How to Change Your Last Name After You Get Married

You’re married!!! Now you want to change your last name. It seems like a daunting task and honestly, it kind of is. We wrote this blog to give you a step-by-step checklist to make it as easy as possible for you! Keep in mind, each state will vary slightly and this was written specifically with information from Washington State.

Important: if you are going on an international honeymoon within a few months of getting married, DO NOT change your last name until after you come back. The last thing you want is to get stuck in or out of the country because your legal documents don’t match up!

1. Marriage Certificate

This will be your key for every step of the way. After you sign your license at your wedding, you will need to bring it back to the courthouse to get it filed in order to receive the certificate. You may be able to request these copies prior to getting married, be sure to ask about this as it could save you a significant amount of time! We suggest requesting a couple copies of the certificate in case one of the offices needs to hold on to a copy for their records.

2. Social Security Card

After receiving your official marriage certificate, the first thing you will want to do is go to the social security office for a new card. Unfortunately, there is usually a line out the door as soon as the office opens so this will likely be your most time consuming task. Fill out an application prior to arriving at this office and this can save you time! You can find the nearest social security office here.

Bring with you:

Marriage Certificate
Proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate)
Proof of identity with photo ID
Your current social security card

If you are not a citizen, this link will help you determine what you need in order to receive a social security card after getting married.

3. License

Once your social security card is changed, it will be easier for you to get a new license and passport. This step needs to be done in person and you’ll need to wait at least 24 hours after going to the social security office to go to the DMV. You will not need your new social security card in hand but the system will need time to update so your new information can be reflected. In the state of Washington, a license renewal is $54 and an enhanced ID renewal is $78.

Bring with you:

Marriage Certificate
Social security card or your receipt from the social security office if you haven’t received your card yet
Your current driver’s license
You may need proof of address when obtaining a new license (depending on the state). Bring with you a bill or a mortgage document that is addressed to the address you want to use.
Checkbook or credit card

4. Passport

If you have received a passport within the last year, you will not need to pay for a new passport as it will be considered a passport correction. If it has been longer than a year or this is the first time you are applying for one, it will cost $110. Fill out the forms instructed on this passport application here and submit your application by mail or find your nearest location to apply in person here. You will need to bring in a photo to use for your passport book that meets these requirements.

Bring with you:

Marriage certificate
The forms that you have filled out online (you may also be able to fill the forms out in person if you are going into an office)
Your current passport
2×2 photo
Checkbook or credit for the fee if applicable

5. Bank Accounts & Credit Cards

Once you have all your identification taken care of, you can change the name of your bank accounts and your credit cards. For your bank accounts, this step will need to be done in person so required documentation can be shown. Don’t forget to order a new set of checks as well.

Bring with you:

Marriage certificate
Social security card
Passport
If changing your address, bring proof of address

Depending on the credit card companies, you may be able to complete this step online. Check with each company before you are hassled with going into each branch!

6. Employer

Once your bank accounts are changed, contact your HR department so they can change your name on payroll and other things associated. You will likely need to send them a copy of your marriage certificate and a voided check with your updated name.

7. Insurance Cards

Whether you are combining insurance or keeping it separate, this should be done as soon as possible so you can be covered in case of a claim. If your insurance is through your employer, this step will be easiest once HR has updated your name. There is no need to send this information to medical offices right away but give yourself some extra time at your next appointment to update your insurance card on file with your new one.

Stephanie Keegan

I’m an adventure elopement and wedding photographer based in Seattle and the surrounding Pacific Northwest. I focus on capturing love in beautiful places while sharing a passion for the outdoors. Rock climbing, backpacking, hiking – I love it all!