Name Change After Marriage Checklist

Track every account and document you need to update after changing your name. Progress saves automatically so you can come back anytime.

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The Right Order for Changing Your Name

The order matters when changing your name after marriage. Start with Social Security, then your driver's license, then everything else. Most institutions require your updated government ID before they will process a name change.

Order 5 to 10 certified copies of your marriage certificate from your county clerk's office. You will need to submit originals (not photocopies) to multiple agencies, and having extras saves time since some agencies hold onto them for processing.

•Step 1: Social Security Administration (required before everything else).
•Step 2: Driver's license or state ID at your local DMV.
•Step 3: Passport (submit within 1 year for a free name change).
•Step 4: Bank accounts, credit cards, and financial institutions.
•Step 5: Employment records, insurance, and everything else.

How Long Does the Full Process Take?

Most people complete the core name change (SSA, DMV, passport) within 4 to 8 weeks. The full process, including all financial accounts, subscriptions, and professional profiles, typically takes 2 to 3 months if you stay on top of it.

Do not rush to update everything on day one. Many changes require your updated Social Security card, which takes 2 to 4 weeks to arrive. Use that waiting time to gather documents and make a list of every account you need to update.

Do You Have to Change Your Name?

Changing your name after marriage is completely optional. Many couples choose to keep their maiden names, hyphenate, or create a new combined name. There is no legal requirement to change your name, and your marriage is valid regardless of what you decide.

If you do decide to change your name, you have several options: take your spouse's last name, hyphenate both names, use your maiden name as a middle name, or create an entirely new surname. Each option has different implications for paperwork and documentation.

Common Questions

Name Change FAQ

Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.

The core changes (Social Security, driver's license, passport) take 4 to 8 weeks. The full process including all accounts typically takes 2 to 3 months. Start with Social Security as everything else depends on it.

You need certified copies of your marriage certificate (get 5 to 10), your current government-issued ID, and your Social Security card. Some institutions also require a completed name change form specific to their organization.

Social Security name changes are free. Driver's license fees vary by state ($10 to $30 typically). Passport name changes within 1 year of marriage are free. Bank and credit card changes are free. Budget about $50 to $100 total for government fees.

No, changing your name is completely optional. Your marriage is legally valid regardless of whether you change your name. Many people keep their maiden name, hyphenate, or use their maiden name as a middle name.

Social Security requires an in-person visit or mail submission. Driver's license requires an in-person DMV visit. Passport can be done by mail. Most banks, credit cards, and other accounts can be updated online or by phone.

There is no legal deadline. However, changing your passport within 1 year of marriage is free (you only pay for a new photo). After 1 year, you pay the full passport renewal fee. The sooner you start, the easier it is.

No, you do not change your birth certificate after marriage. Your birth certificate remains as-is with your birth name. Your marriage certificate serves as the legal document connecting your birth name to your married name.

Yes, either spouse can change their name after marriage. The process is the same regardless of gender. Both partners can take the other's name, hyphenate, or create a new combined surname.