How to Change Your Name After Marriage: A Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Obtain a Copy of Your Marriage Certificate

You'll likely need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate when changing your name after getting married. Here are the steps to obtain this important legal document:

1. Head to the county clerk's office. You'll do this prior to your wedding, typically in the state where you're getting married. If you're getting married out of state, some states will require you to apply in the county you live in. The cost varies by state but ranges from $20 to $110, according to The Knot.
2. Provide the necessary documents. This will likely include your driver's license or other government-issued photo ID. You might also be asked to provide your birth certificate. If you're remarrying, you may need to present your divorce decree, or a death certificate if you're widowed. Clarify beforehand what's required.
3. Submit your signed marriage license. After the wedding ceremony, both spouses and the person officiating the wedding will sign the marriage license. Witnesses may also be required to sign. At that point, you or the officiant can submit the license to the county to make it official. You should receive your marriage certificate in the mail shortly after.

Tip: Consider ordering extra copies of your marriage certificate so you're prepared if you ever need to provide a certified copy to a company to verify your marriage or name change. You typically need to pay a fee to get extra copies, but it's often small.

2. Order a New Social Security Card

You can make an appointment at your local Social Security Administration office to file the required paperwork. You can also mail in your documents, but that could slow the process. Either way, be prepared to provide your:

• Driver's license, state-issued ID card or passport
• Original Social Security card
• Original marriage certificate (or a certified copy)

Once approved, your new Social Security card will arrive in the mail at no charge. Your Social Security number will remain the same, but your new card will reflect your married name.

3. Get a New Driver's License

Check with your local department of motor vehicles to see what documents are required in your state and how much the name change will cost. Filing fees vary but can cost anywhere from $25 to $450. You might be able to mail in your application and supporting documents, but it may be easier and faster to simply make an in-person appointment. Your state may require you to provide your new Social Security card, birth certificate, marriage certificate and proof of residency.

4. Update Your Bank Accounts and Credit Cards

Once your driver's license and Social Security card show your new name, you can begin the process of updating your bank accounts and debts. Start by making a list of all your accounts, including:

• Checking and savings accounts
• Retirement accounts
• Brokerage accounts
• Credit cards
• Car loans
• Student loans
• Personal loans
• Mortgages

You'll want to contact each financial institution directly or check their websites to clarify the process for updating your name. Some may require a copy of your marriage certificate, but others may simply request a copy of your new driver's license or Social Security card.

5. Refresh Your Passport

Changing your name on your passport can take a while, so it's an important thing to think about if you're planning a honeymoon abroad. If you're flying out right after your wedding, you're better off waiting until you get back to update your passport.

Once you're ready, the process will look different depending on when your original passport was issued and when you changed your name. Either way, be prepared to submit your original passport, new passport photo and a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You can use the Department of State's passport fee calculator to determine how much it will cost. All passport forms can be filled out online and printed.

• It's been less than one year since your passport was issued and your name was changed: Submit Form DS-5504.
• It's been more than one year since your passport was issued or your name was changed: Submit Form DS-82.

Tip: There may be some cases where you will not be able to update your passport by mail, such as if it's been more than 15 years since your original passport was issued or your passport is damaged. In these cases, you will need to submit Form DS-11, apply in person and bring all your paperwork with you.

6. Take Care of Any Loose Ends

Once you cross the major things off your list, you'll want to change your name on any remaining accounts you have. That may include your:

• Utilities (phone bill, water bill, utility bill and the like)
• Rental lease agreement
• Insurance policies
• Voter registration (you may be able to do this when updating your driver's license, depending on what state you live in)
• Vehicle registration
• Employer payroll and email
• Memberships and subscriptions

Review Your Credit Report After a Name Change

Getting in the habit of checking your credit reports is a good idea. It can tip you off to errors or fraudulent activity that could be affecting your credit health. You can also ensure that your name change has gone through on all your accounts.

If there are any stragglers you forgot about, you can get the ball rolling on those. You can check your FICO^® Score^Θ and credit report for free with Experian, or visit AnnualCreditReport.com to get access to your credit reports from all three bureaus.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Getting married is an exciting time. If you decide to take your spouse's name, be patient and go through all your accounts one by one. Keeping a marriage name change checklist can help you stay organized and prevent things from falling through the cracks.

It won't happen overnight, but begin building a strong financial future with your partner. That includes getting on the same page when it comes to budgeting, saving, investing and managing debt.