How to Take a Married Name
At birth, your parents give you your last name. This last name stays with you for the rest of your life unless you legally change it. A name change is a legal process; those that wish to change their names must often stand before a judge and request the change. If changing your last name after marriage, you will only need to submit proof of the marriage to take your married name legally.
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Instructions
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Obtain a copy of your marriage certificate. You can obtain a copy from the county court clerk's office in the county in which you were married.
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Complete an "Application for a Social Security Card." The application is available online or at a local Social Security office. Enter your new married last name, first and full middle name in the "Name" field at the top of the form. Fill out the rest of the form as required.
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Submit the completed application, marriage certificate and state-issued identification card to the representative at the Social Security officce. A new Social Security card reflecting your name change will be sent in the mail.
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Change your name on your driver's license and other identification cards. Take your new Social Security card, birth certificate, marriage certificate and state-issued identification card to the department of motor vehicles. If you wish to change your name on a registration or car title, bring those documents too. Once there, you must complete an application for a driver's license. Enter your current driver's license number into the corresponding field on the application. Indicate your new name and previous name where applicable on the application. There will be a fee to process the application and issue a new license.
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Present your new driver's license and marriage certificate at your bank, school, place of employment or other place where you want your new last name reflected in documents or records.
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