How to Change Your Name After Marriage
Changing your name after marriage is a big decision, whether taking your spouse's last name, hyphenating, or creating a new last name. Yet it needn't overwhelm you.
This quick and easy guide will show you how to complete the marriage name change process with precision and in proper order. Get ready to change your last name with confidence.
Authorization to legally change your name
Legally changing your name after your wedding is a hefty task. So focus on bite-sized chunks. Begin with a new social security card. Then a new driver's license. Persist.
There are three prevalent name change events:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Court order
And each has a related legal name change document:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree (with restored name order)
- Court order (with name change order)
The name change process using your marriage certificate works the same when using a decree of dissolution or judge's order, which decrees or orders your name changed.
Civil union and domestic partnership name changes use the same process as changing your name by marriage—using their comparable certified documents.
Name change through the marriage process
If your marriage certificate says your new last name will be XYZ, you may only shift to that name. Otherwise, pick whichever last name you decide works best, within acceptable limits.
Within acceptable limits refers to default social security rules for surnames:
- Take your spouse's last name.
- Hyphenate your last names (or use a space).
- Take half of your spouse's hyphenated last name.
You may also replace your middle name with your maiden name (or last name at birth), alongside changing your last name. Or add a second name to your middle name.
Consider our convenient online name change kit, designed to save you time and effort alongside this comprehensive guide.
Is name change after marriage automatic?
Your last name won't automatically change after you get married. There are legal steps and forms to fill out. You must alert multiple government offices to make it official.
Likewise, your name won't revert or switch by itself after divorcing or completing a formal name change petition. You must put in the work.
So if you plan to change your name after marriage, get ready to review your name change checklist, sorted by priority.
The name change process begins now…
1. Get your marriage certificate
The first step to changing your last name is to get your marriage certificate. This is one of your most important legal name change documents. You can't move forward without it.
You can use an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate to change your name after marriage among government agencies.
But you must apply for a marriage license to get a certificate. For New England states, NY, and NJ, visit your city or town clerk. Others, see your county clerk's office or county courthouse.
Either you or your officiant must return your completed license to the issuing office for recording after your wedding. Get your certified certificates from the same office.
Marriage license vs. marriage certificate
People often mix up the marriage license and certificate, but there's a key difference:
- Your marriage license allows you to marry.
- Your marriage certificate proves your marriage occurred.
Depending on where you live, your marriage license and certificate may be the same document; only the status shifts after your ceremony takes place.
Get your marriage certificate as soon as possible
You can get certified copies of your marriage certificate delivered straight to your mailbox; just preorder copies when you apply to get married. Yet a quicker way exists…
Many couples assume only their officiant may send back their completed marriage license. Not true. You may return your own marriage license after getting married.
You may obtain your marriage certificate fastest if you:
- Return your marriage license in person.
- Get certified copies before leaving the clerk's office.
One certified copy of your marriage certificate will cost between $5 and $25. Fees each state levies vary. Yet most hover around $20. (They'll often discount extra copies.)
Consider getting at least three certified copies of your marriage certificate. This saves time when changing your name across multiple entities.
2. Update your social security card
Your name change becomes legal once you update the name on your social security card through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
You can view our extensive social security name change guide, which covers filing options, identity documents, name change possibilities, turnaround times, etc.
In short, submit SS-5 by mail or in person with a certified copy of your marriage certificate, and proof of ID and citizenship (e.g., birth certificate). Your new card will arrive in 7–14 days.
Your local social security office will mail back any ID, certificate, or personal document included with your paperwork. They'll get delivered before your new card.
Your updated social security card will print your new full name, but your social security number (SSN) won't change.
3. Update the IRS
The SSA will alert the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of your name change. File your tax returns in your new last name to avoid delays in processing and refunds.
You must mail IRS Form 8822 if your "home mailing address" changed. Note prior names for both you and your spouse. You needn't attach proof of name change or photo ID.
4. Update your driver's license or state ID card
Note: We will use DMV as shorthand for your state's Department of Motor Vehicles office. State acronyms vary—e.g., BMV, RMV, SOS—but their offices are equivalent.
You must first update your name with the Social Security Administration before changing your name on your driver's license, REAL ID, state-issued ID card, or learner's permit.
You can't change the name on your driver's license by mail or online. Complete this corrective renewal at your local DMV. And factor in potential name change deadlines.
Come prepared to take a new photo and pay a renewal or reissue fee. Bring cash or a personal check. Offices accepting credit card payments may add a surcharge.
On May 3, 2023 May 7, 2025, the oft-delayed REAL ID deadline goes into effect, requiring adult air travelers to own a REAL ID compliant driver's license, enhanced driver's license (EDL), or other valid ID to fly within the United States.
Documents needed by the DMV
Bring your current driver's license, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, and proof of residence (e.g., utility bill, bank statement) to change your name with the DMV.
You will need to show proof of your full social security number (SSN), such as a:
- Social security card
- Pay stub
- W-2, or
- 1099 tax form
The DMV won't keep your certificate, but may retain your old driver's license and issue you a temporary ID. Your new license will arrive by mail.
SSA to DMV verification (mind the 24 hour gap)
The DMV will confirm your name change with the SSA Online Verification System (OVS) by querying their database. This search requires your SSN.
Wait at least 24 hours between your social security card and driver's license name change. This gives the SSA database time to propagate new data before getting queried.
The new name on your new driver's license must agree with your SSA "Numident" record. This explains why your SS name change precedes your DL name change.
So with proper timing, you can visit the DMV to update your license without waiting for your new social security card to arrive.
5. Update your car title and registration
You must update your vehicle title and registration when your name or address changes. You can often complete this process online, by mail, or by filling out papers at the DMV.
The procedure for car title and registration changes varies across states. You should consult your state's DMV website for precise details.
At a minimum, you must hand in your current vehicle title. Both your new title and registration should arrive by mail within a few weeks. Your title should arrive last.
Revising your vehicle title and registration isn't a DMV role in every state. Most states assign this task to an approved license plate agency.
6. Update your passport
You may change the name on your U.S. passport with the U.S. Department of State before, during, or after changing your name with the SSA or DMV.
There are two feasible passport name change scenarios:
- Change the name on your current passport.
- Get your first ever passport under your married name.
Choosing the right passport application
There are three core passport forms (DS-5504, DS-82, and DS-11) and one conditional (DS-62). The upcoming three subsections will explain which one you should fill out.
But, first, three vital notes…
If you have a passport, forfeit it with your completed form. You'll get your old passport back by mail, albeit voided with a hole punched through or stamped "cancelled" inside.
For all filings, attach a certified copy of your marriage certificate as proof of name change, requisite payments, and a recent 2-by-2-inch color headshot.
Pay by check or money order, payable to "U.S. Department of State." If you're outside the U.S or Canada, file at a U.S. embassy or consulate; both accept credit cards and exact cash.
Now, onto the forms…
Which date was your passport issued?
A. Issued less than one year ago
Mail DS-5504 with your current passport if it got issued less than a year ago. This application offers filings free of cost. There is no book, card, or processing fee.
B. Issued between one and 15 years ago
Mail DS-82 with your current passport if it was issued between one and 15 years ago. The passport book costs $130, with an optional passport card available for an extra $30.
C: Issued over 15 years ago, lost, destroyed, or first-time
Submit DS-11 in person—with photo ID and proof of U.S. citizenship—at an acceptance facility, such as the thousands of designated USPS offices, if your passport is:
- Over 15 years old
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged, or
- Nonexistent, since this will be your first passport
You may get a passport book for $130, passport card for $30, or both for $160. The acceptance facility will charge a $35 execution fee to process your application.
You must attach DS-64 to DS-11 if your passport becomes lost, stolen, or damaged. This combo is required regardless of your passport age.
Passport processing times
Routine passport turnaround time is 7 to 10 weeks (from application received to delivery by USPS Priority Mail). Adding $60 for expedited processing shortens the wait to 4 to 6 weeks.
If you need to travel right away, urgent or emergency travel options exist:
- Urgent means within 14 calendar days.
- Emergency means within 72 hours.
Traveling under your maiden or married name
The name on your passport and airline tickets must match when you leave the United States. This detail may get overlooked during your wedding and honeymoon rush.
If you can't get a new passport before departing, book your plane tickets under your maiden name. You can update the name on your passport when you get back.
If you can't alter your boarding pass to match your new passport, show the airline your marriage certificate linking your old and new name.
7. Update your bank accounts
Steps to update your legal name differ across financial institutions. Your bank or credit union may let you change your name online, by mail, by phone, or in-person visit.
Show proof of name change, such as a marriage certificate, or a new social security card, driver's license, passport, military ID card, or government-issued photo ID card.
It's possible your bank may request both a marriage certificate and updated photo ID showing your married name.
Expect to provide at least your old and updated name, account numbers, and IRS W-9 Tax Identification Number (TIN).
Your TIN is a:
- Social security number (SSN)
- Individual tax identification number (ITIN), or
- Employer identification number (EIN) (for businesses)
When updating your name at a local bank branch, bring certified or original documents. Photocopies or scans are often fine for mailed or uploaded online filings.
Specify if you need new:
- Checks
- Deposit slips
- Credit and debit cards
You may order new checks any time online from either your bank's website or a third-party check provider. (This could serve as your first official name conversion.)
If you ask, various banks may let you keep cashing, depositing, and writing checks in your old and new name. They may have you sign two signature cards.
8. Update your credit cards
You should update the name on your credit cards to match the name on your social security record. Your marriage certificate can serve as proof of name change.
You may make account changes by calling the customer service number on the back of your credit card or visiting a nearby branch location. (Assuming one exists.)
The process varies per creditor. Some allow you to change your name by phone, mail, fax, online chat, official mobile app, or online account area.
Various credit card issuers may allow the display name on your card to differ from your new legal name. For example, you could continue using your maiden name.
The three credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—will automatically update the name on your credit report once you change your name on one or more credit cards. (No need for you to contact them.)
9. Update your employers and HR
Notify the Human Resources (HR) department where you work that you've legally changed your name. HR must update payroll records to equal what the SSA has on file.
The IRS requires your name match between your social security card, W-2, and W-4, for payroll taxes. Your marital status may impact employer-based health insurance and W-4 allowances.
Inform HR if you have opened a new joint bank account with your spouse to ensure direct depositing of your wages proceed without interruption.
Ask your employer for a corrected W-2 if your issued W-2 shows your old name. If your current or former employer doesn't comply, the IRS may intervene on your behalf.
10. Update your name with the USPS
You should alert the United States Postal Service (USPS) if you have changed both your name and mailing address to set up and schedule mail forwarding.
Filing separate requests in your maiden name and married name is key. (Plus every other prior name you've held.) See our USPS name change guide for instructions.
11. Update your voter registration information
You may change the name on your voter registration by mail using the downloadable federal National Mail Voter Registration Form, which supports 21 languages.
U.S. citizens living in the country (or with a U.S. address) may use this document in four ways:
- Register to vote.
- Report a name change.
- Report an address change.
- Register with a political party.
Caveats: This document will neither work in Wyoming nor North Dakota; WY law blocks it, while ND doesn't register voters.
12. Update or notify everyone else
After you change your last name on legal documents, deal with these key leftovers:
- Business documents (e.g., DBA, LLC, corporate charter)
- Business relationships (e.g., attorneys, accountants)
- Clients, customers, and vendors
- Doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and therapists
- Email accounts (name and signature) (e.g., Gmail, Apple Mail, Outlook)
- Gym memberships
- Insurance policies (e.g., auto, home, dental, life, health)
- Mailbox services (e.g., PO Box, PMB)
- Mobile apps (bio and profile name)
- Mortgages, deeds, and leases
- Payment services (e.g., PayPal, Venmo, Zelle)
- Professional licenses and degrees
- Retirement and investment accounts (e.g., 401(k), IRA)
- Ridesharing profiles (drivers and riders) (e.g., Uber, Lyft)
- Schools (yours and your children's)
- Social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)
- Streaming profiles (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime)
- Trusted Traveler Programs (e.g., Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, SENTRI, NEXUS)
- Utility companies (e.g., gas, electric, water, phone, cable, Internet)
- Wholesale retailers (e.g., Sam's Club, Costco, BJ's)
- Wills and powers of attorney (POA)
Create a list of who else to update about your new last name by reviewing your email inbox and sent folder, phone contacts, and postal mail pile.
Conclusion
After getting married, many couples want to change their name. It's not as hard as you may think. Your marriage certificate is your name change checklist starting point.
If you want an easy way to make these changes, consider using our name change kit. It can streamline the time-consuming process of changing your name after marriage.
We hope this article helped you understand the steps needed to make your name change possible. If you have questions, ask them in the comments section below.
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’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.
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.
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.
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.
If I got married will I have to tell the doctor at my next appointment ?
Unless it affects your insurance status, you do not.
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.
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.
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 am getting married next month & i wanted to know if i can drop my first name and have my middle name to my first name, his last name, & keep my last name as my second?
That's not possible through a marriage-based name change. You'll have to go through the courts to change your first name.
I got married in CA five years ago and put my first name, middle name and his last name on the marriage certificate. I now live in Michigan and would like to have my maiden name back (for professional purposes) in addition to his last name (i.e., my first, middle, maiden name, his last name…no hyphen). How do I go about doing that?
Hi Jean. I don't believe that option is supported in Michigan without a court order.
I live in Indiana and plan on getting married in June. My legal name is Brittany, but I go by a shortened version. Am I able to change that with my last name when we get married or are there extra hoops to jump through and charges to pay for that?
Hi Britta. Any change to your first name requires petitioning the court.
I was married this past summer in New Hampshire and did not take my husband's name. I live in MA and want to take his name now. Do I have to petition for a name change or can I go to the SSA office with our marriage certificate (with my maiden name)?
Hi Jenny. It's possible you may have to petition the court as New Hampshire's and Massachusett's marriage applications ask applicants to optionally specify a new surname after marriage. It may very well depend on the flexibility of the clerk to accept your NH license as-is with this omission.
Thank you!
I was married in New Jersey on Jan 1, 2018. I was previously married for 39 years and became a widow and my legal name is Collins and my current Driver license & SS shows Collins. On the Marriage, the application it shows my legal name (Collins) and my name that was given at birth, (Famiglietti) But on the certificate of marriage is only is showing my birth name of Famiglietti. When I went to the DMV to change my name to my married name they were having a hard time with this. (I didn't get to change my DL yet since I needed a birth certificate from the state where I was born) I have it now. I have my previous marriage license. Do they need anything else to change my name to my new married name? Will Social Security have the same problem? Once my Driver License is changed how do I prove I was Collins so I can change everything else. Since Certificate of Marriage only shows my name at birth?
Correct. NJ marriage certificates only reference the maiden name.
No, your marriage certificate will do.
No.
What document do you believe will cause you further problems? If need be, you can reference an official document showing your prior name (e.g., insurance card, tax document, car registration).
I'm from Japan and I just got married 2 weeks ago at courthouse CA. That time, I didn't add middle name because Japanese don't have middle name but now I want to add middle name… it's been 2 weeks since we got married. Can I still add middle name? Or is it too late?
It is too late. Even if you were able to go back, you couldn't add a brand new name that had no prior reference.
I'm in Alabama and I am about to change my name !! My documents are signed with my original name, is this right or did I sign my certificate wrong ?? Or do I just tell them myh husbands last name when I go down to the ss office ?? I keept asking them my name now and they said yes
Hi Teresa. You're fine. You don't have to tell them your husband's last name because it's already on the marriage certificate.
how will i correct and change my mariage certificate so that my surname in the birth certificate and my maiden surname in my mariage certificate entry match
Hi Erlinda. If there's an error in your marriage certificate, you'll have to contact the office that recorded it for a correction. You may have to submit an affidavit. If it's not an error, you'll likely need to submit a court order to force a correction.
hi Valera,
we are applying for marriage license in San Francisco, We opted for confidential marriage license. do i need to change my current last name to my fiance's lastname upon filling up the form? i am confused on what to put on the forms.
thank you in advance!
No, you don't "have to" change it. Name change is totally optional. If you do plan to change your name, specify it on the application.
Hi I got married in Las Vegas and my marriage certificate and license have my maiden name. I live in Chicago and I was able to change my last name on my ID and SS card, I never did change it on my passport. Now that I want to change it, will I have a problem with that? Everything else but the passport reflect my married name. Thank you!
No, it won't be a problem to change the name on your passport.
I got married last year but for got to trun my husbands green paper in to ss,office ,but then notice he put his step dad's name on it not hid real father, can I steal turn his green papers in ,I don't care if his step dad is on our papers, he don't care,
Just need to turn this paper in so I can do his taxes ,who cares about a dad on a marriage license,,,I did not marry his dad I marred him ,
Hi Mary. Having his biological father's or stepfather's name on the marriage license/certificate doesn't mean much and shouldn't affect anything.
I live in CA and on my birth certificate my 1st name is misspelled….if I were to get married then have my birth record amended how would that effect my marriage license? my name is BRITTANY and my birth certificate has BRITTEN…Social security card has Brittany (which is what I have gone by my entire life). thanks in advance gor your help
Hi Brittany. Not all California county clerks will ask to see a copy of your birth certificate, so it may not even come up. If you can explain the misspelling and provide sufficient identification reflecting your correct name spelling, your license should match your properly spelled name.
Worst case scenario, you can opt to amend your marriage license and certificate after you amend your birth certificate.
I go by my middle name and never use my first name and would like to drop it. When I get married at the NYC city clerk’s office can I just write my middle name and my husband’s last name or would I have to petition to have that change later?
Hi Renee. You'd have to petition the court to change your first name.
Hello my name is jowell I recently got married on the 21st and I signed the marriage license wit my legal name but I want to change it to my husbands last name I gave the clerk the money for the name change but my certificate says my maiden name not my husband's the application for the license didn't ask for the new name I just want to know if we did it right cuz I do want my husband's last name but we r super confused if we did it right or not need help
Hi Jowell. Not all states design their marriage license applications to ask for you to specify a new name after marriage. It will not prevent you from taking your husband's last name.
Married in GA Feb 2017. No option for my married name on certificate. I have not went to SSA to change name but i did go to the dmv and changed my last name. Can i go back to the dmv and have it changed back to my maiden name?
Married in ga. Marriage licence from SC
Hi Michelle. The DMV wouldn't process a followup name change without another authorized document, such as a court order.
My fiancé is in the military. And we are currently living in NC. But I have my permanent address listed in MI. We are going to get married in NC officially at a courthouse down here in January. I will be taking his last name on the marriage license. But I don't want to change my name on all my official document, SS card, Drive License, etc., until October when we have our family ceremony back in MI. Can I wait that long to change my name on all my official documents even though I will be switching it on the marriage license in January? I would rather wait until we are back in MI. But is that allowed. Or do I have to switch my name right away?
Also, can I change my name from First Middle Maiden to First Middle Maiden Husbands? Would my Middle and Maiden then both be considered middle names if I don't use a hyphen? Like First MM Husbands kinda like George RR Martin has 2 middle names/initials? Or is adding a second middle name not allowed?
You can wait.
That would likely require a court order.
Greetings, my husband and I got married in September 2017, he is an American citizen but I’m from another country , we haven’t filed any focus as yet is there a way I can change my name on my passport seeing I don’t have any if for America?
Hi Grace. You can change your name on your passport using a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Hi, I got married June 7, 2017 and I hyphenated my last name (Maiden-His). Do I have to change my name on all documents? Also, will the DMV give me a hard time renewing my driver's license?
No. You don't have to change your name at all.
No.
I was recently married and wasn't aware at the time that I was supposed to put my "new" married name on the license? I'm a bit concerned that I will now have to go and compete a name change petition to change my name on our marriage license. No one at the clerks office informed that I was to put anything other than my lawful name on the license. It's a bit confusing. Did we make a mistake and now more work for me to change it?
Hi Lindsay. What state did the marriage take place in?
I just did the same thing. State of Colorado
You did put a new name or you didn't?
Hi, i want to change my last name to my new not married yet to be husbands last name. We want to get married in vegas. I'm from Chicago, illinois he's from Dallas Texas. I'm going to move to Dallas to live with my new hushusband. I want to know before we gert married next year june 2018, what do i neee to change my name to his. I won't be using my maiden name. I want to do everything i need to do before i get married. How do i change everything, my name to his last name, first time getting a passport, and passport card, drvers license, i have my chicago il social security card, and my new state id. Do i need to do everything for illinois or for texas. Applying for the marriage liscense and marriage certificate in vegas or also in il or dallas texas? I'm confused on what to do with us from different states trying to get everything in order before next kune 2018. Can uou help me please tell me what to do in order thanks.
After you get married, obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Use that document to change your name.
It doesn't matter.
In Vegas. Specifically, the Clark County Clerk's office
Hi,
My husbands last name was something else and he changed it. But on our marriage certificate it was under the old name.
Does it even count that we are married? Just curious …
Hi Lauren. Your husband's name change doesn't affect the validity of your marriage.
We got married in Chicago, my wife is from Europe, she needs to change her last name in her passport, so she went to the passport office in her country. They are asking for a certificate or a letter stating that you will have XYZ last name after marriage. Is it possible to get such kind of certificate? I know in the US we only need marriage certificate as a proof to change names after marriage. We spend money on the ticket and everything, she is there and we don't know what to do. Please advice. Thank you.
No. Illinois marriage applications don't provide a space to specify a new name, therefore the marriage certificate wouldn't show a new name either.
We just applied for our marriage license and in FL., you have to wait 3 days before you can have it officiated, if you have not taken the pre-marital course, which we had not. In the process of getting our marriage license, it only shows my maiden name and I did not see any space for name change. I want to change my last name, would I just take the final marriage license to the SS office and tell them I want to change my last name or should this have been noted on the marriage license?
You'd take it as-is.
Hi I got married to my husband in las Vegas 3 weeks ago we are both from the UK. I didn't see anywhere when filing out the paper work to put my new married name down. I have just received my marriage certificate and it has my birth name on it and not my husband's name. I would like to take my husband's name. Can I still change everything even if my marriage certificate has my birth name?
Hi Vicky. Yes, you'll still be able to take your husband's name. Nevada/Las Vegas marriage licenses applications don't provide a space to specify a new name, which is why it's not reflected on your marriage certificate.
hi i got married did miy licence i did them my mew maiden name everything but stil when i recieve my license my old maiden name are on my license is that a problem but on my id my maiden name changed
Hi Shawn. If you're referring to your driver's license, you'll have to contact the DMV or equivalent to determine why they didn't update your name.
Hi
I'm 66 yrs old and am getting remarried as a widow in Friday in California. I receive direct deposits from my employer and also receive my deceased husbands SS benefits. On our new marriage license I took his name, but am wondering if I should just continue with my old name on my legal documents like the bank and SS?
Hi Regi. Taking your new husband's name is optional. Even though you specified a choice on your license, it's still optional. If you do make the change, it shouldn't be a problem to transition over your legal documents.
Got married 17 years ago; I kept my maiden name, as I have an established professional reputation under that name. I am now seriously considering changing my SS to reflect my married name, as I am closer to retirement. Here are my questions: a) Must I change my DL to reflect the new, legal, name?; b) Must I change my name on my Bank [deposit] accounts (established years ago) to the new legal name?; c) If I am required to change the name on my Bank accounts, must I change my name with HR so the direct deposits are accepted by the bank? (which would then change my public [and published] Professional name, which is precisely what I am trying to avoid prior to retirement.)
Some states say that your driver's license must be updated if you change your name, but the consequence of not doing so is either vague or involves a small penalty fee when you ultimately renew.
That's something you'll have to work out with you bank. It's possible for them to have your changed name on file while mainting your old name on mailings, checks, debit cards, etc.
Your bank may be able to accomodate deposits in both names. If not, you may want to consider opening up a separate business account under your old name as a DBA and have the direct deposits sent there.
Hi,
I live in California and am applying for a marriage license. I haven't decided if I want to change my name, but most likely will in the future. If I put my husbands last name under the part that asks for my new last name, will it automatically change my name with local, state and federal agencies? Can I leave my current name and change it later even though the license and marriage certificate would have my maiden name?
Thanks!
No, it's not automatic.
Yes.
Hello. I’m getting married (NC) next month and want to legally add my husband’s name as my new last name, and make my current last name by second middle name (just adding his at the end). If I change it with ssa and the dmv, am I required to also change it on credit card accounts or existing mortgage accounts? Or is it my choice?
Hi Rivkah. I don't believe tacking on a second middle name is even supported in NC. Even if it were allowed, you wouldn't have to proactively change it on your credit cards or mortgage.
hi i just got marreid in september havent even recieved my license yet in rhode island
DO i NEED TO CHANGE MY LAST NAME OR CAN I KEEP MY MAIDEN NAME?
Hi Jeana. Name change is optional. You don't have to change it if you don't want to.
Hi just I want to ask… why national security system told me my marriage certificate was illegal…
Hi Leah. Did they give a reason? Was it not certified? Did they require a translation? Was additional documentation requested?
Got married two months ago and I just haven’t got to change it yet been so busy do I have a time frame one changing my last name or will I get in trouble cause I haven’t changed it yet ?
No, there's no time frame. You won't get in trouble.
Hi,
i'm single.
I hate my sure name and i'm about to change my sure name, if i do so, will it not affect my fucture ? becauce i'm a student an Olevel graduate before i start going further
Hi Ojochegbe. It shouldn't impact much. You'll have to notify your school so that their records may be updated.
I was married 22 years ago in Pennsylvania, dropped my birth middle name using my maiden name as my middle name and took my husbands last name, no hyphen. I changed my license, SS card, etc. to reflect this but now that I'm trying to get a passport, I'm told that I could not do that. Is this correct information?
Hi Lyn. What was the basis for their denial? Insufficient documentation?
We are in Pennsylvania and planning to get married. However, he would like to take my last name and it seems pa doesn't allow a man to take his wife's last name? Could we go to a state they allow it?
Hi Joshlyn. Perhaps for federal documents, but he'll face difficulty when returning home to update his driver's license.
Ok, he's a disabled veteran that's unable to drive so we only need his federal/ VA docunents updated and i guess PA is behind the times on this. We looked into PAs self uniting licenses to see and difference there as well because we do plan to move eventually.
Married in Oklahoma 12 years ago and maiden name is on marriage license. We live in Kansas where and how do I change my last name to my husbands.
Hi Lisa. If you haven't done so already, or a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Kansas Department of Health. Take your copy to the SSA, DMV, and other government institutions to change your name.
I got married in March 2016 and have not yet went to change my last name. Is there a time limit to doing so? Im in california.
No, there is no time limit.
My daughter got married in NC 10 days ago. We have a certified copy of the marriage license and certificate, which is one document and which only lists the couple's names before marriage.
She wants to take her husband's last name as her own last name, and we are researching how to do this.
So, here is the possible complication. When we adopted my daughter as a young child, we decided to "discard" the middle name on her original birth certificate and replace it with the last name on her original birth certificate ("N——–") and give her our own last name.
Now that she is married, her preference would be to revert back to the middle name on her original birth certificate to use as her new middle name, followed by her husband's last name. Her second choice would be to use her maiden name as her middle name. In any case she does not want to use "N——-," her current middle name, at all.
We understand that name-change procedures may vary from state to state and we don't want to make a mistake that will be a problem later on. We want to find out what is involved in each of the changes described above, and we hope you can help us!
Hi Becky. It's unlikely she'll be able to revert back to her old middle name without going to court. Her second choice of maiden to middle would work though.
Hi I'm getting married this December. My fiance and I already got the marriage license last friday. Can I go to the social security office and DMV and already request a name change? We are trying to get things done and out of the way now so that when we get back from our short honeymoon we can just focus on work and college.
Hi Candelaria. You'll have to do it after your married and in possession of a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
When changing my name in California after getting married what is the order if I am wanting to use my dads last name and my husbands last name. My First Name Husbands last name then Dads last name or First Name Dads last name then Husbands last name? Also wanting to know if I can use both as Last Names and not one of them as a Middle name?
Hi Margarita. You can use either last name first. And, yes, you can use both last names, but they must be combined or separated by a hyphen. Specify your name choice on the license when you apply.
My daughter was married in Illinois but has moved to Indiana she kept her maiden name and it is what appears on their license she wants to change it to her married name what does she need to do? Thank You!!
Hi Anita. Acquire a certified copy of her Illinois marriage certificate and use it to change her name with the various government institutions.
Hi! I live in Pennsylvania and recently engaged. I plan to take my future husband's last name, but then I think this would be a great time to drop my first name. I never really liked my first name but love my middle name, and always introduce myself using the former. How do you think I should take this on? Last name change is easy but the first name change is what scares me. Please advise! Thank you!
Hi Kim. In order to change your first name in Pennsylvania, you'll have to petition the court.
Hi there! I'm in Georgia and I got married July 1st. I've been waiting for a weekday off from work to finally do all this name change stuff and the day has finally arrived! I'm a little confused though. On my marriage certificate, I'm listed with my original maiden name, just like it is on my birth certificate. Does my marriage certificate have to be in my new married name in order to change my name on other documents like social security and driver's license?
Hi Katie. The Georgia marriage license application should have provided a spot for you to specify a new last name after marriage. Without it, you can face problems changing your name due to marriage.
Good day. I live in Wisconsin and had been married for over a year ( July 2016 ) I didn't change my last name then. Now, I wanted to change my last name to my husband's last name. Can I still do this, even after a year of being married? If yes, what would be the first office I need to contact, would it be SSN OFFICE? Thanks for your help
Hi Chim. Yes, you can still change it. And, yes, SSA would be the first office.
i got married in las vegas but i live in maryland and i want to change my maiden name to my husbands last name but my marriage certificate has my maiden name what should i do to change my name?
Hi Addys. As far as I know, NV marriage license applications don't have a spot to specify a new last name, so you should be good to go with your marriage certificate as-is.
I was married in NY state in 1993 and took my husband's last name at the time. I continued using my maiden name for work, and changed all my official documentation to read FIRST-MAIDEN-NEW LAST NAME. However, my marriage certificate and driver's license actually just say FIRST-MIDDLE NAME-NEW LAST NAME (no middle name to maiden name switch). And it was so long ago I no longer remember how I was able to change my passport and social security card (and all my credit cards, etc) without having actually legally changed my middle name to my maiden name at the time of my marriage. I tried to get the DMV to change my middle initial to my maiden name middle initial but they wouldn't do it without it being reflected in the marriage certificate. Now, because of travel and the TSA, I want my name on my driver's license to match that of my passport, etc but have no idea how to go about it. It already reads the way I want it to read on everything but my driver's license. Do I need to go to court or somehow file a legal document to make this change?
Hi Lindy. Yes, you may have to go to court to satisfy the DMV.
Hi, me and my husband just got married here in Arkansas and I put my maiden name on the marriage license instead of his last name. I am wanting to change my last name to his on all of my documents ( ID, social, etc.). Will I be able to do that even though my maiden name is on the marriage license? Thanks!
Hi Ashley. As far as I know, the Arkansas marriage license application doesn't provide a space to specify a new name after marriage, so the marriage certificate containing your maiden name would be sufficient to change your name. Did you experience otherwise on your application.
Hi:)
My husband and I have been married for going on 13 years in the state of N.J. At the time I did not take on his last name. Our marriage certificate reflects my maiden name as my last name instead of his. I have since decided that I want to change my last name to his and it was a mistake not to do that in the first place. Is it still possible to do that and if so what is the process? Will I have to go to court? Will I have to change the certificate first?? etc., etc. Sorry, so many questions. Thank You
Hi Marilyn. Yes, you can still change your name using your marriage certificate. New Jersey marriage licenses and certificates don't even provide spaces to specify new names in the first place. At least the ones designed in the past few years.
Thank You!!!!!!!!
No I have not just remarried…I have used Ross and Geran interchangeable for no reason I just did. Now I see that I should used my married name. I am 87 y.o and my husband has passed my daughter put that picture of the two of us long ago. I just do not want to let the picture go, if possible..Long ago I had the white head and my daught going through our past pictures put that on as a joke that I liked. She did not get any fun because I did not show disaproval??Now it is nice to see younger faces oppose to now.Ugh!!!!I shall fill out the requested info and see where we go from there.I also have so many facebook accounts ,,not knowing why and how to get it down to just my one picture.Help..All of the accounts keeps me confused and when I am told that is not the right account then I go and start another one .Sorry to be so uneducated regarding using a computer..I just get by…enough that I can ask questions and usually taken to the site I want. What is so import to me is my church services. I am a shut-in except doctors appoints and grocery being taken via my son-in-law…Not my favorite way of transportation. . Shall see if I can get back on facebook with my one picture..Shall if my request is legal. Thank you
I am not too fussy about what little bit of information is out there, except my banking and such info as that …I am a rather dull person,at this age. Info such as I wrote is important to me. Maybe I am nieve?
Hi Dora. You can edit your Facebook profile photo within your account. Their website explains how to change your profile picture. If you need technical support with your account you can consult their help area.
Hello! I am curious if there is a timeframe in which you must change official documents in Minnesota after changing your last name due to marriage. Thank you!
Hi Jen. No, there isn't a time frame that you must abide by.
Hello.
If I hyphenate my maiden name with my soon-to-be's last name, do I have to change all the legal stuff? I.e. license, ssn, bank, employer, credit cards, etc…
Thx!
Hi Autumn. Hyphenating your name is optional. You're not obligated to follow through with a formal name change.
Hi, my name is Ela, I have to recently gotten married at the court at Clovis California, and after getting married, I didnt change my last name, I kept my maiden name, I did recieve the certificate of our marriage, but now I want to change it to my husband's last name?! what should I do?! isn't it too late to do so?!
Hi Ela. If you specified a new name on your California marriage license, then you can change it to that. If you didn't specify a new name at that time, you'll have to get a court-petitioned name change.
I used my Catholic Confirmation name as my middle name when I applied for a marriage license in CT., and that name appears on the license. My birth certificate has only a first name and a surname. Can I get the marriage license revised to match my legal birth certifiacte?
You might be able to. Contact the office that recorded it for amendment instructions.
Hi!
Me and my wife got married back in October of 2015.
I told them I would be taking her last name but never got the chance to do so, mostly because of legal stuff because I was sixteen.
Will I still be able to change my last name now that I am eighteen, even though it's been almost two years?
Hi Jodie. Yes, you can still change it.
Hello, My husband and I got Married in 2015 in Ohio and I kept my maiden name. We live in Indiana and I want to change my last name to his for our 2 year anniversary. Is Indiana a state where I can simply use my marriage certificate from Ohio and take into an Indiana social security office? Or would I need to go through court?
Hi Adrianna. Yes, just take it in as-is.
hello, when changing my name is there a way I can only make it to where it says my married name and NOT include or ever say my original name? I want too officially be my fiancés last name no more traits of my current last name.
Only says it where? Are you referring to some document or certificate? If you're asking if you have to hyphenate, then the answer is no.
Hi,
Me and my husband married in December 2001.
And I kept my maiden name since.
Is it possible to use the marriage certificate to change the last name to his?
Thank you,
Hi Hannah. Yes, you can still change your name using your certificate.
Hi me and my husband got married in January 2017 in laguna hills, california. I wasn't planning on changing my last name at the time of our marriage in the court, but the clerk suggested i did and i can change all my legal documents when i wanted. So since that wasn't the plan, me and my husband said okay and i took his last name as Perez. But here is my issue, in his culture he technically has two last names, Mancillas Perez, so we just went with perez since it was the very last one. Now i would like to change it to Mancillas since that is his dads last name and perez is his moms last name. How would i go about doing that? if there are any different steps.
Hi Julia. Since Perez is already on the current marriage certificate, you'd have to get a court-ordered name change to go with Mancillas.
Hello,
I got married about a month ago in Vegas. On the application it didn't say to use the name you want to have after you get married (husband's last name). So on the marriage certificate it is my birth name. I live in Arizona. It states to go to SSN office first, which I did. I ended up changing my middle name to keep my maiden name and changed my last name to his name (my first, my maiden, his last). At SSN they didn't see it as an issue and accepted it. I went to the MVD to change my license and after I got home I realized that only my last name changed. It showed my first, my birth middle, his last. Obviously it doesn't match my SSN card but that's how they issued it to me. I attempted to go back to MVD and change it but they are telling me I can't because of the marriage certificate and that SSN doesn't have anything to do with it. I asked what the solution was and they stated I either change my SSN (again) to match my drivers license or file a petition. Is this correct? Or what can I do to get my drivers license match my new SSN with my maiden name used as middle name and my last name used as his last name?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Rochelle. I'm not aware of this being an issue in Arizona. You may want to try another MVD or authorized third-party office and explain to them that Nevada does not permit new last names to be reflected on their issued marriage certificates.
Hi, When we got married, on the marriage certificate my Wife has her Maiden Name (Name she was given at birth) now we want the marriage certificate to have her new name, which takes after my (Her Husbands) last name. How to proceed? We leave in San Jose, CA. All of her SSI card, US passport and DMV card has her new name.
thanks
Hi Pinakin. You wouldn't be able to change a marriage certificate after it's been recorded unless there's a mistake on it.
I live in Texas. I just got divorced in April of 2017 and I'm getting remarried in September of this year. I haven't yet changed my social security card or my driver's license back to my maiden name which I was granted by the judge after the divorce. do I need to do this so that I can have my maiden name on the marriage certificate? or can I just have my final divorce decree showing that my name goes back to my maiden name.
I want my name to be my first/maiden/my new husband's last name. I don't want my previous married name.
Hi Lisa. When you fill out the Texas marriage license application, it'll ask you to specify your current surname and maiden name. For current surname, you'll have to put your ex's surname. If you're asking about changing your last name to your new spouse's, then you don't have to go back to your maiden name first. You can just use your marriage certificate to effect a name change.
I got married in GA in 2012. I waitied changing my name due to kids from a previous marriage and a little laziness. Can I still do a name change or will have have to do a legal name change through the court. It is a little confusing because the SSA doesn't seem to have date limitations, but the DMV says within 60 days.
Hi Sara. There's no date limitation. The DMV wants you to notify them within a certain amount of time after changing your name, but since you haven't changed your name it isn't applicable anyway.
I live in New Jersey. I am getting married in August 2017. I want to take my mothers last name as my middle name as I do not currently have one, drop my last name completely and use my husbands last name as my last name. Is this a nightmare situation that I will have to go to court for in NJ?
Hi Jasmine. Yes, you'll have to go to court.
Hi, my wife and I recently got married back in December in Louisiana. We have not changed her last name yet, and now we have moved to Texas. We want it to be her name/her middle/my last name. Now that we live in Texas, we are trying to switch cars, licenses, etc. all to Texas residency as well as change her last name. What do we need to do first? Will we need to get her Driver's License done first, and if so can we register the car at that time too? We just aren't sure exactly what needs to be taken care of and in what order.
Hi Jeff. SSA first, which can be done in Louisiana or Texas. Then update the name with the Texas DMV and have them perform the registration simultaneously.
Thank you for the help! :)
I married in Maryland and did not change my last name to my husbands(kept madian name which is what's on my marriage license) Now 11 years later I reside in GA and I want to change my last name to his. How do I go about doing this and what documentation do I need.
Hi Sheneka. Obtain a certified copy of your Maryland certificate of marriage from the city or town clerk that originally issued you your license, then take it to the SSA and other various government institutions to change your name.
I'm from Saskatchewan and planning on getting married july2018 my fiance Wants to change his last name to his mothers maiden name and I would be changing mine to that would he have to change it before we get married?
Hi Elisha. He would have to change it before you marry if you intend to change it due to marriage.
Hello, my husband and I just recently got married in Virginia. On our marriage license and certificate there was no option for me to write my name with my new last name. Not sure if that's how the forms are done in VA or if it was an error on my part or the courts. But I'm confused if I am able to take that to the social security office and change my name or if I need to go back to court to have it amended or get permission from the court.
Hi Diana. You can take your certificate as-is to the SSA to change your name.
Hello,
I got married May 2017 in the Bahamas, but I am looking to move forward changing my name here in Ohio. Any tips on how I can request a certified copy of our marriage license, as I THOUGHT we had already arranged and paid for that to be sent to Ohio to be registered in our home county.
Thanks.
Hi Heidi. Contact the registrar general's office in Nassau to get a certified copy of your Bahamas marriage certificate.
Hello,
I am a UK citizen and have just married my husband who is a US citizen (I am here on a fiance visa). On our marriage certificate, it does not show my new name. 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? We got married in Texas.
Thank you in advanced.
You don't see a new name on your marriage certificate because Texas marriage license applications don't provide a space for you to specify a new name.
You don't have to do anything extra. Your marriage certificate is sufficient as-is. Also, name change isn't automatic. You have to initiate the process yourself.
There's a separate page that goes into further detail about changing your name in Texas.
My wife has the same question. She is from Brazil and wants to change her name on her green card and in order to do so they need a copy of the marriage certificate. Wisconsin Marriage certificate has her maiden name on it. At the time we filled out the application it asked for current name so she listed her current (maiden) name but there wasn't a place for a new name. Should we send the current certificate of marriage for the name change for the green card or do we have to have it changed on the certificate or marriage. Hope that makes sense….. thanks
The current certificate of marriage is what you need to send.
Thank You
Hello, I got married two years ago in Oklahoma and signed the marriage license with my husbands last name. However, I have continued to use my old name because I have children with that name and my new husband is not offended for that reason. Is there any legal consequences for keeping my old name even though I signed his name on the certificate?
No, there are no legal repercussions.
Hello. I got married in Mexico in 2012 where there are no new names specified on marriage licenses. When we started living in California, I never changed my name but now that we've started a family I want to change my last name as my middle name ( I currently don't have a middle name) and take my husbands paternal last name; My husband has two last names (paternal & maternal) separated by a space (no Hyphen). Before I initiate any changes I want to clear some confusions I have.
1. I've read that since it's been over two years since we got married I would need an identity document with the new name (his paternal last name) to get a name change with ssa. I've never used his last name on anything and dmv doesn't give a dl without ssa name change first. What would I use as an identity document?
2. I've also read that ssa will do the name change with just my husband's paternal last name but DMV won't because they use what's on the marriage license which is both last names specied as paternal & maternal. Is this true?
3.If DMV indeed won't use only the paternal last name, would I have to get a court order name change, take this to the ssa (and won't have to worry about the identity document with new name) then have no issues with DMV?
Thanks!
You'll need an identity document in your old name, not new name. It can be expired or unexpired.
This may be the case. DMV's are more stringent than SSA. The prior is state-level while the latter is federal-level, so the regulations are different.
A court order alone would be sufficient for the DMV and SSA.