Guide: How to Change Your Name After Getting Married

Following marriage, many individuals opt to alter their last name. Some adopt their partner's surname, while others opt for a blend of both surnames. It's common for a wife to adopt her husband's surname while retaining her maiden name as her middle name. The process of changing your name is generally straightforward, but specifics vary based on the type of change and your location.

Obtain copies of your marriage certificate. Visit the clerk's office in the county where you tied the knot. Request multiple copies of your marriage certificate, which will be necessary for updating your name. Keep in mind that states may offer short- and long-form marriage certificates, so opt for the long form to ensure comprehensive documentation.

Begin using your partner's surname. In the United States, a woman can start using her husband's surname without needing court approval. The same might apply to a man adopting his wife's surname, although this varies by state. However, most states will require a man to legally change his name through court proceedings.

• While same-sex marriage is legal in the United States, laws regarding name changes were not automatically updated for same-sex couples. You may be able to change your name simply by using your marriage certificate, but you might encounter some challenges.

Complete court forms for an official change. If you're not a woman adopting her husband's last name, you may need a court order. In such cases, visit your local courthouse to inquire about the name change process. Typically, you'll need to fill out various forms and submit them to the court, along with a filing fee.

• Ensure you fill out all forms accurately before filing them.

Provide public notice. Depending on your state's regulations, you might need to post a notice at the courthouse or even publish it in the newspaper to announce your name change publicly.

Inform relevant parties of the name change. Notify various entities of your new surname so they can update their records accordingly. This includes schools, employers, government agencies (such as voter registration and the Department of Motor Vehicles), utility companies, banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, the post office, and any club memberships you hold.

Update your details with the Social Security office. Complete form SS-5, available for download from their website. Take the completed form to your local Social Security office. You can find the nearest office at this link: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp. Remember to keep a copy of the form for your records.

Refer to your province's official website. The process of changing your name varies depending on the province of residence. Each province has its own policies, with some being more accommodating than others. For instance, Quebec imposes restrictions on women adopting their husband's surname after marriage, granting approval only under exceptional circumstances. Conversely, most other provinces and territories offer more flexibility in name changes.

Commence using your updated surname. In many provinces, you can assume your spouse's last name after marriage without formally changing it on your birth certificate. However, you can update it on documents like your health card, driver's license, and photo card. For example, in Alberta, you can simply start using your spouse's surname or any combination of both your surnames. In British Columbia, adopting your spouse's last name is straightforward, but combining names or using your birth name as your middle name requires a legal name change.

Apply for a legal name change. Explore your province's website to find information on how to request a legal name change. Typically, you'll need to complete forms and submit them to the Vital Statistics Agency or a relevant office. In British Columbia, you can apply online or in person at a Service BC location, providing your marriage and birth certificates, along with fingerprints for a criminal background check.

Update your name on official documents. Obtain a copy of your marriage certificate from the provincial registry office if you're assuming your spouse's last name. If you've legally changed your name, it will be reflected on your marriage certificate. Present these documents to government agencies and other entities to ensure your records are updated. Don't forget to update your Social Insurance Number (SIN) record by presenting identification and your marriage certificate.

Begin using your spouse's surname. Immediately after marriage, you can adopt your spouse's surname. Simply provide copies of your marriage certificate to organizations holding your records, and they should update your details at no cost. This process applies to both men and women, including those in same-sex marriages.

Execute a deed poll to change your name. If you're combining surnames as a couple or wish to incorporate your maiden name as your middle name, a deed poll is necessary. This legal document declares your abandonment of your former name and your exclusive use of the new surname. You can pay a fee of £15-35 for someone to draft the document, or you can create your own using the provided sample deed poll. Ensure two witnesses observe your signing of the document.

Enroll your deed poll. Certain institutions, such as banks, may require an enrolled deed poll. Enroll yours for £36 at the Royal Courts of Justice. Submit your forms to the Queen's Bench Division, Enforcement Section, Room E15, The Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London WC2A 2LL.

Inform organizations of your name change. Notify entities you engage with of your new surname, and inquire whether they require a copy of your marriage certificate or deed poll. Be sure to contact your employer, healthcare providers, the Department for Work and Pensions, financial institutions, and insurance companies.

Update your passport. Ensure that your passport reflects your new name to match your travel arrangements. Apply for a new passport after your name change and include your marriage certificate or deed poll with your application. Note that your deed poll can be either enrolled or unenrolled.

Start using your new name. Simply present your marriage certificate to any government agency or private entity to adopt your spouse's surname. Visit your state or territory's Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to obtain certified copies of your marriage certificates. If you wish to change your name in any other manner, such as hyphenating last names or incorporating your maiden name as your middle name, follow the standard name change process.

Obtain a name change application. If changing your name requires more than presenting a marriage certificate, acquire an application from your state government. You must meet residency requirements before submitting the paperwork along with the required fee. If you were born in a different state or territory, apply for the name change through the registering authority interstate.

Inform relevant parties. Notify all organizations with which you hold accounts about your name change. This includes updating your driver's license, car registration, passport, bank accounts, government offices such as the Electoral Commission and Taxation Office, insurers, healthcare professionals, and memberships.

Begin using your new name. Upon marriage, you can adopt your spouse's surname or opt for a combination of names, such as a hyphenated name. No formal process is required; you can simply start using your new name. However, if you wish to use your maiden name as your middle name, you must officially change your name through a statutory declaration.

Obtain a copy of your marriage certificate. To inform other organizations of your name change, obtain multiple copies of your marriage certificate to present as needed.

Make name changes through a statutory declaration. Complete an application form available online and sign it in the presence of a notary public, justice of the peace, or another authorized individual. Provide personal identification and pay the required fee, which can be paid via money order, check, or credit card. Submit your documents and payments to the Births, Deaths and Marriages office.

Update your details on the electoral roll. Upon marriage, you'll receive a form from the electoral office to update your information on the electoral rolls.

Update your driver's license. Although not mandatory, you can choose to update your driver's license. Fill out the application for a replacement driver's license, which can be found online. Bring the following items when visiting an NZ Transport Agency licensing agent:

• A valid form of identification, such as your current driver's license, passport, or other identity documents with a photo
• Your marriage or civil union certificate
• The required fee (currently $38.20 as of June 2017)

Modify the name on your passport. If you wish to change the name on your passport, you must apply for a new one. The name on the passport must match your officially registered name. However, if you've begun using your new name without formal registration, updating your passport is unnecessary.

• No documentation is required if your marriage occurred in New Zealand.
• If the marriage took place outside New Zealand, you'll need the original marriage certificate.