Start with your Social Security card and driver's license
After you marry, you will need to update your name with Social Security first, then your state's motor vehicle department. These two documents are the foundation—almost every other name change flows from them. You cannot change your name with banks, employers, or government agencies until Social Security has your new name on file.
The order matters because your driver's license and Social Security number are what other institutions use to verify your identity. If you try to change your name with your bank before updating Social Security, the bank's system may reject the change or flag it as fraud.
Key Takeaways
- Update your Social Security card first by visiting your local Social Security office with your marriage certificate, current ID, and a completed Form SS-5.
- After Social Security approves your new name, go to your state's motor vehicle department to renew your driver's license or state ID with the new name.
- Once you have a new driver's license, use it to update your name with your bank, employer, insurance companies, and any other institutions that have your personal information on file.
- You do not need a court order to change your name after marriage in any U.S. state—your marriage certificate is the legal document that authorizes the change.
- Keep copies of your marriage certificate with you when visiting government offices, as you will need to show it multiple times during the name-change process.
What documents you need to bring to Social Security
Visit your local Social Security office in person. You will need your current Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID (your current driver's license works), your original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, and a completed Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card). You can read Form SS-5 from the Social Security Administration website or pick one up at the office.
The marriage certificate must be an official certified copy—a photocopy or a document printed from a county website usually will not work. If you do not have a certified copy yet, order one from the county clerk's office where you were married. This typically costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail, though many counties now offer rush service or in-person pickup.
Social Security does not charge a fee to update your name. The process usually takes one to two weeks. You will receive your new Social Security card in the mail; do not expect to walk out with it the same day.
Updating your driver's license or state ID
Once your Social Security card arrives with your new name, go to your state's motor vehicle department (called the DMV in most states, but the name varies). Bring your new Social Security card, your current driver's license, your marriage certificate, and any other ID the state requires. Requirements vary by state, so check your state's motor vehicle website before you go.
Most states let you renew your license by mail or online if you are only changing your name and not your address. Some states charge a small fee (typically $5 to $20) for a name change; others include it in a standard renewal. A few states issue a temporary paper license while your new plastic card is printed, which usually arrives within two to three weeks.
If you changed your name and also moved, you may need to renew your license in person rather than by mail. Check your state's website to confirm whether you can handle both changes at once or need to do them separately.
Notifying your bank and financial accounts
Once you have your new driver's license, contact your bank, credit card companies, investment accounts, and any other financial institutions where you hold accounts. You will need to show your new driver's license and marriage certificate as proof of the name change. Most banks can update your name over the phone or online, though some still require you to visit a branch in person.
Update your name with your bank before notifying your employer, because your employer will need to match your name to your bank account for direct deposit. If the names do not match, your paycheck may be delayed or rejected.
Check your credit report after you have updated your name with all your accounts. You can request a free credit report once per year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at annualcreditreport.com. Make sure the bureaus have your new name on file so that your credit history stays connected to you.
Updating your employer and tax records
Tell your employer's human resources or payroll department about your name change. Bring a copy of your marriage certificate and your new driver's license. Your employer will need to update your name in their payroll system so that your paychecks and tax forms match your legal name.
You will also need to update your name with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you file taxes jointly with your spouse, the IRS will usually match your name to your spouse's automatically when you file your next return. If you file separately or have other tax accounts (such as a self-employment business), contact the IRS directly or update your information when you file.
Changing your name with insurance and government programs
Contact your health insurance, car insurance, homeowner's or renter's insurance, and life insurance companies to update your name. Most insurers can process a name change by phone or through their online portal. Have your policy number and marriage certificate ready when you call.
If you receive benefits from any government program—Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, veterans' benefits, or unemployment insurance—update your name with that agency. You can usually do this online, by phone, or by mail. Bring your marriage certificate and a copy of your new driver's license as proof.
If you have a passport, explore for a new one with your married name. You can renew your passport by mail if it is not expired and you are only changing your name due to marriage. The State Department charges a fee (currently $130 for a passport book) and processing takes four to six weeks for routine service.
What you do not need to do
You do not need a court order to change your name after marriage in any U.S. state. Your marriage certificate is the legal document that proves your name change. Some people mistakenly believe they need to file paperwork with a court, but this is not necessary unless you are changing your name for a reason other than marriage (such as dropping a middle name or changing your last name without marrying).
You do not need to change your name if you do not want to. Many people keep their birth name, use a hyphenated name, or use a different name professionally while keeping their legal name unchanged. The choice is entirely yours, and no employer, government agency, or financial institution can force you to change your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to change your name after getting married?
Social Security takes one to two weeks to issue your new card. Your state's motor vehicle department usually takes two to three weeks to issue a new driver's license. After that, individual banks and employers may take a few days to a week to update their records. The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from start to finish.
Do I have to change my name if I get married?
No. You can keep your birth name, use a hyphenated name, use your spouse's name, or use any combination you prefer. Your marriage certificate does not require you to change your legal name. The choice is yours alone.
What if I lost my marriage certificate?
Order a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married. You will need to provide your name, your spouse's name, and the date of marriage. Most counties charge $10 to $25 for a certified copy and can mail it to you within one to two weeks, or you may be able to pick it up in person the same day.
Can I change my name online without visiting an office?
You must visit a Social Security office in person to update your Social Security card. Some states allow you to renew your driver's license online or by mail if you are only changing your name. After that, many banks and government agencies let you update your name online or by phone, but some still require you to visit in person.
What if my new name and old name are very different—will my credit history transfer?
Yes. As long as you notify the credit bureaus of your name change and provide your Social Security number, your credit history will stay connected to you under your new name. Update your name with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion by contacting them directly or through their websites.