Are you wondering where to change your name after marriage? Whether you’re a newlywed or have been married for some time, you may wish to take your spouse’s surname. This process is relatively simple. However, mistakes can happen. These errors can delay your legal name change. Let Vital Records Online take the confusion out of this process. Find out what you need to change your name after getting married. We’ll also cover the post-marriage name changes you must complete to your driver’s license, Social Security card, and other forms of personal identification. Additionally, you’ll find a name change after marriage checklist below to make this process even easier.
What You’ll Need for Changing Your Name After Marriage
First, you’ll need several copies of vital records. Why? Because you’ll likely need to submit your information to multiple government agencies, companies, etc. These records can include:
- Old IDs
- Certified marriage certificates
- Certified copies of your birth certificate
Changing your name after marriage requires getting your marriage certificate. You can use your marriage certificate to apply for and change your name from there. Importantly, changing the name on your birth certificate is unnecessary.
Changing Your Name on Your Social Security Card
Another step for changing your name after marriage involves your Social Security card. Because it’s one of your most important legal documents, you should update the information on your Social Security card first after getting married. Making this crucial name change requires gathering the information below:
- A copy of your existing Social Security card
- A photocopy of your state photo ID
- A certified copy of your birth certificate or current passport
- An official duplicate of your marriage certificate (it will not be returned)
Then, you must complete an SS-5 form. Once you fill out that form, submit the previously gathered information to your local Social Security office. It’s essential to verify your identity, your original name, and your new name. What if your marriage certificate is more than two years old? If so, you’ll also have to provide additional documentation proving your new name and your old identity.
Updating Your Driver’s License and State ID
Changing your name after marriage also requires state-based identification. A state-issued driver’s license usually serves as a state ID. However, not all state IDs allow driving privileges, thus requiring a specific license that allows someone to drive legally. In most cases, the steps for changing your name after marriage are similar for state-issued IDs and driver’s licenses. However, the process, fee, and requirements will change from state to state. Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles online or in person (if allowed) with your:
- A certified marriage certificate
- Your photo ID(s)
- A Social Security card showing your new name
- A birth certificate (not always required)
If you are under 18 or a non-citizen resident of the United States, you may have to bring additional documents, such as your emigration papers or your parent’s birth certificates.
Updating Your Name on Your Passport
Updating your name on your passport after marriage is relatively straightforward, providing you have a certified copy of your marriage certificate and birth certificate. If you followed the previously mentioned steps for changing your name after marriage, you should have those documents handy. If your passport was issued less than one year ago, you will need:
- A completed form DS-5504
- A current, valid U.S. Passport
- Your original or certified marriage certificate copy
You may also need two recent photos of yourself. If your passport was issued more than one year ago, you will need:
- A completed form DS-82
- A current, valid U.S. Passport
- Two recent color photographs of yourself
- An original or certified marriage certificate copy
- Your Social Security number
Completing this step to change your name after marriage requires paying a fee. Exact costs vary by state and typically range from $0-$165. You will have to mail your application for a passport name change to the address listed in your application form based on your location and the speed at which you need your passport. Important: If you are traveling for your honeymoon, you must do so under your old name. You will not receive an original marriage certificate for two to four weeks after your marriage takes place.
Updating Your Legal Name
In most cases, you must update your name across your accounts, organizations, and financial obligations, which may include:
- Bank accounts
- Military organizations
- Insurance
- Rentals and leases
- Mortgage
- Property deeds and titles
- Workplace
- Utilities and services (phone, water, trash, sewer, etc.)
Only insurance companies will likely require an original, certified copy of your marriage certificate. Everyone else should accept your marriage certificate, typically with your new social security card and potentially your new government ID. You can provide the information these organizations and companies require by submitting a photocopy of your marriage certificate and photo ID. Sometimes, this aspect of how to change your name after marriage could require providing an original certified birth certificate.
Your Name Change After Marriage Checklist
Where to change your name after marriage (do your best to complete this task in the following order):
- Social Security Administration
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- U.S. Passport Agency
- Bank accounts
- Insurance providers
- Employer records
- Lease, titles, or property deeds
- Voter registration information
- Utility companies
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Change Your Name After Marriage
Can anyone get a copy of a marriage certificate?
No. You’ll have to prove that you’re one of the spouses on the certificate, a close relative, or have legal or government authority to authorize your ordering the certificate.
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate?
In most cases, it will take two to four weeks to arrive, provided you sign it at your wedding and the magistrate or officiate registers your wedding with the local county clerk. If you order your marriage certificate from Vital Records Online, you can have it in as little as 48 hours!
Where do you change your name after marriage?
The relevant places to update your name can include government agencies, employers, and service providers. Vital Records Online can jumpstart this process by quickly providing certified copies of your marriage certificate.
Get Certified Copies Fast
How to change your name after marriage typically goes very quickly, especially if you already have enough copies of your marriage certificate. If you’re wondering how to obtain a marriage certificate online, you can order them at Vital Records Online. Ordering your marriage certificate replacement will speed up the process so that you have enough certified copies to complete your name change and return to your life without standing in line or traveling to the state or location where you were married. With our information and name change after the marriage checklist, you should have no problem officially changing your name. [Get Your Marriage Certificate]
