Do I Need to Change My Last Name After Marriage? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Marriage is a momentous milestone in life. Whether you’re planning a big celebration or opting for a simple same-day ceremony with Get Married Today, one of the most common questions we hear from newlyweds is:
“Do I need to change my last name after marriage?”
The short answer is no—you don’t have to, but if you want to, there’s a legal process to follow. This blog post will explain your options, the pros and cons, and how changing (or not changing) your last name affects your legal documents, immigration paperwork, banking, and even international recognition through apostille services.
🔔 Quick Answer: Is Changing Your Last Name Mandatory After Marriage?
No. Changing your last name is a personal choice. In the United States, and in most parts of the world, you are not legally required to take your spouse’s last name after marriage.
When you marry through Get Married Today, your marriage certificate will list both individuals with their current legal names. It’s up to you to decide whether to:
- Take your spouse’s last name
- Hyphenate both last names
- Create a new last name
- Keep your current name
✅ Your name doesn’t change automatically—you must initiate the process.
💍 When Might You Want to Change Your Last Name After Marriage?
Some couples choose to change their names for personal, cultural, or legal reasons, including:
- 💕 Symbolizing unity with your partner
- 👨👩👧👦 Creating consistency with children’s last names
- 📦 Simplifying shared legal documents
- 🌐 Aligning documentation for immigration or visa applications
- ✈️ Avoiding mismatches in international travel
📍 For couples dealing with immigration paperwork, a consistent last name can reduce complications in the Form I-130, I-485, or K-1 fiancé visa applications. Learn more at USCIS.gov.
📝 How to Change Your Last Name After Marriage (Step-by-Step)
Once you’ve been legally married with Get Married Today, you’ll need a certified copy of your marriage certificate to begin the name-change process.
✅ Step 1: Obtain Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
You’ll need to request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the county recorder’s office where your marriage was recorded.
📍 Need help? We can help you order certified copies and handle apostille services. Learn more at California Department of Public Health.
✅ Step 2: Update Your Social Security Record
Visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office or apply by mail using Form SS-5.
Include:
- Completed application
- Certified marriage certificate
- Proof of identity
📍 Learn more at SSA.gov.
✅ Step 3: Update Your Driver’s License or State ID
Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Bring:
- Your current license or ID
- Your certified marriage certificate
- Proof of your new name (Social Security card or receipt)
📍 Find your state’s DMV at DMV.org.
✅ Step 4: Update Your Passport
If you have a U.S. passport, use Form DS-82 to renew with your new name. Include:
- Passport
- Certified marriage certificate
- New passport photo
📍 Visit Travel.State.Gov for passport changes.
✅ Step 5: Notify Other Institutions
Don’t forget to update your:
- Bank and credit card companies
- Insurance providers
- Mortgage or lease
- Employer HR department
- School records (if applicable)
- Utilities and subscriptions
🌐 What About International Name Recognition?
If you’re planning to use your marriage certificate outside the U.S., such as for:
- Visa or spousal sponsorship abroad
- Dual citizenship applications
- Residency or property ownership in another country
You’ll likely need to apostille your marriage certificate.
🔐 What is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official government certificate that authenticates your marriage certificate for use in other countries under the Hague Apostille Convention.
📍 We work with Orange County Apostille to help you apostille your marriage certificate quickly and legally—essential for international couples needing urgent documentation.
🕒 How Long Does the Name Change Process Take?
Here’s a general timeline:
| Document | Time to Process |
|---|---|
| Marriage Certificate | 5–10 business days |
| Social Security Card | 2–4 weeks |
| Driver’s License | Same day in most cases |
| Passport | 6–8 weeks (or 2–3 weeks expedited) |
| Apostille | 1–3 weeks (with rush options available) |
📍 Need help expediting your apostille? Visit Orange County Apostille.
🤔 Do We Both Have to Change Our Last Names?
No. It’s common for:
- Only one partner to change their name
- Both to hyphenate or combine last names
- Both to keep their original names
📍 For more on your options, check out Nolo’s Guide to Name Changes.
🚨 When NOT Changing Your Last Name Is Best
You may choose to keep your last name if:
- You have a professional or academic reputation under your current name
- You share custody with children from a previous relationship
- You want to avoid the bureaucracy of legal changes
- You’re part of a culture or country where name changes after marriage are uncommon
📍 Learn more about cultural norms at BBC Future.
💬 FAQs About Changing Your Last Name After Marriage
Q: Can I change my name years after getting married?
Yes. There’s no legal time limit. Just bring your marriage certificate to start the process.
Q: What if I got married abroad and want to change my name in the U.S.?
Your foreign marriage certificate may need to be translated and apostilled for recognition in the U.S.
📍 Need help? Orange County Apostille can assist.
Q: Do I have to update my birth certificate?
No. Your birth certificate will not change—even if you legally change your name.
🌍 Urgent Documentation Needs for Immigration or Travel?
Many couples come to Get Married Today needing urgent, legally recognized documentation for:
- Green card applications
- Work or student visa sponsorship
- Spouse travel visas
- Embassy interviews
- Consulate registrations
✅ We provide same-day marriage services with rapid certificate issuance and apostille processing—ideal for time-sensitive legal requirements.
📍 Book your same-day legal marriage now at GetMarried.Today.
🕊 Why Choose Get Married Today?
✔️ Same-Day Marriage Licenses & Ceremonies
✔️ Notary Public + Licensed Officiants
✔️ Traveling Wedding Services in California
✔️ Apostille Certification for International Use
✔️ Affordable, Private, and Legal
📍 Book today at GetMarried.Today to avoid courthouse delays and paperwork overload.
✅ Conclusion: Changing Your Last Name After Marriage Is Up to You
Changing your last name after marriage is a personal choice, not a requirement. If you decide to change it, you’ll need to update key documents and may require apostille services for international recognition.
For couples needing urgent official documentation, Get Married Today provides legal marriage services with same-day licenses, on-site ceremonies, and apostille certification through our partner Orange County Apostille.
📍 Ready to start the process? Book your marriage appointment now at GetMarried.Today.
💍 Fast. Legal. Recognized Worldwide.
📚 Additional Resources
- California Marriage License FAQ – CDPH
- USCIS – Green Card Through Marriage
- Social Security Name Change – SSA.gov
- U.S. Passport Name Change – Travel.State.Gov
- DMV Name Change Guide – DMV.org
- Nolo: Legal Name Change After Marriage
- Zola: How to Plan a Stress-Free Wedding
- BBC Future – Global Name Change Traditions
- VitalChek – Order Certified Records
- Brides – Name Change After Marriage Guide
Need urgent legal marriage documentation with name change options and apostille?
📞 Call us or book online today: https://getmarried.today
💍 Fast, affordable, and internationally recognized marriage services.