The Name Change Checklist:
How to Change Your Name
After Marriage

In most cases, to legally change your name you will need a copy of your certified marriage license, so this task can wait until you’re back from your honeymoon.

The procedure for legally changing your name differs from state to state, so you can Google your state and ‘name change forms’ for information and official forms.

Call the county Clerk of Courts for information about your state’s name change procedure.

Ask about this when you apply for your marriage license.

Also ask the court what paperwork you need to bring with you to request a legal name change. Some states will want to see your birth certificate as well as the certified marriage license.

Once you receive your marriage license in the mail, make several copies to mail or show as proof.

After you’ve taken care of the legal name change with your state, go through the post marriage name change list below and submit name changes. Most of the agencies you need to change your name with will have downloadable forms on their websites.

Post Marriage Name Change Checklist

• Social Security Administration (TOP priority after state name change)
• Driver’s license and vehicle registration
• Employer/payroll provider
• 401k/IRA
• Insurance (health, life, home, auto, anything else)
• Last will & testament
• Bank accounts (order new checks)
• Mortgage, car loans, student loans, business loans
• Legal documents like contracts, partnership or incorporation papers, investments
• Credit card companies
• Utility companies, including cell phone
• Passport
• Voter registration
• Community and alumni associations
• Club memberships, discount programs, and frequent flyer programs
• Magazine subscriptions

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