Name Change After Marriage, Made Simple
Steps
- Get certified copies of your marriage certificate. Many agencies, like Social Security, ask for a certified copy, not a photocopy.
- Update Social Security first. USAGov says other agencies learn of name changes through Social Security. The card is free and comes by mail 5 to 10 business days after Social Security completes the request.
- Then update your driver's license or state ID at your state's motor vehicle office.
- Update your passport. If it's been less than 1 year since both your passport was issued and your name was legally changed, Form DS-5504 costs nothing.
- Update your voter registration and tell your employer. Your tax return names must match Social Security's records.
From the Social Security Administration, the U.S. State Department, the IRS, USAGov and the California Courts, checked 2026-10-22. Sources are listed at the end of this page.
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The marriage certificate (California rules)
This section covers California, because that's the state guide we checked. In California, the new name has to be on the marriage license before the wedding.
| Question | What the official page says | Official page |
|---|---|---|
| When do I choose the new name? | List the new middle or last name on the marriage license application. You can't add it after you're married; then you'd have to go to court | California Courts: change your name when you get married, checked 2026-10-22 |
| Which last names are allowed? | Your spouse's last name, one of your last names at birth, a single name combining all or part of either spouse's current or birth last name, or a combination of your last names | same page, checked 2026-10-22 |
| Which middle names are allowed? | Your spouse's last name, your or your spouse's last name at birth, or a combination of your current middle and last name | same page, checked 2026-10-22 |
| What needs a court order? | You'll likely need a court order to change your first name, or to take a name not related to either spouse's names | same page, checked 2026-10-22 |
| Where do I get copies? | The California Department of Public Health or the County Clerk | same page, checked 2026-10-22 |
Who to update, in order
These rules are federal and apply in every state, except the driver's license row, which is California's.
| Record | What the official page says | Fee and time | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Social Security card | Bring proof of the legal name change (a marriage document) plus an identity document. Originals or certified copies only. If you changed your name more than two years ago, also bring an ID in your prior name | Free. Mailed 5 to 10 business days after SSA completes the request | SSA: change name, replace your card, documents you need, checked 2026-10-22 |
| 2. California driver's license or ID | The DMV first checks your information with Social Security; if it doesn't match, the application is denied. Finish at a field office with your current license and your proof documents, which can include the marriage certificate | Temporary license valid 60 days (a receipt for an ID card); new card by mail within 3 to 4 weeks | California DMV, checked 2026-10-22 |
| 3. U.S. passport issued less than 1 year ago, name changed after it was issued | Mail Form DS-5504 with your passport, the marriage certificate (original or certified) and 1 photo | $0 ($60 to expedite) | State Dept: change or correct a passport, checked 2026-10-22 |
| 3. U.S. passport, any other case | Renew by mail with a certified copy of the marriage certificate if eligible, or apply in person with Form DS-11 | Renewal book $130. DS-11 book $130 plus $35 acceptance fee ($165 total). Routine 4 to 6 weeks, expedited 2 to 3 weeks (+$60), plus mail time | State Dept: fees, processing times, checked 2026-10-22 |
| 4. Taxes | All the names on a tax return must match Social Security's records | "A name change can have an impact on your taxes and delay your refund." | IRS: update my information, checked 2026-10-22 |
| 5. Voter registration | If you change your name, you must update your voter registration, starting at vote.gov | Online, by mail, by phone or in person, depending on your state's rules | USAGov, checked 2026-10-22 |
If you're working, Social Security says to tell your employer too (SSA: documents you need, checked 2026-10-22).
State motor vehicle agencies can confirm your identity with SSA's records through a verification agreement with Social Security (SSA data exchange: SSOLV).
More detail: the Social Security name change guide, the DMV name change guide, the passport name change guide and the documents needed list.
Going back to a former name after divorce? See the divorce name change guide.
Find your state guide
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to change your name after marriage?
The Social Security card is free. A passport update costs $0 with Form DS-5504 if it's been less than 1 year since both your passport was issued and your name was legally changed; otherwise a passport book renewal is $130, or $130 plus a $35 acceptance fee ($165 total) with Form DS-11.
What should I change first?
Social Security. USAGov says other agencies learn of name changes through Social Security, and in California the DMV checks your name with Social Security before it issues the new license.
Do I need a court order to take my spouse's name?
Not usually. Social Security lists a marriage document among the proofs it may accept, and the State Department lists a marriage certificate as proof of a name change. In California, you list the new name on the marriage license before the wedding; changing your first name, or adding the name after the wedding, likely needs a court order.
Can I hyphenate or combine our last names?
In California, yes, if you list it on the marriage license: a combination of your last names, or a single name made from all or part of either spouse's last names. Other states have their own rules, which aren't covered here.
How long does it take?
The Social Security card comes by mail 5 to 10 business days after Social Security completes the request. In California, the new license comes by mail within 3 to 4 weeks. Routine passport processing is 4 to 6 weeks plus mail time.
Official sources
Fees and rules change. Check these official pages before you file.
- Change your name when you get married (California Courts) Checked 2026-10-22.
- Change your name with Social Security (Social Security Administration) Checked 2026-10-22.
- Replace your Social Security card (Social Security Administration) Checked 2026-10-22.
- Learn what documents you need for a Social Security card (Social Security Administration) Checked 2026-10-22.
- SSA data exchange: State models (SSOLV) (Social Security Administration) Checked 2026-10-22.
- Updating information on your driver's license or ID card (California DMV) Checked 2026-10-22.
- Change or correct a passport (U.S. Department of State) Checked 2026-10-22.
- Passport fees (U.S. Department of State) Checked 2026-10-22.
- Passport processing times (U.S. Department of State) Checked 2026-10-22.
- Update my information (Internal Revenue Service) Checked 2026-10-22.
- How to change your name (USAGov) Checked 2026-10-22.
- Change your voter registration (USAGov) Checked 2026-10-22.
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Last checked 2026-10-22 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy