Marriage can bring many changes to your life, even possibly a new name. While the overwhelming majority of name-changers are women taking their husband’s name, a small percentage of men take their wives' names, and a few couples hyphenate their two last names. Laws concerning name changes vary from state to state, but in most cases the process is straightforward.
Step 1
Request a certified copy of your marriage certificate. A certified marriage certificate is a state-issue copy of the document that has a raised seal to indicate its authenticity. You can obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate through your state’s records of vital statistics or marriage bureau.
Step 2
Obtain form SS-5 from the Social Security Administration. Form SS-5 is an application for a social security card. Requesting a social security card with your new name is the easiest formal method of changing your name. You can obtain form SS-5 online or at your local Social Security office.
Step 3
Submit your completed SS-5 form and other documentation to your local Social Security office. In addition to your completed SS-5 form, you will need to provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate and a filing fee. In some states, you can submit these documents by mail. But in certain states, you are required to submit the documents in person at your local Social Security office.
Step 4
Inform relevant governmental institutions of your name change. Once you have received your new card, you can contact the appropriate governmental institutions to change your name on your driver’s license, passport, and voter registration card. In some states, you don’t have to wait for the new card to make these changes, but may start the process 24 to 48 hours after submitting your application for a new social security card.
Step 5
Notify other institutions and people of your name change. Make sure you inform your employer, bank, creditors, and post office of your new name. In most states, you can change your name on these documents without having a new social security card. Many non-governmental institutions will likely only require a certified copy of your marriage certificate as proof of your new name.
Things You'll Need
- Certified marriage certificate
- Form SS-5 from the Social Security Administration
