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UncategorizedApril 15, 2025April 17, 2025Camden AlchanatiNo Comments

How Do I Update My Name After Getting Married?

A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your New Name Official—Fast and Hassle-Free

Getting married is one of life’s most exciting milestones, and for many couples, changing your last name (or combining names) is a symbol of starting your new life together. But after the wedding bells fade and the honeymoon ends, reality sets in: how do you legally update your name?

At Get Married Today, we help couples not only get married quickly but also handle essential post-marriage tasks—like getting your new name recognized on all legal documents. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about changing your name after marriage, from your Social Security card to your passport and everything in between.

Introduction
Step 1: Get Your Certified Marriage Certificate
Step 2: Update Your Social Security Card
Step 3: Update Your Driver’s License or State ID
Step 4: Update Your Passport
Step 5: Update Your Name with the IRS
Step 6: Update Your Name with Your Employer
Step 7: Update Your Name on Bank Accounts and Credit Cards
Step 8: Update Your Name on Utilities and Bills
Step 9: Update Your Name on Insurance Policies
Step 10: Update Your Name with Immigration (If Applicable)
Step 11: Update Your Name on Voter Registration
Step 12: Update Your Name on Professional Licenses
Common Questions About Name Changes After Marriage
What If You’re Married Internationally or Need an Apostille?
Can I Use a Name Change Service?
Name Change Alternatives: Hyphenation, Combination, or Not Changing at All
Final Thoughts: Make Your New Name Official Without the Headache

Introduction

If you’re wondering how to update your name after getting married, you’re not alone. Thousands of newlyweds ask this question every year. The good news? It’s a common and legally recognized process. The challenge? It involves paperwork, time, and visits to various government agencies.

At Get Married Today, we simplify your marriage—and the steps that come after. Whether you need help getting your certified marriage certificate, filing an apostille for international recognition, or just want to know where to start, this guide will help you navigate each step clearly and confidently.

Step 1: Get Your Certified Marriage Certificate

Before you can legally change your name, you need your certified marriage certificate, not just the decorative copy you received at your ceremony.

Where to Get It:

If you were married through Get Married Today, we handle the filing and can expedite the issuance of your certified marriage certificate.
In California, contact the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office where your marriage license was filed.

👉 Order Your Certified Marriage Certificate Online

You may need multiple copies, especially if updating your name with banks, government agencies, and your employer. We recommend ordering 3 to 5 certified copies.

Step 2: Update Your Social Security Card

Your Social Security record is the most important document to update early. You must notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) before changing your name with other agencies.

How to Update:

Fill out Form SS-5: Download Form SS-5
Submit it in person or by mail with:
- A certified marriage certificate
- Proof of identity (driver’s license or passport)
Your new Social Security card will arrive by mail.

📝 Pro Tip: Your number stays the same. Only the name changes.

Step 3: Update Your Driver’s License or State ID

Once your Social Security record is updated (wait at least 48–72 hours), you can update your driver’s license.

California DMV Process:

Make an appointment at your local DMV: DMV Appointments
Bring:
- Certified marriage certificate
- Current ID
- Proof of address (if it has changed)

You’ll receive a temporary license, and your new card will arrive by mail.

Step 4: Update Your Passport

If you have travel plans coming up, don’t forget to update your passport. The process depends on how long ago your current passport was issued.

Use These Forms:

If issued within the last year: Use Form DS-5504
If issued more than a year ago: Use Form DS-82
If applying for the first time: Use Form DS-11

📎 Learn more at the U.S. State Department Passport Page

🕒 Processing can take 8–11 weeks, but expedited service is available for urgent travel.

Step 5: Update Your Name with the IRS

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will update your name automatically if your new name matches the one filed with SSA.

✅ No extra form is needed—but double-check your SSA update before filing your taxes under a new name.

Step 6: Update Your Name with Your Employer

Updating your name with your job is crucial to ensure your paychecks, benefits, and tax forms are accurate.

Steps:

Provide a copy of your certified marriage certificate and updated Social Security card to HR.
Update your name in company records and payroll systems.

📌 Tip: Check if your HR system requires your new ID or driver’s license.

Step 7: Update Your Name on Bank Accounts and Credit Cards

Each financial institution has its own name change process.

For Most Banks:

Visit a branch with your:
- Marriage certificate
- New ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Debit/credit card

🔒 Remember: Your name change may also affect your online banking login, checkbooks, and direct deposit info.

Step 8: Update Your Name on Utilities and Bills

Don’t forget the accounts that keep your life running:

Electricity
Gas
Water
Internet
Cell phone
Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)

Most updates can be made via account portals or customer service calls. Some may require a scanned copy of your marriage certificate.

Step 9: Update Your Name on Insurance Policies

This includes:

Health insurance
Car insurance
Life insurance
Renter’s or homeowner’s insurance

Contact each provider directly. If you’re joining your spouse’s plan, ask your HR department for the special enrollment period rules.

Step 10: Update Your Name with Immigration (If Applicable)

If you’re not a U.S. citizen and hold:

A green card
Work permit
Visa …you’ll need to update your name with USCIS.

What to File:

Form I-90 (Green Card replacement)
Form I-765 (Work Permit update)
Form I-129 or DS-260 (Visa changes)

📎 Learn more on the USCIS Name Change Page

🕒 Processing times vary, so submit your request early to avoid delays in travel or employment.

Step 11: Update Your Name on Voter Registration

This is quick and free:

Visit the California Online Voter Registration
Use your new name and updated driver’s license number

✅ This ensures you’ll be able to vote without issue.

Step 12: Update Your Name on Professional Licenses

Doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, and other professionals with licenses issued by state boards should update their credentials.

Visit your licensing board’s website. Most require:

Certified marriage certificate
Updated photo ID
Processing fee

Common Questions About Name Changes After Marriage

Can I change my name to anything after marriage?
No. In most states, you can only:

Take your spouse’s last name
Hyphenate or combine names
Return to a previous last name

Do both spouses have to change their names?
No. It’s completely optional and based on personal preference.

What if I got married outside of California?
You’ll need a certified marriage certificate from the state or country where the marriage was performed. If married abroad, you may need an apostille for international recognition.

What If You’re Married Internationally or Need an Apostille?

An apostille is a special seal used to authenticate documents for international use under the Hague Apostille Convention.

You may need an apostille on your marriage certificate if:

You’re changing your name on foreign documents
You’re applying for a visa, dual citizenship, or residency abroad

💡 We offer apostille services to help you handle this step with no hassle:
Get Apostille Services Now

Can I Use a Name Change Service?

Yes! There are many companies that handle the paperwork and filing for you. This can be a great option if you’re overwhelmed.

Popular name change services:

HitchSwitch
NewlyNamed
NameChangeKit

Get Married Today can help refer you to trusted providers—or assist with notarization, filing, and apostille certification as needed.

Name Change Alternatives: Hyphenation, Combination, or Not Changing at All

Not every newlywed changes their name. Some alternatives include:

Keeping your maiden name
Hyphenating (e.g., Smith-Jones)
Combining (e.g., Smones)
Creating a new last name (requires court petition)

Always discuss with your partner what feels right for your identity and relationship.

Final Thoughts: Make Your New Name Official Without the Headache

Updating your name after marriage is a multi-step process, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Get Married Today, we’re committed to helping you navigate every step—from issuing your marriage license to assisting with documentation like apostilles and notarizations.

Whether you just said “I do” last weekend or are finally ready to update your name years after your wedding, we’re here to help make the transition smooth, fast, and legally secure.

✅ Need to order a certified marriage certificate? ✅ Need apostille support? ✅ Need a fast wedding to kick things off?

📞 Contact us today or visit GetMarried.Today to book your appointment and get expert help every step of the way.

California Department of Public Health – Marriage Licenses

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk – Marriage Services

Orange County Clerk-Recorder – Marriage Services

San Diego County – Marriage Licenses

Riverside County Clerk – Marriage License Info

Sacramento County Clerk – Marriage License Appointments

San Bernardino County Recorder – Marriage Services

City of Beverly Hills – Marriage Services

City of Newport Beach – Marriage License Information

City of Anaheim – City Clerk’s Marriage Page