How to Legally Take Your Husband's Name

Always change your name with Social Security first.

Once the wedding is over and the thank-you notes have been mailed, you still have some important business to attend to. If you’ve decided to take your husband’s name after getting married, you can informally call yourself “Mrs.” as soon as the ceremony ends, but ensuring that your name is legally recognized requires some paperwork and visits to government offices. There is no time limit on when you can change your name – you can visit the Social Security years after you get married if you wish – but the sooner you start the process, the sooner you can legally use your new name.

Things You'll Need

• Copies of your marriage license

Instructions

1. Acquire a certified copy of your marriage license with a raised seal. In some cities, the city clerk’s office will automatically send you a copy when it’s filed by the officiant who conducted your ceremony.

2. Visit your local Social Security office to request a name change and a new card. Bring the copy of the marriage license, your driver’s license and your current Social Security card. Complete Form SS-5 and present your documentation to the clerk; a new card will be mailed to you and should arrive within two to four weeks after your request and the Social Security Administration will notify the IRS of your new name.

3. Go to your local bureau or department of motor vehicles. Bring your driver’s license and a copy of your marriage license, and request to change your name. Depending on your state laws, you may get your new license right away or have to wait several weeks for a new copy to arrive in the mail.

4. Notify your employer of your new name. In most cases, your employer cannot change the name on your employment file or with payroll until you have a Social Security card and driver’s license that reflect your new name.

5. Contact your bank, utility companies, credit card companies and other people you do business with, such as doctor’s offices and insurance companies, to request a name change. Every company has its own policy regarding name changes; some, such as banks, need to see your marriage license, while others only require a written request with a photocopy of your new driver’s license or other identifying document.

6. Change your name on your passport by visiting the U.S. State Department website and following the instructions for a passport name change. Unless you got your passport less than a year ago, to change your name you need to renew your passport. Complete the appropriate form and mail it to the processing center with your old passport, a certified copy of your marriage license and the renewal fee.

Tips & Warnings

• Request multiple copies of your marriage license to speed up the process. If you have to send the marriage license out to change your name, such as on your passport, you’ll still have a copy to use to change your name elsewhere.

• Do not change your name on your passport before the honeymoon if your travel reservations are in your maiden name. The name on your passport must match the name on the air reservation.

References

• The Knot: Post-Wedding To-Do's: How to Change Your Name After the Wedding
• U.S. Department of State: Change Your Name in Your U.S. Passport
• Social Security Administration: What Every Woman Should Know
• Bankrate: Here Comes the Bride's Name Change; Jenny C. McCune