How to Change Your Legal Name (Marriage, Divorce, or Court Order)
A name change starts with a legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court petition), then cascades: Social Security first, then DMVDepartment of Motor Vehicles — Your state agency for driver's licenses, state IDs, and vehicle registration. Some states call it the BMV, DPS, MVD, or DDS.Click for official info ↗, then passport, then banks and everything else.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go 1 day–2 months
Get your legal name-change document
Marriage: the certified marriage certificate from vital records (not the decorative one). Divorce: the decree with the name-restoration clause. Otherwise: petition your county court (fees $150–$500, sometimes waived).
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare 2 hours + processing
Update Social Security first
File Form SS-5 with your marriage certificate/court order at a Social Security office (or by mail). Your SSNSocial Security Number — A 9-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration. It is the main US identity number for work, taxes, and credit.Click for official info ↗ stays the same — only the record updates. Wait ~48 hours for the change to propagate.
Click to mark as done
- Go 1–2 hours
Update your driver's license at the DMV
Bring the new SS card (or receipt), your name-change document, and current license. Some states issue same-day; others mail it in 2 weeks.
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- Fill / Prepare 30 min + mail time
Update your passport
If issued over a year ago: apply for a renewal with the name-change document (Form DS-82US Passport Renewal Application — The form for renewing a passport by mail. Only for adults whose current passport is undamaged and issued within the last 15 years.Click for official info ↗ + certified copy). Within a year of issue: free correction with Form DS-5504.
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- Follow Up 2–4 weeks of calls
Notify everyone else
Banks, employer/payroll, IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗ (next tax return), immigration/USCISUS Citizenship and Immigration Services — The federal agency that processes green cards, work permits, naturalization, and most immigration benefits. Part of the Department of Homeland Security.Click for official info ↗ if you are a green cardPermanent Resident Card — The ID card proving lawful permanent resident status — live and work in the US permanently.Click for official info ↗ holder (file Form I-90Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card — The form used to renew or replace a green card.Click for official info ↗ for a corrected card), insurance, voter registration, utilities, and professional licenses.
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- Receive —
Order extra certified copies
Get 3–5 certified copies of your marriage certificate or court order upfront — every agency wants to see or keep one, and reordering later costs more.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my name after marriage?
No — it is entirely optional, and you can hyphenate, take your spouse's name, or keep yours. If you do change it, the marriage certificate is your legal proof; no court needed.
Does changing my name affect my immigration status?
Green card holders should file Form I-90Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card — The form used to renew or replace a green card.Click for official info ↗ to get a corrected card. It does not change your status, but records should match for travel and employment verification.
Can I change my child's last name?
Yes, through a court petition — typically requiring both parents' consent or a hearing. Schools and agencies will want the court order.
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