Is There A Deadline For Name Change After Marriage?
Although Law does not require it, it is still common in the United States—and not just for women—to change one’s name after marriage. More and more husbands are adopting their wives’ last names, and in same-sex unions, some couples choose to have one family surname because it benefits them, especially when children are involved.
Even though changing their last name after marriage is typically not challenging, it does call for some organizational skills and a lot of patience when dealing with paperwork and government agencies.
Some Strong, self-reliant people are making this choice.
When they decide to change their name legally is up to them.
Following their marriage, a person can choose whether
- they want to have their name changed entirely.
- Just swap out their last name for their Spouse’s last name.
- Keep their current last name and add their Spouse’s last name to it.
- Or leave their name as it is.
And if you have decided the decision to proceed with the process of changing your name, here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Individual States
The first thing to remember is that name change laws differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, so you should always check which rules and regulations apply to your situation.
However, in most states, a legal name change after marriage can typically be obtained by simply filling out some forms, and without needing majority of states, a legal name change after marriage can typically be obtained by simply filling out some forms and without the need for a court appearance.
One qualification: excluding women who adopt their husband’s surname after marriage, some states have different name-change laws for everyone (which includes hyphenating).
In light of this, the following situations may necessitate filing a formal name change petition with the court:
- Man adopting wife’s last name
- A couple selecting a previous representation that is not that of either partner
- A spouse of the same sex changing their last name
2. Driving Permit
It would help if you also had your name changed on your driver’s license since it serves as most people’s primary form of identification. Again, DMV regulations differ slightly from state to state, so research what is required in your state before embarking on this mission.
Some DMVs only require your marriage license, while others might also want a copy of your most recent Social Security card. Additionally, some need you to submit a new application and get a new photo, and a state-issued ID card usually follows the same procedure.
Find out how to change the name on the titles of any vehicles you own while you’re at the DMV.
3. Marriage Certificate
After getting married, you need to sign your marriage license using your new name. Your marriage certificate is evidence of your new name, which you’ll use to change with creditors, businesses, and other entities if you take your new Spouse’s name.
A crucial step in completing your last name change, whether you did it through marriage or the legal system, is informing others. Use your new name once you’ve changed it.
Use your new name when you apply for a home loan, credit card, or student loan, start school or begin employment at a new job. Use your new name with your loved ones, friends, and acquaintances.
You’ll likely need a certified copy of the marriage certificate, which you should receive a few weeks after the wedding, to change your name with any government agency. After your hearing, the court should give you a certified copy of the new order if you legally changed your name.
Call the agency and speak with a representative if you need clarification on what documents you need to provide. Bring the necessary paperwork to the local office and hand it to the right people. If you already have loans or credit cards, most businesses demand a copy of your new identification before the changes take effect.
You’ll need to send the business a copy of your driver’s license, social security card, passport, or marriage certificate, although the identification requirements differ by lender.
4. Bank Accounts
Changes to your bank accounts would be the following step. Unexpected fees for the new bank card may be associated with this, which will undoubtedly require some investment.
Visiting a branch location is the quickest way to change your name at your bank. In addition to your marriage certificate, you will need your new driver’s license. Along with renaming the accounts associated with them, remember to request further checks, debit cards, and credit cards.
5. Identification Card
Make sure to update crucial documents after filing with the court if you’re interested in learning how to change your name after marriage legally.
You can contact the U.S. if you will be flying sometime soon. To change the name on your passport, contact the Department of Sta
6. Social Security
Anytime a person legally changes their name, they should contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) immediately.
Incorrectly posting your wages to your Social Security earnings record and possibly delaying filing your taxes could result from failing to notify the SSA of a name change.
You must present the SSA with a recently issued document verifying your identity and legal name change to get a new card with your name on it.
Download Form SS-5 (PDF) from the Social Security Administration after obtaining certified copies of your marriage license. You must complete it and bring it to your neighborhood Social Security office in person.
You must bring the completed form, a certified copy of your marriage license, additional identification (such as a driver’s license or passport), and documentation proving your citizenship or legal immigration status.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
People frequently have the following inquiries when they want to learn more about changing one’s name after marriage:
- Is It Possible For My Husband And me To Get A You will need to appear in court to officially change your name to anything other than your new Spouse’s last name today Hyphenated Version Of Our Current Names Or A New Name?
Yes, but you’ll typically need a court order to do it. Some couples go by hyphenating both of their last names, and some even create new names that incorporate aspects of both. For example, Ellen Berman and Jack Gendler might become Ellen and Jack Berman-Gendler or, perhaps, Ellen and Jack Bergen.
You can choose a name that is entirely different from your current words if you prefer it. All of these changes were comparatively simple by consistently using your new name in the past.
You will need to appear in court to officially change your name to anything other than your new Spouse’s last name today.
- I am A Woman Who Intends To Get Married Soon. Must I Use My Husband’s Name?
No. You can choose to take your husband’s name or keep your name after marriage without a name change being mandated by a judge. Whether you’re married to someone of the same sex or not, the same rules apply.
In most states, if you both prefer it, your Spouse can take your name instead of their own. However, if you and your Spouse both want to switch to a different name that you share, you’ll generally need a court order.
Choose a name that appeals to you the most after giving it some thought. Making sure you are happy with your name choice before changing any records can save you a lot of time and hassle.
- My Partner And I Just Got Married. Can I Get My Last Name Changed To Match Theirs?
Many states required couples to follow the expensive and drawn-out court process for an adult name change if they resided in a form that forbade same-sex marriage but still desired to share their partner’s last name.
The name change legal process is still available for same-sex (and opposite-sex) couples who wish to change their names without getting married (or if you’d like to change your name to something new after your wedding.)
If you’ve taken the necessary steps, the state department of motor vehicles, the federal government (for your passport and Social Security card), your creditors, and your employer must recognize your new name through marriage or a legal procedure.
When you can apply for the change of name, you will need to bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order, and keep a backup copy in a secure location at home in case you need it.
Conclusion
Naturally, changing your name is a complex task, and you need to follow the instructions now that you know how to change your name. Even though it’s difficult, you can change your name after marriage.
