Here's Everything You Need to Know to Change Your Name After Marriage

Congratulations, you're married! If you want to start this exciting new chapter of your life with a new name, you're probably wondering about the process for getting a name change after marriage. While changing your name after the wedding isn't too complicated (we promise), it can be time-consuming and there is a sequence you need to follow. So, how do you change your last name after marriage? From legal name change requirements and a checklist of documents, to married name options and name change information for each state, we're here to help you get it all sorted.

You've just planned your wedding and honeymoon, you might want to simplify your life and not deal with logistics during the early days of newlywed life. We'll let you in on a major shortcut. You can make it easy on yourself and fast-track your paperwork by using a name change service. To help you out, we've listed the top options below.

In this article:

• Legal Name Change Documents
• Name Change Checklist
• Name Change Options After Marriage
• Popular Name Change Services
• How to Change Your Name by State

Legal Name Change Documents

You could change your name socially but not legally. You'd introduce yourself with your new name and change your emails and social media presence. However, if you want to get a legal name change after marriage, you'll need to start by contacting a few government agencies. The name change process varies by state (more on that below), but generally speaking, you'll start with these pieces of identification: your marriage certificate, Social Security Card, driver's license, birth certificate or passport). See our checklist of commonly required name change documents below, then read our step-by-step guide.

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Design: Falak Khoja

1. Get your marriage certificate

Before you can legally change your name after marriage, you'll need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. We recommend getting numerous copies (for an additional fee) to help with the name change process.

2. Change your Social Security Card

Your next step is to change your last name on your Social Security Card. You'll have to request a replacement Social Security Card. You can use this handy questionnaire to determine whether you can fill out an application online or need to fill out an application at your local Social Security Administration office. After you fill out the questionnaire, they'll tell you your next steps, which typically include either mailing the required identification documents or bringing them to your local Social Security Administration office IRL. While the Social Security Administration will mail you back your documents, it may be faster to hold on to them and bring them to the office. After updating your info, the Social Security Administration will send you a new card for free. Keep in mind that you'll keep the same Social Security number—just your last name will be different.

Typical Social Security Card ID Requirements:

• Proof of legal name change (a certified copy of your marriage certificate)
• Proof of identification (i.e. driver's license, passport, state-issued non-driver identification card)

3. Change your driver's license at the DMV

Once you've got your new Social Security Card, it's time to get a new driver's license with your new name. Depending on your state, you can mail your application and identification materials and/or make an appointment at the DMV. Send or bring every form of identification card that your local DMV instructs you to – be sure to check your state's DMV to find out what's required. There will be a fee, so check to see if your local DMV accepts cash, checks or credit cards.

Typical Driver's License ID Requirements:

• A copy of your current driver's license
• A copy of our new Social Security Card
• Proof of name change (a copy of your marriage certificate)
• Proof of address (bank statements, utility bills, or lease agreements with your current address)
• Photo ID (valid driver's license, state ID card, military ID, valid passport)

4. Update your US passport and travel documents

When it comes to a passport name change, the timing and location of your honeymoon is a consideration. If you are flying out of the country, the name on your airline tickets will need to match your passport. So if you have plane tickets booked with your maiden name, delay getting a new passport until you return. Once you're ready to proceed, you'll contact the US Department of State. The process is different if you are applying for a passport for the first time versus if you have a passport but would like to change your name. It is also dependent on when your passport was issued and when you changed your name. It typically takes four to six weeks to get your passport but you can apply to get it expedited for an additional cost.

New name on your existing Passport ID Requirements:

• Your completed form
• Your current passport
• Your original marriage certificate or a certified copy
• A color passport photo that meets these criteria
• If you are a member of a Government Trusted Traveler Program such as TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Nexus, visit the Homeland Security website for further details on updating these ID cards.

Name Change Checklist

Once you have a certified copy of your marriage certificate, your updated Social Security Card and a new driver's license and passport, you can start changing your name with companies and services like your bank account, credit card and payroll. Here's a name change checklist of all the usual places you'll need to notify. Supplement this list with any additional spots where your maiden name appears, and don't forget to share the news with your social circle by sending out wedding announcement cards. (Bonus: Here's How to Change Your Last Name on Email and Social Media.)

Design: Falak Khoja

Name Change Options After Marriage

You could take your spouse's last name and call it a day, however, there are several married name options for newlyweds. If you're considering an official name change, take the time to discuss this with your partner and make a decision well before you get your marriage certificate.

Last name change

The American tradition of the bride taking her husband's last name after marriage is based on coverture laws. In modern times, the decision to take your spouse's last name is a personal choice. While it is more common for brides to take their husband's last name, some partners both change their names to both last names. Just look at Victoria Peltz Beckham and Brooklyn Peltz Beckham.

Hyphenated last name

If you're attached to your last name for sentimental or professional reasons and don't want to completely let it go, a popular option is hyphenating your maiden name with your spouse's last name to establish a new name that honors your union. Read more about hyphenated names.

Middle name change

Rather than hyphenating your last name, these days some newlyweds are changing their middle name to their maiden name (or adding a second middle name) and taking their spouse's last name. Want the how-to? Read our guide to changing your middle name after marriage.

Combined last name

Did you know that you can choose an entirely different last name—neither your maiden name nor your spouse's name? To do this, most states will require you to file a formal name change petition with the court. Some partners both combine their last names into something new. (Read our guide to combining last names after marriage.)

Keeping your maiden name

For many individuals, keeping their maiden name is their preferred choice. If that sounds like you, turn your administrative attention to other practical matters such as how you will handle banking and paying bills as a married couple.

Popular Name Change Services

As the saying goes, time is money. If you want a hassle-free method to get all of this paperwork done and save hours, use a name change service. The premise of this service is to help you create pre-populated forms and letters that are ready to submit to government agencies, financial institutions and companies. They'll also provide expert advice every step of the way. Name change boxes and websites help expedite the name change education process, and ultimately, can help you feel empowered and informed throughout the process.

Easy Name Change

The key is in the name: an Easy Name Change kit makes the process easy. Similar to the other options on our list, there's a print-at-home kit for $39 and a printed-and-posted kit for $79. Our favorite thing about this name change service is that the printed kit comes with a folder to help you stay organized. The last thing you need is to misplace all of your precious documents.

NewlyNamed

This service offers two options: a name change box with all the required documents conveniently printed and delivered to your door and a print-at-home package that's more budget-friendly but takes a little extra work on your part. The full-service kit costs $99 (worth it, if you ask us—even the envelopes you'll need to mail are pre-paid and ready to go). If you don't mind organizing the printing and postage yourself, the digital name change kit is $49.

NÉE

We love NÉE's name change kit for two reasons. First of all, it looks fancy enough for a couple who just celebrated one of the best days of their lives. (Congrats, BTW!). Secondly, it's one of the more affordable name change boxes at $89 for the Luxe Kit. Inside, you'll get a step-by-step guide along with the necessary forms for each part of the process and pre-stamped envelopes. For even more savings, buy the digital version for just $39.

UpdateMyName.com

This handy website offers three different name change packages: Print At Home, Full Service and Platinum. All three options include auto-filled forms, access to your documents online and helpful step-by-step instructions. If that sounds like enough to get you started, the $39 print-at-home kit is a great option. The full-service option comes with additional features like printed forms and pre-paid envelopes for $79, while the platinum package is $99 and includes a concierge service and a free printed passport photo.

MissNowMrs

MissNowMrs was created after the founder experienced the name change process herself and knew there had to be a better way. It was created specifically for newlyweds, making it one of the best services for changing your name after marriage. The site's basic package costs $39 and includes all the digital files you'll need for Social Security, IRS, US Passport, USPS, driver's licence and voter registration name change applications. The Ultimate Name Change Package costs $69 and you'll have all of the above printed and shipped to your door along with prepaid and pre-filled out envelopes.

HitchSwitch

The ever-popular HitchSwitch is dedicated to helping newlyweds with their name change and offers three packages with different levels of service ranging from $39 to $129. Once you provide your information online—this takes just a few minutes—you'll get pre-populated name change forms and other perks. Their Platinum service includes access to a concierge team to guide you through the process and four free passport photos.

How to Change Your Name by State

Looking for name change information specific to your state? With all of this general information in mind, we've got everything you need to know about the name change process in each state:

Alabama | Alaska |Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | D.C. | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming

The Knot and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, legal advice and should not be used as such. You should always consult with your legal advisors about your specific circumstances. This information contained herein is not necessarily exhaustive, complete, accurate or up to date and we undertake no responsibility to update. In addition, we do not take responsibility for information contained in any external links, over which we have no control.

Additional reporting by Naoimh O'Hare.