Name Change Basics

Everything you need to know about changing your name after marriage, including timing, legal documents, travel considerations, and your name change options.

Changing your name after marriage involves several important steps and considerations. This guide answers the most common questions about the name change process, legal requirements, and timing.

I have a flight booked in my old/maiden name. When should I start my name change?

Important: You can purchase a newlywedname name change kit before you travel. Your current documents (Social Security card, passport, driver's license, etc.) will continue to be valid after you purchase a newlywedname name change kit. Your name changes on each document (Social Security card, passport, driver's license, etc.) after you submit the applications included in your name change kit.

If you have international travel booked in your old/maiden name:

You can start changing your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and your DMV now, but you must wait until you return home from your trips before updating your passport.

The name on your passport must match your travel reservations/boarding pass.

Your current passport in your old/maiden name will remain valid until its expiration date, even if you update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) or your DMV.

If you have domestic travel booked in your old/maiden name:

You can start changing your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) now, but you must wait to update your passport OR REAL ID driver's license until you have returned from any travel booked in your maiden/old name.

Your travel ID document (such as your passport or REAL ID driver's license) must match your travel reservations/boarding pass.

Your current passport and REAL ID in your old/maiden name will remain valid until its expiration date even if you update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

What are my name change options?

Name Change Due to Marriage

If your marriage certificate lists a Married Name, then this is the only name you can change to.

If your marriage certificate does not list a Married Name, then you have the following last and middle name options:

Married Last name options:

Take your spouse’s last name

Hyphenate your current last name with your spouse’s last name Create a non-hyphenated double last name using your current last name and your spouse’s last name

Married Middle name options:

Keep your current middle name

Replace your current middle name with your maiden last name (note, if you don't have a middle name you can move your maiden last name to create a new middle name) Create a double middle name using your current middle name and your maiden last name

Name Change Due to Divorce

Your legal name change document is your divorce decree. Most divorce decrees list a post-divorce name (i.e. birth name or maiden name).

If your divorce decree is finalized and does not contain post-divorce name language, we suggest checking with your court to modify or amend the divorce decree to include such language that would specifically list your desired post-divorce name.

Name Change Due to Court Order

If you are changing your name via a court order, your legal name change document is your court-issued document. The name listed here is the only name you can change to.

With a court order, you can change your first, middle, and last name. Make sure that your court order lists your full desired legal name exactly as you want it to appear.

If your court order does not specify your new legal name, you will need to request that the court amend or issue a new order that clearly lists your desired legal name.

Please email us at [email protected] if you have any questions regarding last and middle name options.

What’s the difference between a Marriage License and a Marriage Certificate?

A marriage license is a legal document that you obtain from a county/local courthouse (or marriage license office) prior to your wedding that states you and your spouse are legally eligible to marry. You and your spouse will sign the marriage license before or after your wedding ceremony takes place. Your officiant will return the signed marriage license back to the county/local courthouse after your wedding ceremony and you will be issued a marriage certificate.

A marriage license

A marriage certificate is a legal document proving you and your spouse were married at a specific time and location. Your county/local courthouse will issue you a marriage certificate after your officiant returns your completed marriage license. Most couples will receive their marriage certificate in the mail 1-2 weeks after the wedding ceremony takes place.

marriage certificate

Your marriage license and marriage certificate may be two separate documents OR your marriage license and marriage certificate may be on the same document . Every county/local courthouse is different.

How long should I wait after getting married to change my name?

There is no deadline for changing your name.

You can technically wait as long as you want before starting the name change process. You can begin the process once you have the physical copy of your marriage certificate. However, we recommend that you wait until after your honeymoon or any travel you have already booked under your maiden name. If your plane tickets or reservations do not match your photo ID (driver's license or passport), you could be turned away, so it’s best to be cautious.

I’ve waited a long time to change my name. Can I still use my marriage certificate?

Yes! Your marriage certificate doesn’t expire. We have many customers who've been married for years who decide now is the right time to change their last name.

Can I use NewlyNamed to change my first name?

Yes! As long as you have your court order in your possession. In order to change your legal first name, you will need to petition for a court-ordered name change through your city/county courthouse. Afterward, you will receive a court order which will allow you to start the name change process. You are not able to change your legal first name due to marriage (via a marriage certificate) or divorce (via a divorce decree).

Our name change kits assume you have your legal name change document (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree) in your physical possession.

If I change my name, do I have to update my birth certificate?

No! You don't need to update your birth certificate.

You are required to mail your Social Security application (Form SS-5) and the required documentation to your local Social Security card office. You can find the address of your nearest Social Security card office by visiting ssa.gov/locator .

We are planning a honeymoon out of the country. Should I change my name on my passport before we go?

If you've already booked your flight -> No, wait until you return home from your trip before updating your passport. The name on your passport must match your travel reservations/boarding pass.

If you've already booked your flight ->

If you haven't booked your flight -> If you are planning to book the flight in the coming months, we suggest booking the flight using the name on your current passport and waiting to update your passport until you return home from your trip.

If you haven't booked your flight ->

I’ve already started my name change. Can I still use NewlyNamed?

Yes! All you need to do is skip the steps you've already completed. For example, if you've already updated your name with the Social Security Administration, you can simply skip the Social Security section of your newlywedname name change kit.

Please email us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to discuss your name change.

Why can’t I change my name online?

We truly wish you could! Federal and state agencies have important policies to protect your information and identity, which is why they need to verify that it's really you asking for the name change. This means there are a few steps in the name change process, such as obtaining a new driver’s license or ID, that require you to come in person.

Do I need to change my name if I am hyphenating my last name?

Yes! You will need to go through the name change process if you’d like to add a hyphen to your last name. Creating a hyphenated last name consisting of your current last name and your spouse's last name is considered a traditional marriage name change. Your marriage certificate will be sufficient evidence when seeking this name change.

Can I hyphenate my last name when changing my name after marriage?

Yes, you are able to hyphenate your maiden name and your spouse's last name when you get married. Your marriage certificate will be sufficient evidence when seeking this name change.

Can I move my maiden last name to my middle name and take my spouse's last name?

Yes, moving your maiden last name to your married middle name and taking your spouse's last name is considered a traditional name change!

Note, if you live in Arizona (AZ), New Jersey (NJ), Pennsylvania (PA), or Washington (WA), in order to update/change your middle name you will need to update your U.S. passport before you update your driver's license/state-issued ID card. This will ensure you don't run into issues obtaining a driver's license/state-issued ID card in your new name.

Please email us at [email protected] if you have any questions regarding last and middle name options.

Will my child(ren)’s last name change through my marriage or divorce name change?

No. You will need to go through a court petitioned name change process if you'd like to change your child(ren)'s last name.

I'm engaged. When should I buy NewlyNamed?

You can purchase a newlywedname name change kit at any time before or after your wedding. However, you will need to wait until you receive your marriage certificate before you can start the name change process using your newlywedname name change kit.

Most couples receive their marriage certificate 1-2 weeks after their wedding.

Your marriage license and marriage certificate may be two separate documents OR your marriage license and marriage certificate may be on the same document. Every county/local courthouse is different.

If you have a wedding registry, you can also add newlywedname to your registry! Learn more here - https://help.newlywedname.com/article/80-can-i-add-newlywedname-to-my-registry .

How do I update my voter registration in an election year?

Changing your name in 2024? We put together a helpful guide to ensure you don’t run into any issues when you go to vote.

Step 1: Check Your State’s Voter Registration Deadline

When starting the name change process during an election year, knowing your state's voter registration deadlines is crucial. You can find the specific deadlines for your state by visiting Vote.org's Voter Registration Deadlines . Make sure to check your state's voter registration deadline to avoid missing the cutoff. Keep in mind that in most states, you can register to vote on the day of the election!

If you are close to your state’s cutoff date and Election Day Registration is not available in your state, wait until after you vote to start your name change.

Step 2: Update Your Name on your Social Security Card and Driver’s License/State-ID Card

Once you receive your newlywedname name change kit, you will want to start the name change for your Social Security card and driver’s license (these instructions will be included in your name change kit). In most cases, it takes about 2-3 weeks to update your name with the Social Security Administration and to get a new driver's license.

Please keep in mind that if you have not received your updated driver’s license/state ID card before you vote, most states will allow you to bring 1) your legal name change document (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and 2) your driver’s license/state ID card in your OLD name with you to the polling location as a valid form of identification. If this is your case, you can check your state’s Election Day Registration document requirements here (see ‘Jump directly to your state’).

Step 3: Update Your Voter Registration by Registering to Vote in Your New Name

After you have updated your name with the Social Security Administration and obtained your new driver's license/state ID card, you can proceed to update your voter registration . Be sure to do this well before your state's voter registration deadline to ensure there are no issues on election day.

Frequently Asked Questions

I haven’t started my name change. Can I purchase newlywedname before the election?

Yes, you can purchase a newlywedname Box or Print at Home name change kit now. Your name doesn’t officially change until after you update your government documents. You will simply need to make sure that the name on your voter registration matches the name on your driver’s license/state ID card when you vote.

The Voter Registration Deadline is near. What should I do?

If you are too close to the voter registration deadline in your state, you can still purchase a newlywedname Box or Print at Home name change kit, but we recommend waiting until after the election to update your driver’s license/state ID card to your new name. This ensures that there are no complications when voting, and you can confidently participate in the upcoming election.

I’ve started my name change but haven’t updated the name on my driver’s license/state ID card. What should I do?

If your state’s voter registration deadline is nearing, we suggest playing it safe and waiting to update your driver’s license/state ID card until after the election.

I’ve started my name change and have received my new driver’s license/state ID card in my new name. What should I do?

You will want to register to vote in your new name. You can check to make sure you are registered to vote here .

I am not a registered voter. Should I register in my new name or my old name?

We suggest registering to vote using the name on your current driver’s license/state ID card.

I am moving to a new state and changing my name at the same time. What should I do to be able to vote?

You will need to register to vote in your new state. You can register to vote in your new name and new state after obtaining a driver’s license/state ID card in your new state.

How soon after submitting my vote can I start my name change? Will it mess my vote up?

You can start your name change right immediately after casting your ballot. Your vote will count as long as you are a registered voter when you vote.

Can I Update My Name and Address on My License Simultaneously?

Yes, we generally recommend changing your address and name at the same time when updating your driver's license. Doing so can save you an extra trip to the DMV! Simply use your new address when completing Steps 1-3 in your newlywedname account after purchase. Your name change kit will provide detailed guidance to help you through this process.

If you have moved and know your new address, please use it when completing Step 1 of your newlywedname account. This ensures we can pre-fill your government forms with the most accurate information.

If you haven't moved yet and are unsure of your new address, we suggest waiting until you have that information before completing Steps 1-3 in your account. This ensures that your personalized name change kit includes your updated address and helps you avoid making multiple trips to the DMV.

Your newlywedname account and name change kit do not expire, so you can take your time submitting and verifying your information. We will not ship your newlywedname Box until you complete Steps 1-3. For Print at Home kits, you can update your address in your account at any time and easily redownload the updated PDF if needed.

Can I move my maiden name to my middle name?

Keep your current middle name

Replace your current middle name with your maiden last name (Note: If you don’t have a middle name, you can move your maiden last name to create one) Create a double middle name using your current middle name and your maiden last name

I already have two middle names. Can I still move my maiden name to my middle name?

Yes, you can. As long as your marriage certificate does not list a 'Married Name', you're allowed to move your maiden name to your middle name.

However, keep in mind that the Social Security Administration has a 26-character limit for the combined length of your first and middle names. If your new full name exceeds this limit, your name will be shortened on your social security card. This shortened version may also carry over to your driver’s license, depending on your state.

Will the 26-character limit affect my legal name?

No. Even if your name is shortened on your SSA record or driver’s license, your legal name remains unchanged. Agencies may abbreviate names due to formatting limits, but this does not alter your legal name.

Name Change Basics

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