Name Change After Marriage USA: Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2025

Change your name in this exact order: Social Security first, then driver's license, then passport, then everything else.¹ The entire process costs between $50 and $350 depending on your state and whether you need a new passport. Most people complete all updates within 6-10 weeks.

Your marriage certificate is the key document that unlocks every name change. Order at least 2-3 certified copies from your county clerk before starting—you'll need to submit originals to multiple agencies, and while most return them, having extras saves time.

Step 1: Social Security Card (Do This First)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) must be your first stop because almost every other agency verifies your name against SSA records.² This step is completely free.

Required Documents

• Completed Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card)
• Certified marriage certificate (original or certified copy)
• Current government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)

How to Apply

Online (21 participating states): If you married in Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Wisconsin, or Wyoming, you can complete the entire process through your my Social Security account.³

In-person or mail (all other states): Download Form SS-5, complete it, and either mail your documents or visit your local SSA office. If starting online, you have 45 days to appear in person with your documents.

Processing Time

Pro tip: Wait at least 10 days after your wedding before applying. This gives your state time to register the marriage in the system.⁴

Step 2: Driver's License / State ID

Once SSA processes your name change (usually within 2 weeks), you can update your driver's license. Each state has different fees and requirements.

State-by-State Costs

Fees current as of January 2025. Contact your local DMV for exact amounts.⁵

Required Documents

• New Social Security card OR verification letter from SSA
• Certified marriage certificate
• Current driver's license
• Proof of residency (varies by state)

REAL ID Consideration

If your current license isn't REAL ID compliant, this is an excellent time to upgrade. Starting May 2025, you'll need a REAL ID-compliant license or passport to board domestic flights.⁶ Additional documentation (proof of address, SSN verification) may be required.

Step 3: US Passport

You can update your passport anytime, but waiting until after your driver's license update simplifies the process. The fee depends on which form you use.⁷

Which Form Do You Need?

Additional Fees

Processing Times (2025)

Required Documents

For DS-82 (mail):

• Current passport
• Certified marriage certificate
• New passport photo
• Completed form and fees

For DS-11 (in-person):

• Proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate)
• Valid ID in either old or new name
• Certified marriage certificate
• New passport photo
• Completed form and fees

Pro tip: If your driver's license already shows your new name, you may not need to submit your marriage certificate separately for passport renewal.⁸

Step 4: Financial Accounts

Banks and financial institutions don't share databases, so you'll need to contact each one individually. The good news: most updates are free.

Priority Order

1. Primary bank account — Visit in person with marriage certificate and new ID
2. Credit cards — Most accept phone or online requests
3. Investment/retirement accounts — May require notarized forms
4. Mortgage/loans — Contact servicer; may require legal documentation
5. PayPal, Venmo, other payment apps — Usually online process

What You'll Need

• Certified marriage certificate (some banks keep a copy)
• New driver's license or state ID
• New Social Security card
• Account numbers

Timeline

Most banks process name changes within 5-7 business days. New cards typically arrive in 7-10 business days.

Step 5: Insurance Policies

Update all insurance policies to ensure claims process smoothly.

Important: Update beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts. Marriage doesn't automatically update these records.

Step 6: Employment and Tax Records

Employer/HR

• Update payroll records for correct W-2
• Update direct deposit if bank account name changed
• Request new business cards and email alias if needed

IRS

The IRS receives your name from Social Security, so no separate notification is needed. However, ensure your tax return name matches your Social Security records exactly to avoid processing delays.⁹

Step 7: Everything Else Checklist

Government

• Voter registration
• Vehicle registration
• Professional licenses (nursing, law, CPA, etc.)
• TSA PreCheck / Global Entry

Personal

• Post office (update mail forwarding if needed)
• Utilities (electric, gas, water, internet)
• Cell phone account
• Gym membership
• Frequent flyer programs
• Library card
• Alumni associations
• Subscriptions (magazines, streaming services)

Complete Timeline Overview

Name Change Services: Worth It?

Several services offer to handle paperwork for you:

Our take: If you value convenience and have complex accounts to update, these services save significant time. However, the process is manageable DIY if you follow this guide step by step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my marriage certificate has an error?

Contact your county clerk immediately. Errors in spelling or dates must be corrected before you can use the certificate for name changes. Most counties process corrections within 1-2 weeks.

Can I change my middle name too?

Through marriage alone, you can only change your last name in most states. To change your middle name, you'll typically need a court-ordered name change, which costs $150-$500 depending on your state.

What if I'm keeping my name professionally?

Many people use their married name legally but keep their birth name professionally. You can maintain both—just be consistent on official documents.

Sources and References