Why Changing Your Name Matters

UncategorizedJune 3, 2025June 4, 2025Camden Alchanati

Introduction: Why Changing Your Name Matters

Marriage brings exciting changes—and for many, that includes a name change. Whether you’re choosing to adopt your spouse’s last name, hyphenate, or create a new shared surname, updating your name legally is a critical part of completing your marriage documentation. The name on your marriage certificate does not automatically change your legal name—it’s just the starting point.

If you recently got married through Get Married Today, we made your legal wedding process fast, simple, and official. Now, we’re here to help you understand how to legally update your name across all necessary government records, personal accounts, and professional documents.

In this post, we’ll break down:

What you need to update your name legally
The step-by-step process by agency
Time-saving tips for urgent documentation updates
Why name changes can be rejected and how to avoid delays
Apostille requirements for international use
Where Get Married Today can help expedite the process

Let’s begin with what you need in hand before starting the name change process.

Section 1: What You Need Before Changing Your Name

1.1 A Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate

To begin your name change, you’ll need a certified copy of your marriage certificate issued by the County Clerk’s Office. The certificate must bear an official seal or stamp.

How to get one:

If you married with Get Married Today, we filed your license for you.
You can request certified copies directly through your local County Clerk’s Office.
Expect a fee of around $17 per certified copy in California.
Processing time ranges from same-day pickup to 1–3 weeks, depending on the county.

Order a Certified Copy in Los Angeles County

Orange County Certified Copy Info

Section 2: Where and How to Change Your Name

After securing your certified marriage certificate, the next steps involve updating your name across major government agencies and personal records. The recommended order is:

Social Security Administration (SSA)
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Passport Office (if needed)
IRS
Banks and financial accounts
Employers and payroll
Insurance providers
Voter registration and utilities

Let’s dive into each one.

Section 3: Update Your Name with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

3.1 Why SSA Is the First Step

The Social Security Administration is the foundational agency that must be updated first. All other government agencies will verify your new name through the SSA database.

3.2 Required Documents

To change your name with the SSA, you need:

Certified copy of your marriage certificate
Completed Form SS-5 (Social Security Card Application)
Government-issued photo ID (current name)
Proof of citizenship (if not on file)

Where to submit:

By mail or in person at your nearest SSA office
Locate your SSA Office

Form SS-5 Download:
https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf

3.3 Processing Time

Social Security card with new name arrives in 10–14 business days
Your number will remain the same; only the name changes

Section 4: Update Your Name at the DMV

Once your SSA record reflects your new name, your state’s DMV can issue a new driver’s license or identification card.

4.1 Required Documents for DMV (California)

Certified marriage certificate
Updated Social Security card (or proof of name change with SSA)
Current driver’s license or ID
Completed Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL-44)

California DMV Appointment:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/make-an-appointment/

Fees and Timeline:

Cost: Around $30
Turnaround: Temporary license same day; permanent license by mail within 2–4 weeks

Section 5: Update Your Name on Your Passport

5.1 Do You Need a New Passport?

If you plan to travel internationally, update your passport to match your new name.

Use DS-82 if:

You received your passport less than 1 year ago: no fee
Passport is undamaged and issued within the last 15 years

Use DS-11 if:

Your passport is expired over 15 years
You’re changing both name and other details

Required Documents:

Certified marriage certificate
Current passport
Passport photo (if using DS-11)
Completed form DS-82 or DS-11

Official Passport Name Change Info

Section 6: Update IRS and Financial Records

6.1 IRS Notification

You don’t need to directly notify the IRS. They rely on SSA records to verify your legal name during tax filings.

Important tip:
Make sure your SSA record matches your tax filings to avoid refund delays.

6.2 Bank and Credit Card Companies

Most banks require in-person visits to update your name.

Bring:

Certified marriage certificate
New ID (if available)
Social Security card with new name

Check with:

Bank of America
Chase
Wells Fargo
Credit unions or smaller institutions may have unique forms

Section 7: Update Employer, Payroll, Insurance, and Voter Registration

7.1 Employer and Payroll Systems

Notify your employer to:

Update W-2 and payroll info
Modify HR records, email signatures, and insurance info

7.2 Health, Dental, Life Insurance

Contact all insurance providers to ensure coverage and claims are filed under the correct legal name.

7.3 Voter Registration

In California, update your voter registration here:
https://registertovote.ca.gov/

Section 8: Update Personal Records

8.1 Personal and Professional Documents to Update

Utilities (gas, electric, water)
Internet and mobile phone providers
Medical records (doctor’s offices, dentists)
Lease agreements and mortgages
Social media and email addresses
Professional licenses (RN, JD, CPA, etc.)
Airline frequent flyer programs
School or alumni associations

Section 9: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

9.1 Using a Nickname or Partial Name

Only the full legal name on your updated marriage certificate and government ID will be valid.

9.2 Skipping SSA First

Other updates won’t go through if SSA doesn’t show your new name in their system.

9.3 Submitting Uncertified Marriage Copies

Only official, certified copies are accepted for government use. Photocopies are not valid.

9.4 Not Matching All Documents

Ensure your name change is consistent across SSA, DMV, passport, and banking records.

Section 10: What if You Need an Apostille?

If you’re changing your name and need your marriage certificate recognized abroad, you must get it apostilled.

10.1 What Is an Apostille?

An apostille certifies your marriage certificate for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

See Full List of Hague Apostille Convention Countries

10.2 When You’ll Need It

Immigration or visa applications
Applying for dual citizenship
Registering marriage in a foreign country
Updating overseas banking or real estate documents

10.3 How to Get an Apostille

Option 1: California State Apostille

For marriage certificates issued by a California county

Option 2: Federal Apostille

For federally issued documents (not applicable to marriage certs)

Get Married Today partners with Orange County Apostille for same-day apostille processing.
https://orangecountyapostille.org

Section 11: What If You’re Changing Names After a Destination Wedding?

If you were legally married in California through Get Married Today but live elsewhere, your California marriage certificate is still valid.

Follow your home state’s name change process.
You may still need to mail your marriage certificate to various agencies across state lines—or apostille it for international use.

Section 12: How Get Married Today Makes It Easier

At Get Married Today, we go beyond just officiating your wedding. We:

✅ Issue and file your marriage license
✅ Guide you in ordering certified copies
✅ Help with apostille certification for international use
✅ Provide name change checklists and templates
✅ Support same-day weddings and urgent document requests
✅ Serve clients 24/7—including holidays

Section 13: How Long Does the Entire Process Take?

Here’s a rough timeline for name changes after marriage:

Step	Time Estimate
Marriage Certificate	Same-day to 3 weeks
SSA Update	2 weeks
DMV License	Same-day to 3 weeks
Passport Name Change	4–8 weeks (expedited: 2–3)
IRS and Banking Updates	1–2 weeks
Full Transition	~1 to 3 months total

Want it all done faster? Book with Get Married Today.

Section 14: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

14.1 Do I have to change my name after marriage?

No, it’s optional. You can keep your original name, hyphenate, or take your spouse’s last name.

14.2 Can I change my first name too?

Not through marriage. Changing your first name requires a court-ordered name change.

14.3 Can I change my name immediately after the wedding?

You can start once your marriage certificate is certified and available. For fastest service, book with Get Married Today to receive proof of marriage the same day.

14.4 Do I need to update my name everywhere?

Yes. For consistency, update your name across all federal, state, and personal records.

14.5 What if I got married outside the U.S.?

You may need to register your foreign marriage and request a name change through your state’s court system.

Conclusion: Name Change Made Easy with Get Married Today

Changing your name after marriage doesn’t have to be complicated. With a clear process, the right documents, and expert support from Get Married Today, you can update your legal identity quickly and stress-free.

From issuing your marriage license to officiating your ceremony and guiding you through name changes and apostille requests, we’re your all-in-one legal wedding partner.

Ready to get started?
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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

U.S. Department of State – Marriage Abroad

California Courts – Marriage Overview