How to Change Your Legal Name (Marriage, Divorce, or Court Order)
A name change starts with a legal paper. This can be a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order. Then you update your records in order. Start with Social Security. Then go to the 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 update your passport. Then tell your banks and everyone else.
At a glance
- Cost:
- $50–$500 (court fees vary by state)
- Total time:
- 2–6 weeks across agencies
- Steps:
- 6 steps
- Where to apply:
- ssa.gov
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(October 2026).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go 1 day–2 months
Get your legal name-change document
For marriage, use the certified marriage certificate from vital records. Do not use the decorative one. For divorce, use the decree that says you can go back to your old name. For other cases, ask your county court to change your name. Fees are $150–$500, and the court may waive the fee in some cases.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare 2 hours + processing
Update Social Security first
In some states, you can ask for the corrected card through your personal my Social Security account. In other states, start the application online. If you need help in person, make an appointment at your local office or Card Center. If you cannot use online services, fill out paper Form SS-5. Your SSN stays the same. Only your name on the record changes. Your new card comes by mail. It usually arrives within 2 weeks after SSASocial Security Administration — The agency that issues Social Security numbers/cards and pays retirement, disability (SSDI), and SSI benefits.Click for official info ↗ sends a complete application.
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- Go 1–2 hours
Update your driver's license at the DMV
Bring your new SS card or the receipt for it. Also bring your name-change document and your current license. Some states give you the new license the same day. Other states mail it to you in 2 weeks.
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- Fill / Prepare 30 min + mail time
Update your passport
If your passport was issued over a year ago, apply for a renewal. Send your name-change document with it. Use Form DS-82 plus a certified copy. If your passport was issued within a year, you can fix the name for free with Form DS-5504.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up 2–4 weeks of calls
Notify everyone else
Tell your banks. Tell your employer/payroll. Tell the IRS on your next tax return. If you have a green card, tell immigration/USCIS and file Form I-90 for a corrected card. Also tell your insurance, voter registration office, utility companies, and any office that gave you a professional license.
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- Receive —
Order extra certified copies
Get 3–5 certified copies of your marriage certificate or court order at the start. Every agency wants to see one or keep one. It costs more to order more copies later.
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Be Careful
Don't make these mistakes
Using the decorative marriage certificate. For marriage, use the certified marriage certificate from vital records. Do not use the decorative one.
Updating the DMV before Social Security. Update Social Security first. 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 your name on the record changes. Then go to the DMV with your new SS card or the receipt for it.
Using the wrong passport form. If your passport was issued over a year ago, apply for a renewal. Send your name-change document with it and use 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 ↗ plus a certified copy. If your passport was issued within a year, you can fix the name for free with Form DS-5504.
Ordering too few certified copies. Get 3 to 5 certified copies of your marriage certificate or court order at the start. Every agency wants to see one or keep one. It costs more to order more copies later.
Forgetting to tell everyone else. Tell your banks, your employer and payroll, the IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗ on your next tax return, your insurance, your voter registration office, and your utility companies. If you have a green cardPermanent Resident Card — The ID card proving lawful permanent resident status — live and work in the US permanently.Click for official info ↗, tell 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 ↗ and 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.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my name after marriage?
No. It is your choice. You can use a hyphenated name, take your spouse's name, or keep your own name. If you do change it, your marriage certificate is your legal proof. You do not need to go to court.
Does changing my name affect my immigration status?
If you have a green card, file Form I-90 to get a card with your new name. This does not change your status. But your records should match. Matching records help with travel and checks for work.
Can I change my child's last name?
Yes. You need to ask the court. The court usually needs both parents to agree, or it holds a hearing. Schools and agencies will want to see the court order.
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