Name Change Laws for Marriage

You need to have a notarized marriage certificate to change your name.

Since there is no obligation for a name change after marriage, there are no set laws governing the name change process. There are certain steps, though, that make the name changing process easier and legal.

Options

After marriage, couples have several options to change their last names. The wife may change her last name to that of the husband's or use a hyphenated combination of both last names. The husband may decide to take the wife's name or also use a hyphenated version. Either spouse may create a last name that combines elements from both names.

Legal Forms

To change your last name, fill out an application for a social security card and return it with a notarized marriage certificate, proof of citizenship as either a birth certificate or passport, and two forms of identification to the social security office in the state or county of residence.

Driver's License

To receive a new driver's license that reflects the name change, take your new social security card and marriage certificate to the Department of Motor Vehicles and apply for a new driver's license or ID.

References

• Name Change Law: Changing Your Name After Marriage
• MyFamilyLaw.com: Changing Your Name After Marriage
• SocialSecurity.gov: Changing Your Name on Your Social Security Card
• ExpertLaw: Common Law Marriage
• ExpertLaw: Marriage Law