What you need to do to change your last name after marriage

Your marriage certificate is the document that gives you the legal right to change your last name, but the certificate itself does not change your name on any official records. You have to file paperwork with each agency that holds your records — your state's vital records office, the Social Security Administration, your driver's license issuer, your bank, your employer, and any others. The order matters: start with Social Security and your state vital records office, because those two are the foundation that everything else checks against.

You do not need a court order to change your name after marriage in any U.S. state, though some states make it easier if you file the name change request on your marriage license itself before you get married. If you did not do that, you can still change your name using your marriage certificate as proof. The process takes weeks to months depending on how many records you need to update and how quickly each agency processes requests.

Key Takeaways

  • Your marriage certificate proves you have the right to a new last name, but you must file separate requests with Social Security, your state vital records office, and each agency that holds your records.
  • Start with Social Security and your state vital records office first, because driver's license, passport, and bank records all verify against those two.
  • You will need your original or certified marriage certificate, a valid photo ID, and a completed form for each agency — the forms and fees vary by state and agency.
  • Some states let you request a name change on your marriage license before the wedding; others require you to use your marriage certificate afterward.
  • Plan for the process to take four to eight weeks if all agencies process on schedule, longer if you need a new passport or if your state has a backlog.

Start with Social Security and get a new Social Security card

Social Security is the first stop because your Social Security number is what banks, employers, the IRS, and most other agencies use to verify your identity. If your name does not match your Social Security record, updating other documents becomes harder and slower.

Go to your local Social Security office in person with your original or certified marriage certificate, a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and Form SS-5, which is the process for a Social Security Card. You can read the form from ssa.gov or pick one up at the office. Fill it out with your new name and bring it with you. Social Security will not mail you the form or let you submit it by mail if you are changing your name — you must appear in person.

The office will take your documents, verify them, and issue you a new Social Security card with your new name. This usually takes one to two weeks. You do not need to bring your old card, but bring it if you have it. Once you have the new card, you can use it to update your other records.

Update your state vital records and get a new birth certificate

Your state's vital records office (sometimes called the Department of Health or Vital Statistics) keeps the official record of your birth. You need to file a name change request there so that your birth certificate reflects your new name. This is separate from your marriage certificate — your marriage certificate proves you have the right to change your name, but your birth certificate is the document that shows your current legal name.

Contact your state vital records office to find out what form to submit. Most states have a form specifically for name changes after marriage; some let you request it online, others require you to mail it in. You will need to send your original or certified marriage certificate, a completed form, a copy of your ID, and a fee. Fees range from $10 to $50 depending on the state. Processing time is usually two to four weeks, though some states take longer.

Once the vital records office approves your request, order a certified copy of your new birth certificate. You will need this certified copy to update your driver's license and passport. Some vital records offices send it automatically; others require you to order it separately and pay an additional fee of $5 to $25.

Get a new driver's license and state ID

Your driver's license or state ID is often the photo ID you will use most frequently, so update it early. Go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with your certified marriage certificate, your current driver's license or ID, and your new Social Security card. Some states also require a completed form; check your state DMV's website to see what they need.

The DMV will take your old license, verify your documents, and issue you a new one with your new name. You can usually do this in one visit. The new license will arrive by mail in one to three weeks. Some states charge a fee for a name change ($10 to $30); others do not. If you need a new license photo, the DMV will take one during your visit.

Update your passport if you have one

If you have a U.S. passport, you need to update it with your new name. You have two options: renew it (which takes four to six weeks) or amend it (which takes two to three weeks). If your passport is not expiring soon, amendment is faster.

To amend your passport, mail your current passport, a completed Form DS-11 or DS-82 (depending on whether you are renewing or amending), your certified marriage certificate, and a new passport photo to the address on the State Department website. You can also explore in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. The fee for an amendment is $110 for an adult passport book; renewal costs more. Processing time is two to three weeks for amendment, four to six weeks for renewal by mail, and one to two weeks if you explore in person and pay for expedited service.

Update your bank, employer, and insurance records

Once you have your new Social Security card and driver's license, contact your bank, employer, insurance companies, and any other organizations that hold your records. You will need to provide your new name and usually a copy of your marriage certificate or your new driver's license.

Banks typically update your name within one to two business days. Your employer will update your payroll and tax records so that your W-2 matches your new name. Insurance companies (health, auto, home) need your new name so that your policy documents and claims are filed under the correct name. Credit card companies and loan servicers also need to be notified.

Check your credit report after you have updated your name in major systems. You can get a free credit report once a year from annualcreditreport.com. Make sure your new name is showing correctly and that no old accounts are still listed under your former name.

What to do if you changed your mind or want to change your name again

If you want to go back to your former last name or change to a different name altogether, you can do so, but the process is different. You will need to file a petition with your state court for a legal name change. This requires filing paperwork, paying a court fee (usually $100 to $300), and in some states, publishing a notice in a local newspaper. The court will review your petition and issue an order if approved. This process takes four to eight weeks.

Once you have the court order, you follow the same steps as above: update Social Security, your vital records office, your driver's license, your passport, and all your other records. The court order replaces the marriage certificate as your proof of the name change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my last name after marriage?

No. Changing your last name after marriage is optional in all U.S. states. You can keep your former name, take your spouse's name, hyphenate your names, or choose a different name entirely. If you do not change your name, you do not need to file any paperwork.

Can I change my name before the wedding instead of after?

Some states let you request a name change on your marriage license process before the wedding. Check your state's vital records office or county clerk's office to see if this option is available. If you do this, your new name will appear on your marriage certificate automatically, and you can start updating your records right away after the wedding.

What if my marriage certificate has a typo or my name is spelled wrong?

Contact the county clerk's office where you were married and ask for a corrected certificate. They will issue a new one with the correct spelling. This usually takes one to two weeks and may have a small fee. Once you have the corrected certificate, use it to update Social Security and your other records.

How long does it take to change my name on everything?

If all agencies process on schedule, you can have your Social Security card and driver's license updated within four to six weeks. A new passport takes two to six weeks depending on whether you amend or renew. Banks and employers usually update within one to two weeks. Plan for the full process to take six to eight weeks.

Do I need to change my name on my marriage certificate?

No. Your marriage certificate shows the names you had at the time of marriage and does not change. Your birth certificate is the document that gets updated to show your new legal name. Your marriage certificate is the proof that you have the right to that new name.