How Do You Change Your Legal Name After Marriage?

In the U.S., changing your name after marriage is legal but not absolute. To do so, you need to follow these steps:

1. Choose your new name.

2. Get your marriage certificate and other documents.

3. File for the name change.

4. Update your social security card.

5. Update your drivers license.

6. Update your passport.

7. Let your social circle know.

8. Let your spouse know about the change.

In Canada, you can change your name without a court-ordered change. However, in most states, your spouse can adopt your name if that’s what you both prefer. In general, you will need a court order if you and your spouse want to change your name.

To update your bank accounts and other financial accounts, you need to visit your local branch office in person. You do not need a court order or a change document to change your name after getting married. If you are using, or wish to use, a name other than your registered name, there is no legal requirement that you formally change your name. However, it is recommended that you change your name officially, both for identification and as evidence of your name change.

To gather all your paperwork, including your identification, birth certificate, social security card, or other sources that prove who you are, your citizenship, and show your name, gather them all in one place.

For changing your last name to something other than your spouse’s name, you can start your name change at the Social Security Administration immediately after receiving your marriage certificate or wait until a more convenient time. Most organizations in the U.S. will accept a completed marriage license as legal proof of the name change, even if the marriage is not finalized.

How to change marital status?

Call 1-866-426-1527 to change your marital status. Mail the form to the address on the form. Tell the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) about your new marital status within a month of your status changing. If your status changed in March, tell us by the end of April.

You married, became common-law, or separated for more than 90 days. You divorced, your spouse or common-law partner died, or you have separated. Wait until 90 days have passed before telling us.

What to change when you get married?

After the wedding, there are some legal things to think about. Note on name changes. … Get your marriage certificate. … Update your Social Security card. … Get a new driver’s license or state ID. … Applying for a passport. … Update your bank accounts. … Tell your creditors. … Tell your employer. Marriage is exciting, but there are also practical things to think about. Here are a few things to think about after your wedding, especially if you are changing your name. You don’t have to change your last name before a certain date. Think about when you want to change your name. If you’ve already booked travel using your old name, start the name change process after you return. If your ID doesn’t match your travel documents, you might have trouble traveling. You might also want to avoid changing your name around tax season because your tax documents should match your Social Security card. You can still file taxes jointly if you delay your name change as long as your names match. Some states have rules about changing your last name after marriage. You can usually change your last name to your spouse’s, add your spouse’s last name to yours, or change your middle name to your maiden name. You may need a court order to change your last name to a new one or your first name. If you have a court order, you can use it as proof of your name change.

How to write maiden name with married name?

Keep your maiden name. Some people keep their maiden names for work, family tradition, or personal preference. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to keep your maiden name! Plus, it’s the easiest because there’s no post-marriage paperwork. Sarah Ann Smith; Take your spouse’s last name. Not much to explain here. This option drops your maiden name and replaces it with your spouse’s. This is the most common way to change your name after marriage. Sarah Ann Jones; Move your maiden name to your middle name and take your spouse’s last name. This is a popular option if you want to keep your maiden name. You can keep or drop your middle name. Note that each state has different laws about marriage name changes. You may need to go through a court-ordered name change to change your middle name. Sarah Ann Smith Jones or Sarah Smith Jones; Hyphenate your last name with your spouse’s. Hyphenation lets you keep your maiden name and add your spouse’s. Many spouses choose hyphenation because they want to keep their name and take their spouse’s name. Example: Sarah Smith-Jones or Sarah Jones-Smith. If your spouse is male, let him take your name. Some states let men change their last names after marriage. Before considering this option, research what’s legal in your state. Sarah and Adam Smith-Jones or Sarah and Adam Jones-Smith; Create a new last name. You and your spouse must both change your names through the courts. Some couples have created new last names. It’s your name, so do what you want with it! Learn more about court-ordered name changes here. Example: Sarah Smithnes (combined Smith and Jones); Can you legally have two last names? It’s similar to hyphenating, but without the hyphen. You can use either last name. You must sign all paperwork with both last names. Each state has different laws about what is considered a marriage name. You may need to go through a court-ordered name change to have two last names without a hyphen.

Can I use both my married and maiden name?

You can keep your maiden name for work or professional reasons and use your married name for social or family purposes.

Do I need to update anything when I get married?

How to change your name. If you keep your surname, you don’t need to do anything after marriage. If you take your partner’s name, you don’t need to change your name by deed poll. Just tell the relevant authorities with your marriage certificate. Here are the places you need to contact to let them know of the change. Many of these places have online details about how to change a name. It is worth exploring the online options first.

Passport office; DVLA (driving license, vehicle registration); HM Revenue and Customs; Child Benefit; Local Authority (Council tax and electoral register); Land Registry; Student Loans; Employer; Bank or building society; Mortgage provider; Pension providers; Credit card companies; Phone and broadband provider; Doctor; Dentist. Your vet; gym; motoring organizations (breakdown cover); utility companies (gas, water, electricity providers); insurance company (motor, home, travel, pet); loans companies; magazine subscriptions; store cards & online accounts; clubs or societies you are a member of. Change your passport to your new name before your honeymoon. You can apply for a new passport up to three months before your wedding and have it dated to the wedding date. Some countries don’t accept post-dated passports for visa applications. If you need a visa for your honeymoon, check this.

Can I use my maiden name and married name?

6. You can use two names. You can keep your maiden name for work or professional reasons and use your married name for social or family reasons. You can use a different name at work even if you’ve changed your name by deed poll. At work, nothing will change unless you ask for it. If you’re self-employed, you’ll be trading as your old name.

What are the disadvantages of not changing your name after marriage in the UK?

Family confusion. Not changing your name after marriage in the UK can cause confusion. This decision often goes against social norms, which can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications within the family. Each family member may have different views on this, so think about how it will affect your family life and relationships.

Children’s Surname Problem. One of the biggest problems for couples who don’t change their name after marriage is deciding what to call their children. If children have a different surname than their mother, it can cause confusion and misunderstanding, especially when it comes to school, medical care, and travel. Parents must decide whether to give their children their father’s or mother’s last name, or a combination of the two. They must consider the practical and emotional implications of each option.

How do I change my name on my passport?

For more info, see our Change or Correct a Passport page. If you are changing your name within a year of getting your passport, fill out Form DS-5504. If you changed your name more than a year after your passport was issued, use Form DS-82.

Travel.State.Gov U.S. Passports Passport Help Frequently Asked Questions about Passport Services.

Find answers to your questions in one of these categories:

General Questions; Children (Under 16); Social Security Number Requirement; U.S. Passport Card.

How to legally change your last name in Texas?

If you are married and changing your last name, use your marriage license as proof. To change your first or middle name, get an application to amend your birth certificate from the Texas Bureau of Vital Statistics. You need a court order to change your last name. You must be at least 18 to file for a name change. You must pay a fee and attach a fingerprint card to the petition. The reason for the change must be legal and in the public interest. A name change to avoid creditors doesn’t qualify.

Petition to Change Name of an Adult. See the I Want to Change My Name guide. Get a fingerprint card from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). DPS uses Safran for fingerprints. To find locations, go to ibtfingerprint.com/locations. File the verified petition with the fingerprint card and filing fees in the county where you live. If you can’t afford the court costs, you can ask for them to be waived. The guide has free form instructions on filing the Statement. I cannot afford my court fees. Appear before a judge and provide testimony about why you want to change your name. If the name change is granted, go to the clerk’s office and get a Change of Name certificate or a certified copy of the court order. Notify the appropriate agencies of your new name. They won’t be notified automatically.

Yes, but there are more requirements. If you are a registered sex offender, attach a completed sex offender registration update to the petition. All offenses above a Class C misdemeanor must be listed in the petition, along with the case number and court of each offense. If you were convicted of a felony, you must show:

Is there a deadline for name change after marriage in Texas?

You can change your name after marriage without a time limit. Start the process soon after your wedding to avoid complications. Many couples start the process 1-2 months after marriage.