How to Change My Last Name to My Spouse's Name

Once you're married, you can take your spouse's last name.

Simply because you are married does not mean you share the same name as your spouse. Your marriage certificate does not change your name; it merely gives you legal permission to change your name. Changing your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) is how to legally change your last name to that of your spouse's. The SSA is the issuer of Social Security cards. Until you change the name listed on yours, you haven't changed your name.

Instructions

1. Contact your local SSA office to change your name. You must obtain form SS-5, the application for a Social Security card, to begin the name change process. This form is available on the SSA website and at any SSA office location.

2. Enter the required information on form SS-5, including the name on your birth certificate, the name you want shown on your new Social Security card, your address, citizenship, place of birth, date of birth, your sex, ethnicity and race, your parent's names and Social Security numbers as shown on your birth record, and your phone number. Sign form SS-5.

3. Provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate, a copy of your photo identification and a certified copy of your birth certificate with form SS-5. Mail or deliver form SS-5 to your local SSA office. Your new Social Security card is issued to you once your application is processed.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you've notified the SSA that you'd like to take your spouse's name, you may begin notifying other agencies. Change the name on your driver's license, voter's registration and vehicle registration. Contact your credit card companies, utility company, mortgage lender and other financial institutions. The SSA notifies the Internal Revenue Service of your name change on your behalf.

References

• Social Security Administration: Form SS-5
• Social Security Administration: Social Security Office Locator