While it is traditional for a bride to adopt her husband's last name, the law allows for many different types of name changes after marriage. For instance, the husband may opt to take his wife's last name, or the pair can agree to take a hyphenated or even an assumed name. In most cases, it is simpler for the bride to take the groom's last name, as this route may not even require a court order.
Step 1
Obtain additional certified copies of your marriage certificate. Many agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles, banks and the Social Security Agency will require a copy of your marriage certificate for their records. Plan to purchase 10 or more copies so that you have enough to provide upon request.
Step 2
Look for a place on the marriage certificate for the bride to write her new surname. Not all marriage certificates have this as a possibility, but those that do will allow the bride to skip requesting a court order for a name change and instead move right into using the new name. This is referred to as a common usage name change and is only available to brides and only in some jurisdictions.
Step 3
Contact a local courthouse to request information on obtaining a legal name change if the common usage step does not apply to you. The process is different in every jurisdiction but typically only requires you to fill out a short petition form. Submit the petition form, a copy of your marriage certificate and any other requested documents to the court. A judge will likely certify your name change without the need for a formal hearing. You will then receive the court order in the mail.
Step 4
Contact the Social Security Administration to obtain Form SS-5. This is the form used to request a new Social Security card reflecting your new name. You must supply a copy of the court order and a copy of your marriage certificate with the form.
Step 5
Visit your Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain a new driver's license with your new name. Each DMV requires different paperwork, so contact them ahead of time to determine what you should bring. Likely, you will need a copy of your marriage certificate and a copy of the court-ordered name change.
Step 6
Notify any other businesses or organizations that might continue to use your old name. Banks, investment firms, employers, insurance companies, creditors, utilities and other companies require that you update them in the event of a name change. What each organization requires will vary, but be prepared to supply either or both of your marriage certificate and court order.
Step 7
Contact immediately any individual, company or organization that continues to use your old name when contacting you. Most places will be forgiving if you forgot to inform them immediately following your marriage. However, be proactive in informing anyone who is not yet aware of your new name.
Tips and Warnings
- Rely on the clerk of the court for information about changing your name in your jurisdiction when you are requesting the petition form for a name change. Some courts will have checklists that aid you in contacting all of the important governmental organizations and private businesses that will need to update their records.
