To legally change your name after marriage in the U.S., the common and straightforward process is:
- Obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the local marriage office or county clerk where your marriage was recorded. This certificate serves as legal proof of the marriage.
- Use the marriage certificate to update your name with various government agencies and institutions. The most important initial step is to change your name on your Social Security card by submitting a replacement application with your certified marriage certificate as proof.
- After updating your Social Security record, change your name on other IDs such as your driver's license or state ID, passport, bank accounts, and other personal records. Typically, these agencies accept the marriage certificate as sufficient proof of your legal name change.
If both spouses want to change to a completely new last name or combine names, or if name change outside of normal marriage conventions is desired, filing a formal petition with the local court may be required. Also, note that you must be legally married by an authorized official for the marriage certificate to be valid as proof. If the marriage ends, your name remains changed unless you legally revert it through a court or divorce decree process. The basic steps boil down to: marry legally, get a marriage certificate, update your Social Security record, then update your other documents and accounts using that certificate as proof. This process avoids the need for court name change petitions unless unusual circumstances apply.
