What you need to do to change your name after marriage
Changing your name after marriage is a legal process that requires paperwork filed with your state court, not just updating documents afterward. Most states let you change your name as part of the marriage process itself — you can request it on the marriage license application or petition the court after the marriage is finalized. The court issues a name change order, which is the official document you then use to update your Social Security record, driver's license, passport, and bank accounts.
The exact steps and fees depend on your state. Some states let you change your name for free on the marriage license; others charge a court filing fee (typically $50 to $300). A few states require you to publish a notice in a local newspaper, which adds cost and time. You do not need a lawyer, but you do need to file the right form with the right court in your county.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your name during the marriage license process in most states, or petition the court afterward if you missed that window.
- The court issues a name change order, which is the document you present to Social Security, the DMV, and banks to update your records.
- Fees vary by state but typically range from free to $300, and some states require you to publish notice in a newspaper.
- After you receive the court order, update Social Security first, then your driver's license, then other documents — the order matters because each one makes the next easier.
Changing your name on the marriage license
The simplest route is to request a name change when you apply for the marriage license. Most states have a line on the license application where you can write the name you want to use after marriage. You fill it in before the license is issued, and the name change happens automatically when the marriage is recorded — no separate court petition needed.
Check your state or county clerk's website for the marriage license application form. Look for a section labeled "name after marriage" or "intended name." Some counties let you apply online; others require you to appear in person. If you want to change your name but did not request it on the license, you can still do it afterward through the court — it just takes an extra step.
Filing a name change petition after marriage
If you did not change your name on the marriage license, or if you want to change it later, you file a petition with the district court or family court in your county. The form is usually called a "Petition for Name Change" or "Application for Name Change." You can download it from your county clerk's website or pick it up in person.
Fill out the form with your current legal name, the name you want, and your reason (marriage). Attach a copy of your marriage certificate. File the form with the court clerk, pay the filing fee, and the clerk will give you a court date. In most states, the judge approves the petition without a hearing if there is no objection — you may not need to appear in court at all. The court then issues a certified name change order, which is the official document you use to update everything else.
The timeline varies. Some courts issue the order within two weeks; others take four to eight weeks. Call your county clerk to ask how long it typically takes in your area.
States that require newspaper publication
A handful of states require you to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper before the court will approve it. This is meant to alert creditors or others who might object. States with this requirement include Indiana, Kansas, and a few others — check your state court's website to confirm.
If your state requires it, you contact a newspaper in your county, pay them to publish a short notice (usually $50 to $200), and then file proof of publication with the court. This adds two to four weeks to the process. Some courts waive the requirement if you can show hardship or safety concerns; ask the clerk whether you can request a waiver.
What to do with your name change order
Once you have the certified name change order from the court, you use it to update your records in this order: Social Security, then driver's license, then everything else. Each document makes the next one easier because you will have official proof of the name change.
Social Security: Visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement Social Security card in your new name. Bring the certified name change order, your current Social Security card, and a photo ID. You do not need to pay a fee. The new card arrives in one to two weeks.
Driver's license: Go to your state DMV with the certified name change order, your current license, and proof of address. You may need to pay a replacement fee (usually $10 to $30). The new license is issued on the spot or mailed within one to two weeks.
Passport: If you have a U.S. passport, apply for a replacement in your new name at a passport acceptance facility or the State Department. Bring the certified name change order, your current passport, and a new passport photo. The fee is $130 for a replacement passport book. Processing takes four to six weeks for routine service.
Bank and credit accounts: Call or visit each bank, credit card company, and investment firm. Tell them you have a legal name change and provide a copy of the certified order. They will update your account and may issue new cards or statements in your new name.
Name change fees by state
| Cost Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing fee | Free to $300 | Many states charge $50 to $150; some waive it if you change your name on the marriage license |
| Certified copies of order | $5 to $25 per copy | You may need 5 to 10 copies; order extras when you file |
| Newspaper publication | $50 to $200 | Required in some states only |
| DMV replacement license | $10 to $30 | Varies by state |
| Social Security card | Free | No fee for replacement |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name to something other than my spouse's last name?
Yes. You can take your spouse's last name, keep your own, use a hyphenated name, or choose any other legal name. The court does not restrict your choice as long as the change is not for fraud. Some states do require you to state your reason on the petition; "personal preference" is acceptable.
What if I want to change my name back after divorce?
You can request a name change as part of the divorce decree, or file a separate name change petition with the court afterward. Many states include a line on the divorce paperwork where you can request to resume your former name. If you do not request it during divorce, you file a regular name change petition later — the process is the same as any other name change.
Do I need a lawyer to change my name?
No. The petition form is straightforward and available free from your county clerk. You fill it out, file it, and the court approves it. A lawyer can help if your case is complicated (for example, if someone objects to the change), but most name changes after marriage do not need legal representation.
How many certified copies of the name change order should I get?
Order at least five to ten copies when you file your petition. You will need one for Social Security, one for the DMV, one for your passport, and one or two for banks and employers. Having extras saves you from ordering more later. Each copy costs $5 to $25 depending on your state.
Can I use my new name before the court approves the petition?
Legally, no — your name does not change until the court issues the order. However, some employers and institutions may let you use your new name informally before the order is final. Do not use the new name on official documents (bank accounts, taxes, licenses) until you have the certified order in hand.