- Changing your last name after you get married is an old tradition that has been around for a long time. Whether the wife takes the husband's name as tradition dictates, he takes hers, or both make the decision to hyphenate, follow the necessary steps to make it official.
- Step1
Order extra certified copies of your marriage certificate for agencies that require originals before allowing you to change your name on documents, such as the department of motor vehicles.
- Step2
If you're a man changing your name at marriage, check your marriage certificate to see if there is a space to indicate a name change. If not, you will need court papers to legally change your name. Contact a local attorney to find out the procedure for name changing in your state. (This is not necessary for women.)
- Step3
Request a new Social Security card or cards reflecting the name change. Call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 to obtain forms and instructions.
- Step4
Make an appointment to visit the department of motor vehicles for a new driver's license. Ask in advance which documents you'll need to bring in order to certify the validity of your name change.
- Step5
Obtain and complete a Passport Amendment/Validation Application. Send this along with appropriate fees, your current passport(s), and a certified documentation of your name change (such as a certified copy of a marriage certificate or court papers) to the nearest passport agency.
- Step6
Order replacements for checks, business cards, credit cards and other documents that contain your old name.
- Step7
Call employers and schools (if you are a student) to let them know your new name, and ask them to change it in their records.
- Step8
Change your name on your car registration, with your insurance and mortgage companies, and with your frequent-flier program.
- Step9
Contact the post office, utility companies and registrar of voters.
- Step10
Make the announcement to friends and family (ideally to your in-laws first), using stationery or thank-you cards with your new name printed on them, or order name-change cards designed for such an occasion.
- Tips & Warnings !!!
- Because a woman traditionally takes her husband's name when she is married, a certified copy of your marriage certificate is sufficient documentation for a woman's name change, even if it doesn't contain a space for your new name. A man may need court papers, not just a marriage certificate, to get new documents after marriage if he wants to change his name.
