How to Legally Change Your Name When Married

Contributor

By Ann Johnson
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating:

(2 Ratings)

Legally Change Your Name When Married

After getting married, women often assume their new husbands' surnames. However, this does not happen automatically--there are certain steps that need to be taken following marriage to change the wife's last name. Once this is done, there will be a new Social Security Card issued to reflect the name change.

How to Change Your Legal Name
There are several reasons why people might want to change their legal name. Getting married or divorced ar… More
How to Legally Prepare for Marriage
Thinking about getting married? Already set a date? Marrying someone is a commitment and this article offe… More
How to Change Your Name After Marriage
Changing your last name after you get married is an old tradition that has been around for a long time. Wh… More
How to Legally Change Your Name When Married
After getting married, women often assume their new husbands' surnames. However, this does not happen aut… More
How to Change a Name on a Social Security Card
Spurred by the Great Depression and the economic woes that gripped the nation, the Social Security Act was… More
How to Change a Name on a Social Security Card After Getting Married
The original use for the Social Security card and number was to track the funds in your Social Security ac… More
How to Change Your Name on Your Passport
You have just gotten married and need to change your name on your passport. You probably think that this i… More
How to Change Your Name On Your Passport After Marriage
After saying “I do,” changing your name can take time. After notifying the Social Security office and obta… More
How to Decide Whose Name to Take When You Get Married
Tradition dictates that the bride assumes her husband's name at marriage. But traditions change. Today, no… More
How to Change Your Married Name
Changing your name is a right all Americans have. And, fortunately, it is incredibly easy to do. That is, … More
How Do I Legally Change My Name in Ohio?
Changing your name legally in Ohio is a fairly straightforward process. Whether you fancy a different moni… More
How to Change Names on Canadian Passports
In Canada, name changes on your passport can only be done by applying for a new passport under your new na… More
How to Change Your Identity
It is possible to change aspects of your identity, such as your name and (under some circumstances) your s… More
How to Legally Change Your Identity
Every locality has its own policies regarding legal name changes. Despite this, the process is generally … More
How to Change Your Name After a Divorce
Obtain a copy of your court order and use it when you request that agencies and creditors change your name… More

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Print out a change of name form from the Social Security website (see Resources below). Fill out the form after printing it out.
Step 2

Go to your local Social Security office. Take the completed form, marriage license, driver's license (or a valid photo identification) and Social Security card with you. You will be issued a temporary Social Security card.
Step 3

Go to your state's department of motor vehicles to change the name on your driver's license. Bring the temporary Social Security card, marriage license and current driver's license.
Step 4

Contact your credit card companies, banks, vehicle registration department and companies you do business with, to notify them of the name change. Some may require you complete their own forms.

Tips & Warnings

If you have not established citizenship with the Social Security office, take along a proof of citizenship.
Don't assume changing your driver's license to reflect your new name will change the name on your vehicle registration. You will need to do this separately.

Resources