, so I’m wanting to get it all changed before we leave. Is that possible? Or do I have to wait for everything to be signed?
Hi Kenzie. You can change your name once you received a certified copy of your marriage certificate. That doesn't exist until after your marriage ceremony has occurred and is recorded by the municipality/county (i.e., whoever has jurisdiction in your state).
Hi, I got married recently in January 2018 in NY, and decided NOT to take my husband's surname. We live in California. I am planning to change my surname now before I take my RN board exam. I am confused if I need to file a name change petition or just show our marriage certificate to government issuing agencies. The marriage certificate has my maiden name on it since I declined primarily to change my name. Thank you!
Hi Rina. If your marriage certificate displays a "new name" section that lists your maiden name, you may have to petition the superior court to change your name to anything different.
My wife and I recently got married (ceremony so far) and we've yet to file for our marriage certificate because I was planning on changing my name first and then have my wife change her name to the new name. From what I'm reading here can my wife and I file the certificate and write our new names down and then go to the DMV and SSA and change our names without having to go to the court to file paperwork and put out a newspaper ad, etc..?
Hi Victor. Can you clarify what you mean by "file for our marriage certificate?" The certificate should just be a reflection of your marriage application and license, while not containing any modified information.
If you're trying to change your name to something outside the bounds of what a marriage-related name change would permit, you'd both have to petition the court and go through the newspaper route.
If I got married will I have to tell the doctor at my next appointment ?
Unless it affects your insurance status, you do not.
I have been legally married for 13 years, but I have never changed my maiden name to my married name. We were married in Louisiana, however, we currently live in Texas. I am now wanting to finish what we've started… and so my question is, can I start my name change here in Texas without going through Louisiana or will I be required to go through Louisiana to change my maiden name to my married name since Louisiana is the origin of our marriage?
Where your marriage occurred doesn't matter. You can undergo the name change in Texas.
Can I visit a Social Security office in another state to update my name on my card or do I have to go to the office in my current state of residence?
Hi CB. Yes, you can go to another state's office.
Hi!
My question is when we say "name change" is that refer only to Last Name or the whole Name and Last Name? Reason, is that a client from other country got married and changed her name from (Xing Xing) to English (Ex. Mary) during the marriage ceremony. Can a judge or minister do that. They got married in KS. I thought that during marriage you can change you lastname to your husband or whatever name you want but when it becomes to name you have to petition court to change it legally. Your input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Yasmine. First name changes require petitioning the court. Most states allow middle name changes (typically maiden to middle). Of course, surname changes are universally accepted.
Hello I’m getting married in two months in California but we are moving to school for two years to Arizona two weeks later. After school we are planning to move back to California; my question is do I need to change my name in California before I move to Arizona since it won’t be my permanent residence or can I change my name in Arizona and keep my California license and address ??? Thank you
Hi Kimberly. You can change your name in either state.
hello i was woundering if i can get married in one state and get it all changed over in another state or do i have it get everything done in the state i get married in?we are in Bossier la and we are leaving in a week to move to ga
Yes, of course.
Hello,
I'll be getting married this May. I was wondering if i can change my first name when i'm going through the process of changing my last name. I've always been called by my middle name, so i would like to my middle name to be my first name and, first name be my middle name. Can i do that when i filing forms to change to my married name? Or is that something i need to file through court?
You'll have to go to court.
Hello,
I got married in California 20 years ago but now live in Texas. When we got married I signed the marriage certificate with my maiden name. I did not take on my husbands last name. I’ve been wanting to change it now to His last name. Do I have to go to court to get this changed?
No, you should be able to change your name using your marriage certificate.
I want to mail the SSA my marriage certificate to have my name changed that way (instead of going in person to the SSA). Will the SSA send me the certificate back?
Yes, your certificate will be returned once they're done with it.
Hi,
I got married in 2011, and I hyphenated my last name
from Mendoza to Mendoza-Smith. My social security number and driver license are Mendoza-Smith. Recently, I just want to change it to my husband's last name to Smith. Can I change it to Smith? Where should I start?
Yes, you can change it back, but it wouldn't be a marriage-based name change. It would be a court-based name change. You'll have to file a name change petition with the proper court in your state or jurisdiction.
My fiance wants to change his last name to his step dads before we get married. Can he just write it on the marriage license? Or do we have to pay to change it?
Hi Christina. Your fiance would have to go to court to change his last name to his stepdad's. Whoever will process the marriage license application will want to see identification to confirm the names, so placing another name on the license wouldn't work. Even if it were applied to the license, getting it changed with any federal or state institution is highly unlikely.
I recently got married and cannot take off of work to physically go to the ssa office. I know I can do this through the mail, but they do not accept photo copies. Does this mean I will have to send my drivers license through the mail? Of course I would send it certified, but I am still iffy about this. Has anyone tried getting their social security card name changed by mail? How long does it take and is sending my license safe?
Correct, no photocopies.
Yes, that's the alternative.
"Certified" only refers to your marriage certificate, not your ID. Certified copy, that is.
It's a common practice.
It varies. It could take 2-4 weeks.
Perhaps USPS priority mail with signature confirmation and tracking would set your mind at ease? Alternatively, you can acquire a duplicate license from your state and send that instead. Or obtain a state-issued ID card and send that. Or send your passport.
Whatever identity document you send will be returned to you.
Hi, my husband and I were married 10 years ago and at the time I kept my maiden name. My husband changed his surname a few years ago because of some family issues. (He wanted to take his birth father's name instead of his step fathers) Now I would like to change my surname to his. I assume I have to go to court to do this? What court, where do I start? I live in Michigan.
You'll go to circuit court. You can check out the Michigan name change article that goes into detail about what you'll need to do.
I got married in Rhode Island 2 years ago, and my wife signed her "new" married name, which was my last name. She never changed her name on anything else, she is still using the name from her first marriage. She just filed for divorce, still using her previously married name. Since she never changed her name on anything else, is our married legally binding? I hope not now that I know she was never really invested.
Yes, it is.
Hi there. I just applied for a marriage license today and was caught off guard that New York State does not allow two last names without hyphenation. In a panic, I chose to hyphenate my maiden name and my finances last name. Is it possible to change my new surname to only his last name on the license BEFORE we actually get married and get a marriage certificate? Or, when I go to change my surname with Social Security, can they just use his last name instead of both mine and his hyphenated? If not.. what are my options at this point to change my new last name to be just his? Thanks!
It's easiest to just apply for a new marriage license and have the old one voided.
I was married in 2012 in NYC but kept my maiden name. Now I would like to change it to my husbands last name WITHOUT changing my birth certificate. Can this be done? If so how?
Hi Jackie. If you didn't specify your husband's last name as a new surname on the marriage license application, you'll likely have to get a court-petitioned name change.
My Husband would like me to add his name on , when we get married on the Lic. Certificated. But he doesn't care if I change it anywhere else. How does that work? Can I add a name change to the Marriage Lic. and then not change anything else?- Thanks !
Assuming you're in a state where the marriage license application provides a spot to specify a new name, you could add his. Your marriage license and marriage certificate will reflect this name. After you're married, you can just ignore it. Whatever new name is specified on your license/certificate is nonbinding.
I got married 18 years ago in Ontario, I’m using my married name for bank, mortgage and taxes but I never changed my documents e.g. drivers license etc… I just have my marriage license proving my married name but nobody has asked me questions about that is that fine?
Hi Michelle. It may not be causing you problems now, but it may later. It's like a crack in a glass that might (or might not) eventually splinter.
I got married 2 years ago but did not change my last name. I used my maiden name on my marriage license and certificate. I now want to change my last name to reflect my husband’s. Do I have to file a petition or is there a way to change it using my marriage license?
That depends. Which state will you be changing your name in?
I got married 2 years ago in Washington but did not change my last name. I also kept my maiden name on my marriage license and certificate. I now want to change my last name to reflect my husband’s. Do I have to file a petition in or is there a way to change it using my marriage license?
Hi Jelisha. You don't have to go to court. Just use your marriage certificate.
I want to change my full name and I’m getting married I was wondering if I should legally change my name first or get married and do the full name change later
I assume you're going to be changing your name through the court system. If you change your name before marriage, do you intend to change it again after marriage. If not, then it doesn't matter whether you change your name before or after marriage.
Hi, I got married in VA three years ago, and after getting married, I didn't change my last name, I kept my maiden name, I did receive the certificate of our marriage, but now I want to change it to my husband's last name. What should I do? Is it too late?
Just use a certified copy of your marriage certificate to complete a standard name change through marriage.
I got married in Maryland. I'm going to the Social Security office to change my name, and I have a certified copy of my marriage certificate. After I leave there, I'm going to the MVA to change my name on my driver's license. Do I need a second certified marriage certificate for the MVA? Will the SSA give me documentation that I can use to prove I changed it there?
You don't need a second certificate. The SSA will not hold onto your certificate.
You might be given a temporary card. However, if the MVA queries the SSA database, they may want to see your new name before processing your driver's license update. It can take around 24 hours for this sort of data refresh.
Hi Valerie – I live in California and am getting married soon. Is it possible to sign the marriage license to take my fiance's last name BUT not change it on my other legal docs? Can I just keep everything else as is and call myself Mrs. (husband's last name)? As long as my passport/ bank/DL/etc still match each other, do they have to match the name on my certificate?
Yes, of course.
You needn't change any of your documents. You can just use "husband's last name" informally/socially.
You don't have to update these documents to match the name on your certificate.
I was married in Arizona two years ago and I'd like to change my last name now. Even though my maiden name is on the certificate, I was actually never asked if I planned on changing my name, do I need to go through the court to change it or will my marriage certificate work?
Hi Amber. I believe Arizona marriage license applications only ask for the current last name and not what you might change to. You wouldn't have to go to court. A certified copy of your marriage certificate will do.
Hi. I was married August 5th here in Connecticut. I went to SSA yesterday and changed my ss card to heather, maiden name for middle name, husband's name. So now I wait for new card to go to DMV and change name on license. Then what? Am I legally changed? I know I still have to do passport, bank, etc. But is that really it? And I legally ditched my birthday middle name (absolutely my intention though)…
Thank you :)
Since your name change was processed by the SSA a day ago, you can go to the DMV anytime. If they perform an inquiry on the SSA database, your updated name should be visible.
Yes, then it's really legally change.
Hello,
We are getting married in a week, I'm from Brasil he is American. I do not want to change my name to his, to…… much trouble (2 citizen ship and politics). Can I only sign the married license with his last name and not all other docs. Or do I have too change then all in both countries. Please help
If your marriage application provides an area to choose a new last name, you could specify it. However, you will have to sign your current legal name.
You don't have to change anything, regardless of what's on the license.
Got married in LAS Vegas, NV live in AZ 2014 here we are 4 years later and I never changed my name. Can I still do so and how do I do this? He is not very happy that I never did. Also can he change his as well he wants to add mine to his so our baby has the identical last name as the both of us.
Yes, the same way you normally would: using a certified copy of your Nevada marriage certificate.
He'll need to get a court order.
Hi ! I live in FL & on my marriage certificate I do not see a space where I could’ve added my husbands last name . We’ve now been married for 2 years and I would like to add his to mine . So for example “ Mylastname-Hislastname” . Now I am wondering what is next ? Should I have added his name on the marriage certificate? Or can I use the one I have with my maiden name on it to make the change ?
Florida doesn't provide such spaces, so no loss there.
No, as the application didn't ask for it. It was only interested in your legal name at that time.
That's it. Just use your two year old certificate.
I want to change my first and middle names. I plan going through the county clerk and judge and so forth. There is a spot where they notify the birth certificate. Is there a form i need to file to get it changed on the marriage license?
I have to have the original judge decree stating it was changed for the bc and I'm assuming I'll need to send it along with a copy of the original marriage license and I'm keeping the same last name of my husband.
And also there's a spot on the request to change name file asking if my name has been changed before then asks for court case number and so forth. All I did was go from maiden to his name when we got married. Should I put that down? Sorry this is very confusing.
You must obtain a court order to change your first name. I assume that's what you're doing?
If the county clerk were to permit a name change on your marriage license (which isn't assured), you'd use your court order.
The court order alone should suffice, but you'll have to contact the vital records office for certainty.
It's not clear from your description if it's asking two questions (name changed before and applicable courthouse) or one (was name changed by court).
If it's the former, then you'd answer that you changed your name while the inapplicable court case number question would be left alone. If it's the latter, then it wouldn't apply to you as a simple name change via marriage doesn't go through the court.
The court clerk would be able to clarify any confusing aspect of your court filing before your hearing.
I live in Hawaii. I took my husband's last name. He died. I married again. I signed the marriage certificate with my new husband's last name. I no longer want this new last name. I want to stay with my deceased husband's last name, which my life, my parent's will, and my entire legal identity is built around.
I have not changed my social security card, driver's license, passport, etc. I do not want to change anything.
Can I do nothing and stay with my deceased husband's last name?
Will this affect beneficiary status on current husband's death with spousal social security benefits as I must prove I am his wife, but my name on all my ID does not match what is on the marriage certificate?
Will it affect other legal situations when I need to prove I am his wife but my ID does not match how I signed the marriage certificate?
Is Hawaii a state where my name has already changed legally anyway by signing the marriage certificate but I have not done the final work by going to DMV etc?
I don't want my current husband's last name.
Thank you!
Yes, do nothing and everything will stay the same.
No, as you'd be able to prove your identity if the need arises.
No.
No, you have to take proactivate steps to change it. It's not automatic.
Thank you SO much, Valera! :)!!!
You do a generous public service here by easing the minds of many. You change lives, really, and for the better.
You are appreciated.
Thanks for your kind words, SSV. It's much appreciated.
I got married 4 years ago in Texas, but I did not change my last name. I used my maiden name on my marriage license and certificate (and did not fill out the name change portion of the application). We are having a child, and I now want to change my last name to reflect my husband’s. I still live in Texas. Do I have to file a petition or is there a way to change it using my marriage license?
I don't believe the Texas marriage license application even provides a name change section. Do you recall differently?
No, there's no need to petition the court. Use a certified copy of your marriage certificate to complete your name change.
I got married and started using my husband's last name. is it possible to not use my original last name anymore as a middle name? Because it is traditional in the Philippines to make my original last name as a middle name after getting married.
There's a good likelihood that you can. Take a look at the maiden name to middle name article for details. Pay special attention to the end of the article that points out the few state's where it's not possible through marriage.
Hello,
I currently live in Arizona. I will be getting married in Texas soon then moving to Texas the following month. I would like to change my name to my husband's last name after we get married but I am not sure the best way to do it. If I change my last name before I move, I would have to get a new driver's ID, registration for my car, etc. Then i would have to do that all over again when I move to Texas. Do you think if I change my last name before I move and only change it for my ssc and wait to update everything else, I would have issues getting a new ID in Texas with my new last name?
It's doubtful you'll face any problem, as you'll just be undergoing a garden variety name change.
Hi, I got married 4 years ago in Texas and still currently living in Texas. I kept my maiden name on the marriage license and now wanting to change it to my husband's last name. Will I have to go to court to file the name change?
No, you don't need to go to court. You can use your marriage certificate.
can I use the license that was given to us or I have to obtain one from the clerk's office?
Hi Binh. As long as your marriage license (which is the same as your certificate in Texas) is a "recorded" original or certified copy, then you can use it. Otherwise, you'll have to order a copy from the county clerk that gave you your license and subsequently recorded it.
Hi Valera,
I got married in Massachusetts but live in New York State. On the marriage license, and now on the certificate, I specified that my surname after marriage would be my husband's. Massachusetts is one of the states where the name change is therefore automatic after our wedding. What would happen if I never went to the SSA or DMV to actually change it? What does this "automatic" name change actually apply to?
Hi Amy. It doesn't automatically change your name with the SSA and DMV. It provides you the authority to do so, but without you taking proactive steps to change it with those institutions, they have no way of knowing your intentions.
I would like to change my first and last name after marriage. Would that be possible. To not only change my last name but my first as well?
Hi Marie. You must obtain a court order to change your first name. Your last name can be changed through marriage.
Hi
I got married in nj 8/27 there was no option on the marriage license that I would like to take my husbands name. Will I be able to do this when I apply for the certificate or do I have to go through the court?
Thank you
You didn't overlook anything. New Jersey marriage license applications don't provide spaces to specify a new name after you're married.
You'll be able to change your name fine using your marriage certificate.
Hi Valera,
My fiancé and I will be getting married in Ohio soon. My fiancé has two last names and we both would like to be known as Mr. & Mrs. his FIRST LAST NAME once we get married. Are we both able to make this last name change with just a marriage certificate?
I understand that Ohio does not have a designated space to write in last names to use once married (is this correct?). Would the SSA/BMV accept both our last name changes as valid?
Thanks!
Hi Zoe. Dropping half the last name would require a name change via court petition.
Hi Valera, me and my husband got married in Philippines 8 years ago. I am planning to change my last name to his last name. Can I change my middle name with my maiden name without filing a court petition?. We live in Texas. Thank you.
Yes, you can.
Thank you.
I would like to change my first name as well when I get married, completely new slate as it were. Do I have to do that separately from my marriage/last name change, or can I do it all at once?
Hi Rachael. You'll have to change your first name separately. If you're going to go for a first name change, you can change your last name, or really any part of your name, simultaneously.
I will be married in Vermont but reside in Ma. Vermont marriage applications do not indicate preference for surname. I believe the actual license will also state my current surname. Would the Vermont marriage license be enough to change my surname to my husbands or would I have to go to probate court in Ma?
Yes, sure it will.
Hello! We were married 3 weeks ago in Florida (Brevard County). Our marriage certificate has come in the mail. My concern is that it does not state my new last name. Only my birth name. So how will they know my new last name without is stating it on the certificate? Do I just take the certificate to the Social Security Office and tell them the name change!
That's to be expected. Florida marriage certificates don't list new names after marriage. It's a non-issue.
That's what you'll need to do. Take the certificate as-is to the SSA to change your name.
I was marry 2010 now i change my name and i remarry my name with my wife i got new marriage date 2018 can i use my 2010 marriage date
Use it for what? I'm not sure what you're asking here.
I mean the first marriage certificat
Hi Mick. You'd have to use your the marriage certificate from your most recent marriage.
Hello i want know when i remarry my name and get my marriage certificate but i not update in ssn it is legal marriage certificate
Hi Mick. Yes, your marriage certificate is perfectly valid whether or not you update your name with the Social Security Administration.
I live in VA and just got married. On the form to request additional copies of the marriage license, it has blank spaces for each spouses name. I put my husband's name, but I'm unsure if I put my maiden name or married name, or if it matters.
Hi Steph. This assists in searching for your record. If your marriage license was issued in your maiden name, specifying your maiden on certificate copy requests will make it easier for the circuit court to locate and send to you.
Hello! I live in Virginia (Loudoun County). I got married 6/22 in Africa, and I would like to take my husband’s last name. I went to ss office and changed my last name. I received my new card in the mail recently. I planning on going the the DMV soon to get it changed as well. A colleague of mine mentioned that I would need a court order to change my last name at the DMV, since I did not get married in the US. Any info will be helpful as I was not asked at the ss office for a court paper just my marriage certificate from Africa which has my maiden name. Thank you.
The Virginia DMV change of address or name page doesn't distinguish between a foreign and domestic marriage certificate. As long as it's an original or certified copy, you should be fine.
Awesome! Yes, it’s the original marriage certificate. Thanks so much for you reply.
Can I drop my first name and just keep my middle name as my first name on my marriage license when I apply. I've never liked my first name. In getting married soon in Las Vegas. .I live in Arizona
No, that's not possible.
I am getting married in CA and want to change my first name and take my husband's last name. What is the best order to do this? Should I first change my first name with the court, then take is last name on the marriage certificate or keep my name as is on the marriage certificate and petition for the name change (new first name and new last name) after we get married?
Hi Sunny. Since you have to go to court to change your first name, you could kill two birds with one stand and just change both simultaneously.
I'm in a similar situation. I want to take my husbands last name, and change my first name. We are getting married in a month, so on the marriage certificate, do I put the first name I want to change it to? Or do I keep my current first name on there?
Hi Alexandra. You wouldn't be able to change your first name through marriage. it would have to be done through court. When applying for your marriage license, use your current legal first name.
When I got married a couple years ago in OregonI put a hyphenated last name on my marriage certificate (maiden-his). Shortly after we got married, I lost my driver’s license and when I went to get a new one I showed my marriage license and got the hyphenated name on my license. However, I never switched any other documents or accounts (SS, passport, banks, HR, etc.). I never ended up used this hyphenated name socially and have decided I’d rather just use my maiden name.
I’m unsure what to do moving forward since I basically went partway through the name change process but now want to go back. Can I get a new new driver’s license with my maiden name if I show them my passport and/or SS card? Will I have to get a legal name change? Thanks.
In this instance, you would have to go and get a legal name change through the courts. Doing it a second go round wouldn't work by showing your social security card or passport in your maiden name.
I was married in hawaii in 2012 and elected not to change my name at the time. I now live in nevada and would like to take my husbands name. Will i have to file a petition with the courts to do so?
No, you don't have to go to court. It's not too late. There's no time barrier.
I have some of the same issues other people have with no space to put my new last name on certificate.
I also need to change our son's name….long story as to why he has my maiden name. I want to change his name to his father's last name. When his father finally signed for the birth certificate they did not change his last name 15 years later when we voted married i figured I'd look into it since I have to change my name. Why not do it all at once. What do I do?
Hi Andrea. It's not clear what you'll be changing your last name to. If you're changing your name to your spouse, your marriage certificate would typically suffice. As for your son, you'll have to petition the court for a child name change. It's typically handled by the family court, but it varies by state.
I was married in the Philippines last 2017 but i did not changed my name at all . Im working herein Greece and all my ids , my passport and drivers licensed are in my maiden name . Now my husband is a US citizen and wanted to petition me to live in US with him. Do i need to change my name in my passport in able for us to have the same surname or can i keep my old name my maiden name in my passport? Does the immigration will question me for not changing name after marriage?
No, you don't have to change your passport name.
It's possible, but you're not required to make any such change.
Hi, I am getting married in OH 9 days after my license expires. Can I just bring a copy of the marriage license with my new last name to the BMV as proof of a name change? Or do I have to get a new license when it expires and then get another one a couple weeks later?
You need to bring a certified copy of your marriage abstract.
That's entirely up to you.
hi, I recently got married In las Vegas. I live in California. when I filled out the pre application for a license online I wasn't asked what my new last name would be but when I went to the actual office in las Vegas she printed the paper out and had that option on there. she was rude and just handed us the paper after I asked her about it. I was wondering how would I be able to change my last name in California?
Hi Stephanie. Just use a certified copy of your Nevada marriage certificate and you'll be fine.
thank you
Without marriage certificate how to change wife adhar details
Hi Srinivas. Are you saying you don't have a marriage certificate or that it wasn't accepted?
I am a US citizen, my husband is Mexican citizen. We got married in Nayarit, Mexico on April 17th of 2017 we had a civil marriage and all US required documents for me were turned into mexico and so was our marriage license. We are close to the end of the process with the US embassy on getting my husband here to the US. I would like to take my husbands last name……. is this even possible although i was married aboard and it has been over a year that we got married?
Yes, it's possible. The procedure is the same as if you were married in the U.S. Obtain a certified (or equivalent) copy your marriage certificate from Mexico to complete your name change at home.
Hello, I was recentlyarried in Texas and I want his last name. I did not change my name on my marriage license. Was I supposed to do that?
No, not in Texas.
I got married in January and hyphenated my last name on my SS card only. I want to drop my married name now so that it matches my kids. How do I do that?
At this point, you'd have to obtain a court ordered name change.
Greetings, may I know how many copies of the marriage license I should get? Do they require originals for DMV and SSN or will photocopies suffice? I don’t want to keep going back and forth and would like to order as much copies I need. Thank you!
You can get away with one copy. However, if you mail out your name change documents along with your certificate, you'll have to wait to receive it back before changing your name with whichever institution's next in line.
And to be clear, you'll need copies of your marriage "certificate" and not your "license." In a few states both refer to the same document, but most states distinguish between the two.
Photocopies for such government agencies will not be accepted. It will have to be an original or certified copy. Lesser organizations would probably accept a photocopy.
More copies will allow you to change your name with more organizations in parallel. For instance, if you had two copies you could dispatch one to the SSA and one to the passport office.
I'm getting married in Texas in January, I live in Canada and my boyfriend boyfriend lives in Texas, after we get the marriage license we're gonna go to the courthouse and get married right away. I'd be leaving to come back home 2 days after we get courthouse married. Is that okay? Will I get a copy of the marriage certificate mailed to my home address? Do I have to change my last name in Texas?
Yes, of course.
When you apply for your marriage license, preorder a certified copy of your marriage certificate at the same time and have it mailed to your home address.
No.
I got married in June of 2015 in Mississippi. I have my maiden name on my marriage license and finally want to change my name to my wife's last name. Do I need to bring anything else other than my BC, passport, SSC, or DL? I read something about possibly having an issue if the marriage was more than 2 years ago. Also, it said something about providing documents with what would be my new legal name which I do not have.
Hi Laurin. The two year thing you're referencing advises people to present an identity document (expired or unexpired) in the old name. If no such document exist, one in the new name is fine. Along with that, you'll need to bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate to authorize the name change.
Hi Valera, thanks so much for this helpful blog! I am getting married in NYC and prefer to keep my maiden name for now, but may elect to take my future husband's last name it at a later date (potentially years later) if we have children. Is it ok to add the potential new last name on the marriage license/certificate but not legally change it through SSA/DMV etc until later, if at all? Or is it better to complete the marriage license with my maiden name and then remarry to get a new marriage certificate for the name change?
Yes, this approach keeps your options open.
Choosing a new name at the outset would be less of a hassle down the road. You're not bound that choice.
Hi, I'm applying for a driver's license in California and was just wondering if I still need to bring a copy of my marriage certificate if I already have the name change on my ID and ssc? Lmk thanks!
Yes, you still need to show your marriage certificate.
I absolutely hate my name entirely, and wizh to change it completely. And I will be getting married In 2020, So my question is Can I change my entire name using a marriage certificate in Colorado.
No, you'll have to go to court.
We are a same-sex couple that married in Dec 2018 in Las Vegas. We live in California. Neither of us indicated a desire to change my name on our marriage application. On our marriage certificate, my husband has two last names as is common in Latin America reflecting father’s name and mother’s name respectively. It matches his passport. I would now like to keep my last name but add one of my husband’s legal last names, the one from his father and the one he’d normally use with his last name. May I simply change my name on documents using my marriage certificate even though I didn’t state a change initially when we applied for marriage?
That's to be expected. Nevada's marriage license application doesn't provide a new name space.
Yes, you can.
Hello, I am getting Married in 2020 and rearranging my name Completely. My last name will be my first name and I will take my Husbands Last name. Should I change anything before the Marriage or can I do the entire switch at once? We will be married in Florida. Thank you :)
You'd have to go to court for that sort of name change, so it wouldn't matter when you'd do it.
To keep this short. I did not change my last name when I married. We have a child together and they share the same last name. I am now a widow and I want to change my last name to my married name and to share the same last name with my son. I have no idea on how to go about this?
You'd use a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Approach it like a typical married name change.
I got married in June, I received new SS card in August. I have not changed anything to my new name yet, Is there a deadline?
Some DMV's do require notification within X-number of days, but the penalty is typically a minor late fee upon renewal. Some are toothless, having no penalty.
So the Social Security Office will accept a certified marriage certificate to change name even if the certificate does not specifically state the new name in print?
Hi Frank. Every state's marriage certificate design is different. Some will display a new name after marriage, some do not. It depends on how the marriage license application is designed.
If a person got married in a state that doesn't ask for a new name when applying, then the marriage certificate will show their current name. That doesn't stop them from changing their name.
I got married 11 years ago in Nevada but never changed my last name. My husband changed his last name this year and now I want to change my last name to his new last name. Can I do this without a court order? I would also like to make my maiden name my middle name (I currently do not have a middle name). Is this possible?
At this point, both name changes would require a court order.
I just moved to Illinois after getting married there. My driver's license is still for my Indiana address (where I moved from). I plan to change my surname to my husband's.
Can I change my name and state of residence all at the same time in Illinois? Or do I need to either change my ID to Illinois first, using my maiden name, then change my name…or alternatively change my name in Indiana then switch to Illinois with my married name?
You can do both simultaneously.
I changed my last name on my marriage certicate and now wish I hadn’t.. can I still use my previous last name on all other documents?
Hi Denise. You're not required to commit to a name change specified on your marriage certificate. Do nothing and your current last name remains intact.
I also did the same thing as Denise. MY husband and I eloped in Nevada but we both live in California. I think I would rather not go through all the trouble of name change since I love my current last name. Are there any legal ramification for not changing the name, like does it make the marriage certificate invalid?
Hi Eva. Your marriage certificate and marriage remain valid whether or not you change your name.
Hi, I just got married in January and received my marriage license in the mail yesterday. But as I was reading through this article I realized that when I went to file for my marriage license the lady at the office didn't ask me what last name I was going to take. I am going to be changing my last name to my husband's but now I want to know since I didn't put that in the marriage license, will that be an issue?
Marriage license or certificate? In some states it's the same document. In others, you'll be mailed the original marriage license back, but it's not the same as the certificate you'd use to change your name.
Some states ask this, some do not.
If the option was available to you when you applied, it could be an issue. If not, you needn't worry about it.
I am getting married next summer 2020. My question is, I have section 8 wanna know if I will loose it? Because I really only wanna change my name but not legally sign papers stating we r married. So in essence we will be married in the eyes if god but not legal on paper.
It's based on income, so it could be affected if your overall household income is reevaluated.
If you apply for a marriage license and have it solemnized, there will be public record papers showing you're married. Are you opting for a common-law marriage instead?
Hello! I am from abroad and I do not have any official documents here in the US with my name, I just got my European passport. I will be marrying a U.S. citizen in two weeks so basically I would like to change my last name and have it hypernated with those of my husband-to-be. Are you sure that all I need to do is to put mine-his last name on the marriage licence in order to have a name changed? As I will be applying for a Green Card and social security, so I will need to prove my change by using a marriage certificate but I just read somewhere that normally putting husband's name on the marriage licence is not legal as while filling the information on the marriage licence we are not yet officialy married so I cannot sign it with my new name. I am confused. Could you please help me out with that?
Not all states have a spot to put a new name on the marriage application. Either way, you'll be able to change your name with your marriage certificate.
You'll sign your new name on your marriage license. Your marriage certificate may or may not allow you to sign your married name. Regardless, you'll use your marriage certificate to complete your name change after you're married.
Hello me and my fiance got our marriage license in NJ and we are doing the ceremony in may at the court house but it did not say where to put my new last name on the marriage license as i want to change it my fiance's last name i asked the clerk they said i wouldnt change it on the marriage license so where would i be able to change my last name to my future husbands?
Hi Kim. You don't need to change your name on your marriage license or marriage certificate. They're not designed that way. Just use your marriage certificate to change your name to your husband's. It won't be a problem. You can review the dedicated New Jersey name change page for more information.
so Do i have to do an extra step now to officially change my name or is my surname automatically changed to my husband's surname following marriage?
Hi Kim. You'll have to go the extra step to change your name with the proper federal and state agencies.