What you need to do to change your name after marriage

After you marry, you can change your last name to your spouse's, keep your own, use both, or choose a completely different name — the choice is yours. The process involves getting a new Social Security card, a new driver's license or state ID, and updating records with banks, employers, and other institutions. Most states do not require a court order if you change your name as part of the marriage itself; you can use your marriage certificate as proof of the name change.

If you want to change your name after the marriage is already official, or if you want a name that is not straightforward a combination of your current name and your spouse's, you will need to go through your state's legal name-change process, which does require a court order. The steps are the same once you have the court's approval: Social Security card first, then driver's license, then everything else.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your name at the time of marriage using your marriage certificate as proof, without filing for a court order in most states.
  • Start with the Social Security Administration, because your Social Security number stays the same and other agencies use it to update their records.
  • Your state's vital records office or county clerk issues the official marriage certificate you will need to show banks, employers, and the DMV.
  • Changing your name after the marriage is final requires a court petition and a judge's order in your state court system.
  • Update your name with your employer, insurance companies, and financial institutions within a few weeks to avoid delays with paychecks and mail.

Changing your name at the time of marriage

If you want to change your last name as part of getting married, you can do this without a court order in most states. When you explore for a marriage license, the process will ask what name you want to appear on the marriage certificate. You can write your new last name there — whether that is your spouse's last name, a hyphenated combination, or something else. Once the marriage is official and you have a signed marriage certificate, that certificate becomes your legal proof of the name change.

The marriage certificate is the document you will show to the Social Security Administration, your state's DMV, your bank, and your employer. You do not need to file anything in court or pay court fees. However, you do need to order certified copies of your marriage certificate from your county clerk or your state's vital records office — usually one to three copies, because many institutions will not return the original. Certified copies cost between $10 and $25 each, depending on your state. Order these as soon as your marriage is finalized, because you cannot start the name-change process without them.

Getting a new Social Security card first

Start your name-change process at the Social Security Administration, not the DMV. Your Social Security number does not change, but the name on your Social Security card must match the name on your marriage certificate. Once you have a new Social Security card with your new name, updating your driver's license, bank accounts, and employer records becomes much faster — those agencies use your Social Security number to cross-reference their records.

Visit your local Social Security office or go to ssa.gov to find the office nearest you. Bring your marriage certificate (certified copy), your current Social Security card, and a photo ID. You can also mail in your process if your state allows it; check the Social Security website for your state's rules. Processing usually takes one to two weeks. You will receive your new card in the mail — do not expect to walk out with it the same day.

Updating your driver's license or state ID

Once you have your new Social Security card, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to update your driver's license or state ID. Bring your new Social Security card, your marriage certificate (certified copy), your current driver's license, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works). Some states let you update your name online or by mail; others require you to visit in person. Check your state's DMV website to see which option is available to you.

The fee for a name change on your driver's license varies by state — usually between $10 and $30 — and the new license typically arrives in the mail within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the DMV whether they will issue a temporary license the same day. Some states do; others do not. Keep your old license until the new one arrives, in case you are stopped while driving.

Updating banks, insurance, and your employer

Once you have your new Social Security card and driver's license, contact your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, and employer to update your name. You will need to show them either your new Social Security card or your new driver's license as proof. Most banks and insurance companies can update your name over the phone or online; some require you to visit a branch or office in person. Call ahead to ask what they need and whether you can handle it remotely.

Update your employer as soon as possible, because your paycheck and tax documents (like your W-2) must match your Social Security card. If there is a mismatch, the Social Security Administration may not credit your earnings to your account, which can affect your future benefits. Your employer's human resources or payroll department can usually process the change within a few days once you provide proof of your new name.

Update your insurance companies — health, auto, home, and life — within a few weeks. A name mismatch on your insurance policy can cause problems if you need to file a claim. Credit card companies and banks should be updated within a month to avoid fraud alerts or mail delivery problems. Keep a list of all the places you have updated your name so you do not miss anyone.

Changing your name after marriage is already final

If you are already married and want to change your name now, or if you want a name that is not straightforward a combination of your current name and your spouse's, you will need to file a petition for a legal name change in your state court. This is a different process from changing your name at the time of marriage, and it requires a judge's order. You cannot use your marriage certificate alone for this type of change.

The process varies by state, but generally you will file a petition in your county court, pay a filing fee (usually $100 to $300), and attend a brief hearing where a judge approves your request. Some states allow you to file the petition online or by mail; others require you to appear in court. Contact your county clerk's office or your state court system's website to find out what forms you need and what the process is in your state. Once the judge signs the order, you follow the same steps as above: get a new Social Security card, then a new driver's license, then update your other records.

What to do if you change your mind

If you changed your name after marriage and later want to change it back or choose a different name, you can do so. If you changed your name at the time of marriage and want to revert to your maiden name or choose something else, you will need to file for a legal name change in court — the same process as someone who wants to change their name after the marriage is final. There is no special fast-track process for reverting to a previous name; you go through the standard court petition.

The only exception is if you are going through a divorce. Many states allow you to request a name change as part of the divorce decree, which means the judge can approve it at the same time as the divorce is finalized. If you think you might want a name change, mention it to your divorce attorney or ask the court clerk whether you can request it in your divorce paperwork. This can save you time and filing fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can keep your own last name, use a hyphenated name, use both names without a hyphen, or choose any other name you want. The choice is entirely yours. If you want a name other than your current name or your spouse's name, you will need to file for a legal name change in court.

Can I change my name before the marriage certificate arrives?

No. You need the official marriage certificate to prove your name change to the Social Security Administration and the DMV. You cannot use a photocopy or a temporary certificate. Wait until you receive the certified copy from your county clerk before you start the process.

How long does it take to change your name everywhere?

Getting a new Social Security card takes one to two weeks, and a new driver's license takes two to three weeks. Updating banks and insurance companies can happen within days if you do it online or by phone. Plan on four to six weeks total to have your name changed across all your important records.

What if my spouse and I want to create a completely new last name together?

You will both need to file for a legal name change in court. You cannot use a marriage certificate alone to change to a name that is not your current name or your spouse's current name. File the petition in your county court, and the judge will approve or deny your request.

Do I need to change my name on my passport?

Yes, if you have a passport and you change your name, you should update it. You can renew your passport by mail using Form DS-82 (if your passport is still valid) and your marriage certificate. The State Department website has instructions for name changes on passports.