How to Change Your Name After Marriage: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Editor's note: This guide was updated April 19, 2026 to reflect the latest Social Security, DMV, passport, and state-level name change requirements. Originally published July 11, 2024.

Changing your name after marriage in the U.S. is a multi-step legal process that begins when you receive your certified marriage certificate. The standard order is: (1) update your Social Security card using Form SS-5 (free), (2) update your driver's license or state ID at the DMV, (3) update your U.S. passport using Form DS-82, DS-11, or DS-5504, and (4) update your bank accounts, employer, insurance, voter registration, and other personal accounts. Most people complete the federal and state government updates in 4–6 weeks; finishing every personal account typically takes 2–3 months.

Over 500,000 newlyweds have used NewlyNamed to change their name — we've seen every edge case, from foreign marriage certificates to subsequent marriages to hyphenated names that break most state systems.

IMPORTANT: If you've made travel reservations in your maiden name, you can still begin your name change. Just make sure the name on your travel ID (such as your driver's license or passport) matches your reservation. If you've already updated your ID and your reservation is in your old name, contact your travel provider to confirm your reservation will be honored.

If you're changing your name due to divorce or court order, check out our legal name change guide instead.

Do you have to change your name after marriage?

No. There is no legal requirement to change your name after marriage in any U.S. state, and your spouse cannot require it. You can keep your birth name, take your spouse's last name, hyphenate both names, or create a combined name using a court order. This guide covers the process if you've decided to change your name. If you're still deciding, consider how often your name appears on legal documents, professional credentials, and accounts you'd need to update.

Name Change After Marriage: The 10 Steps

1. Get Your Marriage Certificate
2. Update Your Social Security Card
3. Change Your Name at the DMV (New Driver's License or State ID Card)
4. Update Your Vehicle Title and Registration
5. Update Your Passport
6. Update Your Voter Registration
7. Update Your Name with the United States Postal Service (USPS)
8. Update Your Bank Accounts and Credit Union Accounts
9. Request New Credit Cards with Your New Name
10. Update Other Personal Accounts

1. How do I get a certified copy of my marriage certificate?

The first thing you need to do is get a physical copy of your marriage certificate. A marriage certificate is a legal document that verifies your marriage occurred at a specific date and location — you'll need to use it many times during your name change.

Your wedding officiant should send you the original in the mail two to three weeks after your marriage. You'll probably want to use a certified copy for all the name change paperwork so you can keep the original safe at home.

A certified copy of your marriage certificate is an official duplicate of the original certificate issued directly from the county or courthouse where you received your marriage license. It has special seals to verify its authenticity; you can't just make your own copy.

Luckily, getting a copy of your marriage certificate is straightforward. Simply call the office that issued the certificate and order one or more copies.

Certified copies from the county clerk typically cost $10–$30 as of 2026, depending on your state. Most offices process your request within 5–7 business days and deliver by mail.

Note, a marriage certificate is not the same as a marriage license. A marriage license shows that you are legally eligible to marry. A marriage certificate functions as a record-keeping document, proving that you have completed and registered your marriage.

TIME-SAVING TIP: If you need to order a certified copy, we recommend purchasing at least two copies. You may need to submit your marriage certificate by mail during this process, so having an extra copy will allow you to continue your name change without waiting for your certificate to return to you. This can also save you money as you'll only need to pay the processing fee once.

Cost: $10–$30 per certified copy (varies by your city/county/municipality)

2. How do I change my name with Social Security?

Now it's time to change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA is the issuing agency for your new Social Security card.

You need to start your name change here because all government agencies link to the SSA database. If your name change isn't registered with the SSA, other government offices will not allow you to change your name.

You can get started by checking out our comprehensive SSA Name Change Guide to see a complete list of the acceptable documents needed to make this change. Alternatively, you can download Form SS-5, an application for a Social Security Card, and follow the instructions.

You will need to submit Form SS-5 to your local SSA office. We recommend waiting until you receive your new Social Security card before changing your name anywhere else. Your Social Security Number will stay the same.

Cost: Free

Required documents: Original or certified copy of your marriage certificate and a valid photo ID (driver's license, state-issued identity card, or U.S. Passport)

Government Resources: SSA Checklist

IMPORTANT: Do not file your taxes until the IRS is aware of your name change as it may cause issues with your tax returns. The SSA will notify the IRS of your name change, but it may take up to two weeks.

3. How do I update my driver's license after marriage?

After you receive your updated Social Security card, it's time to head to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to update your driver's license or state-issued identification card.

We recommend applying for or upgrading to a federally compliant REAL ID, if you don't already have one. A REAL ID has added travel benefits and a nominal cost — most are the same price as a standard license.

As of May 7, 2025, every domestic air traveler must present a REAL-ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID (such as a U.S. passport). If you're changing your name, we recommend upgrading to a REAL ID during this DMV visit to avoid a second trip.

Every state has different applications, documentation, and payment requirements, so check your state's DMV website — or our state-specific guides (like Tennessee) — to see what you should fill out and bring with you before you go.

Most states will need to see your new Social Security card or receipt from the Social Security office, your current driver's license, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, and a proof of address (a piece of mail containing your name and current address).

If you'd like to avoid the hassle of government websites, NewlyNamed has already done the research and knows exactly what each state requires. With our personalized name change after marriage kits, you will receive detailed step-by-step instructions on how to change your name in your state.

Tips: Pre-apply by filling out your new driver's license form online (if applicable) and always bring original documents.

Cost: Varies by state

4. How do I update my vehicle title and registration?

Updating your vehicle title and registration is another important item that varies drastically by state. Some DMVs cover both driver's licenses and vehicle title/registration, but most states have separate driver's license and motor vehicle departments.

We recommend visiting your state's DMV website and researching the steps to update your car's title and registration. A new title typically takes a few weeks to arrive in the mail, but you should get your new registration right away.

Spend extra time researching what documents you need before visiting the relevant office. A lot of people get turned away because they lack the required identity documents or vehicle information when they arrive.

If this sounds stressful, don't worry. Our state-specific name change kits include the exact title and registration forms for your state, with personalized instructions to make this process quick and easy.

Cost: Varies by state

IMPORTANT: If you currently lease or finance your vehicle, contact your lienholder and inform them of your name change. They will provide you with steps to update your title in your state.

5. How do I update my U.S. passport after marriage?

Your driver's license or state-issued ID will work for travel inside the US. But if you're planning to travel internationally, you'll also need to update your passport.

If your passport is less than a year old, you're in luck — updating your name is free. But if your passport was issued more than a year ago, you'll need to pay a processing fee for your new passport. You will need to fill out one of three different forms: DS-82 if your passport was issued more than a year ago, DS-5504 if your passport was issued less than a year ago, or DS-11 if your passport has expired for more than five years.

Mail in the completed form along with the required proof of identity, a color photograph of yourself, and the applicable fees. For more details, see our Passport Name Change Guide.

Applications can take up to six weeks for standard processing or up to three weeks for expedited service. You will receive your new passport in the mail, as well as the old passport back with a hole punched through the center.

Cost: $0–$235 (varies based on your situation)

Government Resources: Forms and instructions

6. How do I update my voter registration after a name change?

Next, you'll need to update your voter registration information. You can do this by downloading and mailing in the National Voter Registration Application (see "National Mail Voter Registration Form - English") or by visiting vote.gov.

Exceptions:

• New Hampshire does not accept this application. You will need to visit your local election office in person.
• Wyoming requires residents to register at their local election office.
• North Dakota does not have voter registration — just show up to the polls with your current ID.

7. How do I update my name with USPS?

While you don't necessarily need to tell USPS about your name change, you will want to update your name and address if you moved after your marriage. Visit moversguide.usps.com for more info.

8. How do I change my name on my bank accounts?

To change the name on your bank account, most banks require you to visit a branch office with an updated photo ID (driver's license or passport) and your marriage certificate.

While you're there, ask for new debit/credit cards and blank checks. If you want to add your spouse to your account or open a joint account, make sure your spouse goes with you.

If you don't live near a branch location, call the bank's customer support phone number or the number on the back of your debit card.

9. How do I change my name on credit cards?

For all major credit cards, the best place to start your name change after marriage is by calling the number on the back of the card. Every card issuer is different, so don't expect the same process for each card.

Most will want you to mail, upload, or email a photocopy of your photo ID (driver's license or passport) and a photocopy of your marriage certificate. Unfortunately, only a few issuers — like American Express — allow you to change your name completely online. Most require you to talk to someone over the phone.

10. What other accounts need a name change after marriage?

In other words, update your name everywhere else.

Once you have the most important stuff updated, it's time to tackle the smaller things. Your name appears in more places than you'd think, so you may want to fire up a spreadsheet and start creating a list.

It may take you a long time to fully update your name everywhere, but don't let it stress you out too much. Many of these changes are not time-sensitive, and you can deal with them as they come up.

Personal accounts name change checklist:

• Employer/work info — talk to your HR department
• Military and government employees — contact personnel in the payroll and benefits offices
• Professional licenses and associations (nursing, teaching, doctor, therapists, etc.)
• Home mortgage or lease
• Insurance (health, life, term, disability, car, renters, homeowners, etc.)
• Investment accounts
• Utilities
• Medical providers (doctor's office, therapists, pharmacy, etc.)
• Loyalty programs (airlines, hotels, retail stores, etc.)
• TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
• Cellphone
• TV and internet
• Online subscriptions
• Email accounts
• Social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram)
• Gyms/fitness studios
• Internet browsers (Chrome, Safari, etc.)
• Children's school
• Alumni associations

You'll remember other accounts and subscriptions along the way. Just update them as you encounter them. It will all come together eventually.

How long does a name change after marriage take?

Most people complete the core government updates (Social Security, driver's license, U.S. passport) in 4–6 weeks. Finishing every personal account typically takes 2–3 months of casual effort. Without a system, the process can stretch past a year — which is why we built NewlyNamed.

NewlyNamed makes your name change after marriage easy

Like most newlyweds, I was thrilled about getting married — but I was quickly hit with the name change nightmare afterward. I didn't know how or where to start, and I ended up making a ton of mistakes. I started NewlyNamed to save you time and make the name change process easy.

Your personalized name change kit will provide you with everything you need to change your name after marriage — step-by-step instructions and applications for all of your state and federal documents, as well as your personal accounts (banks, credit cards, frequent flyer programs, hotel loyalty, investment accounts, nursing license, etc.).

We offer two types of name change kits — NewlyNamed Box and Print at Home.

NewlyNamed Box is a personalized name change kit we print out and ship to your home that also includes pre-paid postage for mailing in your forms. Print at Home is a PDF version of your personalized name change kit that you can print out yourself.

For couples thinking beyond the name change, our Newlywed Starter Set bundles your name change kit with an estate plan — two adulting to-dos handled in one step.

Hopefully, this guide makes your name change after marriage a little easier. Good luck!

-Colie
Founder & CEO, NewlyNamed

Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Your Name After Marriage

How long does it take to change your name after marriage?

Most people complete the core government updates (Social Security, driver's license, U.S. passport) in 4–6 weeks. Finishing every personal account — banks, credit cards, insurance, loyalty programs, and subscriptions — typically takes 2–3 months of casual effort.

We've already booked our flights for our honeymoon. Should I update my passport before we go?

It depends on which name you used to book the flights. The name on your passport must identically match your boarding pass. If you booked your trip using your maiden name, then you should delay changing the name on your passport until your return from your trip. You won't run into any travel issues as long as the name on your passport matches the name on your boarding passes/airline tickets. Your passport will remain valid until its expiration date even if you update your name with the Social Security Administration and DMV.

What's the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?

A marriage license is a document you receive from a county courthouse that allows you and your spouse to marry. A marriage certificate is a document that states you and your spouse are married.

Does my name legally change after my marriage?

No. Your name legally changes when you update your name with the Social Security Administration.

Can I change my first name after getting married?

Usually no — in most states, a marriage certificate can only change your last name. However, if your marriage certificate explicitly lists your desired first name as your married first name, some states will accept it. Otherwise, you'll need to file a petition for a court-ordered name change to change your first name.

When should I start my name change?

It's completely up to you. You can start your name change at the Social Security Administration immediately after receiving your marriage certificate, or you can wait until a more convenient time.

I got married a long time ago. Can I still change my name?

Yes. As long as you remain married and have your marriage certificate, you will be able to go through the marriage name change process.

Is there a deadline for a name change after marriage?

No, there is not a deadline after marriage for a name change. Your marriage certificate doesn't expire. As long as you remain married and have your marriage certificate, you will be able to go through the marriage name change process.

Can I change my name in the United States using a foreign marriage certificate?

Yes, you can use a foreign marriage certificate to change your name if it's issued by an official government and written in English. If you're unsure, call your local Social Security office.

If I keep my maiden name, will the process be different?

If you'd like to keep your original or maiden last name and incorporate it into your new name, you can:

1. Hyphenate your current last name with your spouse's last name,
2. Create a non-hyphenated double last name using your current last name and your spouse's last name,
3. Replace your current middle name with your maiden last name (note, if you don't have a middle name you can move your maiden last name to create a new middle name), or
4. Create a double middle name using your current middle name and your maiden last name.

Will the name change process differ if I'm hyphenating my last name?

Every state in the United States allows you to hyphenate your last name with your spouse's last name. If you haven't applied for your marriage license yet, you'll need to request a hyphenated name when filling out your marriage license so your marriage certificate shows your hyphenated last name as your married last name. Learn more about hyphenating your last name after marriage.

If I select a brand-new last name, is the process different?

Yes. You will need to obtain a court order through your county courthouse if you'd like to create an entirely new last name after marriage. Marriage name changes via a marriage certificate are limited to specific middle name and last name changes. A court order will allow you to change your first, middle, and last names at the same time. You can learn how to legally change your name with a court order here.

Looking for a printable version? See our Name Change After Marriage Checklist for a scannable one-page format.