Wake County Register of Deeds | Tammy Brunner Show A name change is not required by law, but a person may decide to take their spouse's last name when they get married. State law does not contain step-by-step instructions when changing your last name after marriage. There is no single legal form to fill out. Instead, a person must contact government agencies to let them know of the new legal name. The agency will have rules on how to update your documents with your new name. You will likely be required to submit a certified copy of your marriage license, which you can obtain through the county clerk's office. In addition to government agencies, you may also need to notify your employer, bank or credit union, utility companies, doctor's office, insurance company, etc. of your new legal name. Each person's situation will vary. The right to change your last name after marriage is based on case law rather than statute. Attorney General opinion JH-0432 from 1974 explains the legal history of this common law right. MW-0225 from 1980 provides a legal opinion on the use of a hyphenated last name. A person can also choose to change their name through the courts. See our Name Changes guide for details. The links below provide instructions for updating a driver's license or ID, social security card, passport, and voter registration card. U.S. PassportChanging your name after marriage isn't complicated, but it is document-heavy. Here's a checklist to help you streamline the process. Although there is no law requiring a name change after marriage, the practice continues to be common in the United States—and not only for women. Increasingly, men are taking their wives’ last names, and in the case of same-sex marriages, some couples are deciding that having one family surname is beneficial to them, particularly when children are involved. Changing your last name after marriage isn’t usually difficult, but it does require some organizational skills and plenty of patience as you deal with paperwork and government offices. Here are some basic guidelines on how to change your name after marriage. State by StateFirst, note that name change laws vary by jurisdiction, which means you should always be sure to check which rules and regulations apply to your situation. Generally, however, in most states, a legal name change after marriage can be accomplished by simply filling out some forms and without court involvement. One caveat: some states have different name change procedures for anyone except a woman taking her husband’s surname after marriage (which includes hyphenating). Accordingly, a formal name change petition may have to be filed with the court in the following circumstances:
Marriage CertificateThe most important document in the name change process is your marriage certificate. You will need several certified copies, which you can request from the clerk of the county in which you were married.
Social SecurityAfter you have procured certified copies of your marriage certificate, download Form SS-5 (PDF) from the Social Security Administration, which you’ll need to complete and take to your local Social Security office in person. Along with the completed form, you should bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate as well as other proof of your identity and citizenship or lawful immigration status (driver’s license or passport). Driver’s LicenseBecause most people’s main form of identification is their driver’s license, you’ll want to get your name changed on that as well. Again, the rules of Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV) vary slightly, so be sure to check what your state requires before setting off on this quest. Some DMVs may need only your marriage certificate while others require a copy of your new Social Security card. Moreover, some may have you complete an entirely new application and even get a new photo. The same process usually applies to a state-issued identification card. While you’re at the DMV, you may also want to find out how to change the name on the titles of any vehicles you own. Everything ElseKeep in mind that any name change after marriage means you should also get your name changed on any and all official documents, including but not limited to, the following:
This might even be a good time to clean out your wallet of all the membership cards from libraries and grocery stores to gyms and clubs—and get your name changed on all of them in the process. Because each step in the name change process can take a few weeks, it's best to begin as early as possible, especially if you'll need a new form of identification for an upcoming trip or the like. How do I change my last name in Netherlands?To change one's surname, an official request has to be made to the Ministry of Justice Dienst Justis (only in Dutch). Please note that the rules only allow a surname to be changed in certain situations.
How do you change your name after marriage in North Carolina?You'll need a certified copy of your marriage license in order to change your name on your driver's license and your Social Security card. Wait at least 10 (TEN) days after the ceremony is performed to allow sufficient time for your license to be returned to the Register of Deeds.
What do I need to change when I get married?It's time to officially change your last name!. File for Your Marriage Certificate. ... . Obtain Certified Copies. ... . Update Your Social Security Card. ... . Get a New Driver's License or I.D. ... . Update Your Passport. ... . Update Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. ... . Change Your Name on Your Bank Account. ... . Change Your Name on Your Credit Cards.. What do I need to change when I get married UK?Who You Need to Notify of a Name Change. The passport office (see more details below). The DVLA (driving licence, vehicle registration). HM Revenue and Customs.. Child Benefit.. Local Authority (Council tax and electoral register). Land Registry.. Student Loans.. Your employer.. |