How to Change Your Name After the Wedding

Just because you have a marriage certificate with your new last name, doesn't mean you've officially changed your name. Plus, your maiden name appears in lots of places. Basically, you've got some important steps to take in order to legally change your name after marriage and enjoy living with it in all aspects of your newlywed life.

While changing your name after the wedding isn't too complicated (we promise), it can be time-consuming. There's a sequence you need to follow, and we've laid out everything you need to do step-by-step. 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.

There's a shortcut, though: 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

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Legal Name Change Documents

In order 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 ID: 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.

Design: Falak Khoja

1. Get Your Marriage License

Before you can change your name, 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

If you're willing to wait a couple months after your marriage, many name changes to your Social Security Card can be made online. If not, find your local Social Security Administration and fill out the application for a new card in person. You'll keep the same social security number—just your name will be different. Mail in the form with your ID (original or certified copy–don't worry, they will mail them back) or just go through the process in person. You should get your new card in around 14 business days.

Social Security Card ID Requirements:

• Proof of name change (a certified copy of your marriage certificate-not a photocopy)
• Photo ID with proof of citizenship and/or residence (valid driver's license, state ID card, military ID, valid passport)

3. Change Your Driver's License at the DMV

Once you've got your Social Security card name change in the system (which can take up to 48 hours), take a trip to the local Department of Motor Vehicles office to get a new driver's license with your new name and photo. (Many states want you to start the application online or make an appointment, so check that first.) Bring every form of identification card that your local DMV instructs you to. There will be a fee, so check to see if your local DMV accepts cash, checks or credit cards.

Driver's License ID Requirements:

• Your current driver's license
• Your Social Security card
• Proof of name change (a certified copy of your marriage certificate)
• Proof of address if you've moved since your wedding (bank statement or mortgage papers)
• Photo id (valid driver's license, state ID card, military ID, valid passport)

4. Update Your 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.

To get a passport for the first time, you'll need to fill out Form DS-11.

To make a name change to a valid passport that's less than one year old you can do it by mail by completing a Form DS-5504. If your passport is older than that you'll need Form DS-82.

New name on your existing US Passport ID Requirements:

• Your current U.S. passport
• Your completed form
• Proof of name change (a certified copy of your marriage certificate)
• Passport photo that meets these criteria

If you are a member of a US 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/or passport, you'll be armed with new ID cards to look after changing your name with other companies and services. 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 in fact several married name options for newlyweds. If you're considering a name change, take the time to discuss this with your partner and make a decision well before you get your marriage license for a thoughtful conclusion and a more streamlined legal process.

Last Name Change

The American tradition of the bride taking her husband's last name after marriage is based on coverture laws, which dictated that in marriage, a woman's rights were subsumed by her husband to become one legal entity. In modern times, the decision to take your spouse's last name is a personal choice.

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.

An Entirely New 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.

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, and so if you want a hassle-free method to get all of this paperwork done and save hours of admin, use a name change kit. The premise of this service is to help you with pre-populated forms and letters ready to submit to government agencies, financial institutions and companies while supporting you with their expertise. 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.

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 along with pre-stamped envelopes. Their Platinum service includes access to a concierge team to guide you through the process and a free passport photo. You'll take your photo with the Passport Now app using a promo code and HitchSwitch will send you prints to submit with your completed form.

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, by the way!). 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. 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 $40 and includes all the digital files you'll need for Social Security, Internal Revenue Service, US Passport, USPS, diver's licence and voter registration name change applications. The Ultimate Name Change Package costs $180 and you'll have all of the above printed and on your doorstep in two days.

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

Additional reporting by Naoimh O'Hare.