What you need to do to change your name after marriage

After you marry, you can change your name through your state's vital records office or court system. The exact process depends on where you live and whether you want to use your spouse's last name, combine names, or choose something entirely new. Most states let you change your name on your marriage certificate itself, which then becomes your legal proof of the name change for updating other documents.

You do not need a separate court order in most states if you change your name at the time of marriage or when ready after. However, some states require you to go through family court if you want to change your name more than a few months after the wedding. The key is to start with your state's vital records office or the county clerk where you were married — they will tell you the exact steps and forms you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states allow you to change your name on your marriage certificate through the vital records office or county clerk without filing a separate court case.
  • You will need your original marriage certificate, a government-issued ID, and a completed name change form specific to your state.
  • After you receive your updated marriage certificate, use it to change your name with Social Security, your driver's license, passport, and employer.
  • If you change your name more than a few months after marriage, you may need to file a petition in family court instead of using the vital records route.
  • The entire process typically takes two to eight weeks from submission to receiving your updated documents.

Getting your marriage certificate amended in your state

Contact the vital records office or county clerk in the county where you were married. You can usually find this office online by searching "[your county] vital records" or "[your county] clerk." Call or visit their website to ask whether they handle name changes on marriage certificates directly, or whether you need to file through family court.

If your state allows amendment through vital records, you will typically fill out a form called an "process for Amendment of Birth Certificate" or "Petition to Amend Marriage Certificate" — the exact name varies by state. You will need to provide your original or certified marriage certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your new name if you are not using your spouse's last name. Some states also require a small fee, usually between $10 and $50.

Mail or deliver the completed form along with your documents to the vital records office. Keep copies of everything you send. You will receive a new certified marriage certificate with your updated name, which serves as your legal proof of the name change. This document is what you will use to update your name everywhere else.

Changing your name through family court if needed

If you are changing your name more than a few months after marriage, or if your state does not allow amendment through vital records, you will need to file a petition in your county's family court. Contact the family court clerk in the county where you live and ask for the "Petition for Change of Name" or "Petition to Change Name After Marriage" form.

Complete the petition form and file it with the court along with your marriage certificate, government ID, and the filing fee (typically $100 to $300, depending on your county). Some courts require you to publish notice of your name change in a local newspaper, which adds a few weeks and a small additional cost. The court will schedule a hearing or may approve your petition on paper without requiring you to appear.

Once the court approves your petition, you will receive a certified copy of the court order. This order is your legal proof of the name change and works the same way as an amended marriage certificate — you use it to update your name with all other agencies and institutions.

Updating your Social Security record

Visit your local Social Security office or go online to ssa.gov to start the name change process. You will need to bring your certified marriage certificate or court order, your current Social Security card, and a government-issued photo ID. If you are changing your name, Social Security will issue you a new card with your updated name at no cost.

If you explore in person, the process usually takes about two weeks. If you explore online through your my Social Security account, you can upload your documents and receive your new card by mail. Do this early because you will need your updated Social Security record to change your name with your employer, bank, and insurance companies.

Updating your driver's license and state ID

Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency with your certified marriage certificate or court order, your current driver's license, and a completed process for a name change. Most states let you do this in person at any DMV office, and some allow you to start the process online.

Bring proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works) if your state requires it. The DMV will issue you a new driver's license or state ID with your updated name. Processing usually takes one to three weeks, and you may be able to get a temporary license to use while you wait for the permanent one.

Changing your name with your employer, bank, and insurance

Once you have your updated Social Security card and driver's license, contact your employer's human resources department to update your name in their system. Bring copies of your marriage certificate or court order and your new ID. Your employer will update your payroll records, tax forms, and benefits.

Call or visit your bank and any credit card companies to update your name on your accounts. You will typically need to show your new ID and may need to sign new account agreements. Contact your health insurance provider, car insurance, home insurance, and any other insurance policies to update your name as well. Keep records of when you notified each company.

If you have a passport, you can update it by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility. You will need your passport, your marriage certificate, and a new passport photo. The State Department charges a fee for the update, typically around $130 for a passport book.

Changing your name with other institutions

Update your name with your student loan servicer, mortgage lender, or any other financial institutions that hold accounts in your name. Contact them directly and ask what documents they need — usually a copy of your marriage certificate or court order and your new ID.

If you have professional licenses (nursing, law, teaching, real estate, etc.), contact the licensing board in your state to update your name. You may need to submit a form and a copy of your marriage certificate. Update your name with your voter registration by contacting your county election office or updating it online through your state's voter registration website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name to something other than my spouse's last name?

Yes. You can keep your maiden name, combine both last names, hyphenate, or choose a completely different name. The process is the same — you just write your chosen name on the amendment form or court petition. Some states have restrictions on how many times you can change your name or how soon after a previous change, so check your state's rules.

What if I change my mind about my name after I have already updated everything?

You can change your name again by going through the same process — either amending your marriage certificate or filing a new court petition, depending on how much time has passed. You will then need to update all your documents again. There is no limit to how many times you can change your name, though some states require you to wait a certain amount of time between changes.

Do I have to change my name when I get married?

No. You can keep your current name, and many people do. If you do not change your name, you do not need to do anything — your marriage certificate will show both your current name and your spouse's name. You only need to follow these steps if you want to legally change your name.

How long does the whole process take?

If you amend your marriage certificate through vital records, you can usually receive your updated certificate within two to four weeks. Updating your Social Security card takes about two weeks, and your driver's license takes one to three weeks. The entire process from start to finish typically takes four to eight weeks if everything goes smoothly.

What if I lost my marriage certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the county where you were married and request a certified copy. You will need to provide your name, your spouse's name, and the date of marriage. There is usually a fee of $10 to $25 for a certified copy. Once you have it, you can use it to start your name change process.