How to Change Your Name in Utah: A Newlywed's Guide to Making the Switch

Name changes after marriage are pretty popular, so you'd think it'd be a straightforward process that's basically the same for everyone. Not so. In fact, how exactly to do it varies by state—and even from person to person. A name change in Utah, for example, can get a little tricky—especially if your marriage license doesn't allow your desired surname swap. Expect to spend a fair amount of time researching and filling out paperwork (unless you hire a service to assist you … more on that in a sec).

Don't let the process freak you out though—we're here to help. And there's also the option of HitchSwitch, a name change service that really takes the guesswork out of taking a new moniker. By completing just one simple questionnaire, you'll give the HitchSwitch team enough information to create a personalized Utah name change checklist for you. They'll even gather all the forms you need and autofill most of the fields, so all that's left for you to do is submit your documents to the right places. (They'll tell you how to do that too!)

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

But before you decide whether or not you want to do this on your own or with help, you probably want more information on everything that's involved. That's why we've broken it down into this handy guide. Here, a 101 on how to change your name in Utah.

In this article:

• How to Obtain a Marriage License in Utah
• How to Petition for a Name Change in Utah
• How to Change Your Name on Your Social Security Card
• How to Change Your Name on Your US Passport
• How to Get a Driver's License Name Change in Utah
• How to Complete a Name Change in Utah

How to Obtain a Marriage License in Utah

The first step toward changing your last name in Utah happens before you even get married. That's because, in order to have a legal wedding, you have to obtain a marriage license. (And from there, the certified copy can serve as your legal name change document.)

Wondering how to get a marriage license in Utah? You and your future spouse will need to find your local county clerk's office and fill out an application.

What forms do you need?

You'll fill out a marriage application. Depending on the county, you can do it entirely online (like Utah County) or both have to head to the county clerk's office, so check your local office's website to see. You should both bring along your driver's licenses or other government-issued photo IDs that show your date of birth. You'll also need to have personal information on hand, like your Social Security numbers and your parents' birthplaces. Check out the Utah Courts website for more information, and be sure to call your county clerk's office for location-specific requirements.

How much does it cost?

The cost varies but is in the $50 to $70 range, which includes a certified copy. You may be able to get a discount if you've completed premarital education classes and bring in documentation of it. More information on that is here.

A Utah marriage license can be used immediately, but expires in 32 days.

Important things to remember:

After the wedding, your officiant will sign your certificate of marriage. Then, they'll file it with the county clerk's office. In most cases, that'll become your legal name change document.

Like many states, the Utah marriage license office does not handle name changes. You will receive a certified copy of your marriage license/certificate which should be sufficient proof of your marriage to any government agency in the United States. Your certificate will show your legal name prior to the marriage. The marriage license/certificate on its own provides documentation of a name change for either applicant to take the last name of their spouse, use a hyphenated version of the names, and/or use a previous last name as a middle name.

Getting married out of state? Apply for your marriage license there instead, and look up that location's requirements.

How to Petition for a Name Change in Utah

If you want to undergo a different kind of name change than stated above, you may need to petition the court. This could be necessary if you want to, say, change your first name or create a new last name to share postwedding. We recommend contacting your local court to triple-check that you need a court order, since the process costs extra time and money. Learn more on the Utah Courts website.

To get one, fill out and file several forms, including a Petition for Name Change. Then, attend your court hearing. If the court approves your legal name change in Utah, you'll use your certified Order on Petition for Name Change as your legal name change document.

Get full instructions on how to legally change your name in UT this way at UTCourts.gov.

How to Change Your Name on Your Social Security Card

The next step toward changing your last name in Utah is to notify the Social Security Administration. This is arguably the most important step, since an updated Social Security card is part of updating your driver's license, passport and other important documents.

To change your name with the SSA, mail or bring your documents to your local SSA office. (Search for Utah office locations here.)

What forms do you need?

• A new application for a Social Security card: Form SS-5.

• Your legal name change document (your marriage certificate or court order)

• Proof of identity (a government-issued photo ID)

You may also need to submit proof of citizenship (your birth certificate or passport) if you haven't already established your citizenship with the SSA.

How much does it cost?

Zilch. This one's free!

Important things to remember:

Check out the detailed instructions about getting a corrected Social Security card on the SSA's website. There are some instructions you don't want to miss, including the fact that your submitted documents must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies aren't accepted!

How to Change Your Name on Your US Passport

Since the passport name change process takes a bit of time, we recommend getting started on that next—especially if you're traveling soon. But even if you're not, it's always good to have another government ID with your new name on hand—especially when you try to update your driver's license with the Utah Driver's License Division.

The way you change your name on your passport will depend on a few things, including the condition of your current passport. So, read up on the US Department of State website. We've also outlined the basics of a passport update below.

What forms do you need?

One of these three:

1. The passport correction form (Form DS-5504). This is your form if your name changed within a year of when your current passport was issued, and that passport is less than a year old. Mail the following documents in according to the instructions printed on the DS-5504:

• The completed form

• Your current passport

• Your certified name change document

• A new color passport photo (fun fact: this is included as part of HitchSwitch's $99 package)

2. The passport renewal form (Form DS-82). Use this form if your current passport is in good condition, was issued when you were at least 16 years old, and was issued within the last 15 years. Mail in:

• The completed form

• Your current passport

• Your certified name change document

• A color passport photo

• Associated fees (keep scrolling to learn more)

3. The standard passport application (Form DS-11). If neither of the above applies to you, then you'll have to apply with a standard passport application. For this one, you'll have to visit a Utah Passport Acceptance Facility to deliver your documents in person. Bring:

• Proof of identity, plus a photocopy

• Proof of citizenship, plus a photocopy

• Your certified name change document

• A color passport photo

• Associated fees

How much does it cost?

It depends on which form you're filing and which type of passport you're getting.

1. DS-5504: $0.

2. DS-82: $130 for a passport book and/or $30 for a card (which only allows for travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.)

3. DS-11: $130 for a passport book and/or $30 for a card, as well as $35 in extra processing fees.

Important things to remember:

It can take seven to ten weeks to process your new passport, so plan ahead. When you travel, your name on your reservations and tickets should always match your name on your passport. So if you're traveling soon, you may want to pay extra to expedite your service. Or, better yet, wait until after your honeymoon to change your name on your passport.

How to Get a Driver's License Name Change in Utah

Next on your to-do list? A Utah driver's license name change. To do this, take a trip to a driver's license office. If your current license is within six months of expiring they will make you renew, if not you will get a duplicate with your new name on it. Learn more about that here. Before you go, you can fill out the application and schedule an appointment. (We strongly recommend doing both to save yourself a headache!)

What forms do you need?

In addition to the application form, you'll want to bring your current license and legal documentation of the name change (think: the marriage certificate or court order). You could also need to bring additional documentation, like your passport, so call ahead for details. The process may look slightly different depending on when your current ID expires (you might qualify for a renewal, not a duplicate) and what kind of ID you're getting (regular or a Real ID).

How much does it cost?

It costs $23 for a duplicate driver's license in Utah.

Important things to remember:

FYI: You'll probably have a new photo taken and have to take a vision test while you're at the driver's license office.

If your address has also changed, bring along two documents of residence. Here's a list of documentation that's accepted. Or, change your address online within 10 days of moving.

How to Complete a Name Change in Utah

Once you've gotten your IDs out of the way, you'll have the major work of your name change in Utah done, but there are still a lot of other places left to notify of the change. The Utah Courts website has a good list that can help you check all the important boxes. It includes employers, schools, health care providers, mortgage companies, insurance companies, banks and other financial institutions, creditors, taxing authorities, the registrar of voters and more.

Thankfully, HitchSwitch can help you tackle these to-dos as well. The service offers instructions for changing your name every step of the way—even on things like your social media accounts! Because now that you have a new name, you probably want to use it anywhere and everywhere.

This article has been fact-checked and reviewed for accuracy in November 2023.