How to Change Name After Marriage

How to Change Name After Marriage - Changing Your Name

One of the easiest name changes is a marriage name change. Traditionally, wives take their husband's surname following a marriage. While this tradition has decreased over time, many women still prefer to drop their maiden name or add a hyphen and add their husband's last name. For this to occur legally, you must register for a marriage name change.

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Notifying the Social Security Administration

One of the first agencies you should notify with a marriage name change is the Social Security Administration. This is actually very easy to do. All you need is your current social security card, a photo identification card and a certified or original copy of your marriage certificate.

It's easiest to go in person to your nearest Social Security Administration office. You can find a list of SSA locations on their website. Be sure to check their hours, many open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m., so don't expect to go there before or after work.

Contacting the Department of Motor Vehicles

The Department of Motor Vehicles is also easy to contact. You might be able to fill out the form online. You may need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate, but not every clerk bothers to ask for one. Turn over your current license and a new one is issued with your new name.

Don't Forget Your Passport

Your name on your passport must also be changed. To do this, you should go to a passport bureau with a photo ID and a copy of your marriage certificate.

You should not request a name change until after your honeymoon unless you are delaying your honeymoon for weeks or months after your wedding day. It can take a couple months to receive your new passport. Also, don't purchase plane, cruise or tour tickets with your married name because you may face delays or rejection if your ID shows your maiden name and your plane tickets show another. If you do make this mistake, bring your original marriage certificate, some airlines will accept this as proof of marriage name change, even if your passport doesn't.

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