So, You’re Changing Your Last Name: A Post-Wedding Checklist

You’ve tied the knot, danced the night away, and maybe even returned from a dreamy honeymoon. Now comes the part no one quite prepares you for: the paperwork. If you’ve decided to change your last name after getting married, start by taking a deep breath. It’s not difficult, but it is a bit of a process. Between paperwork, waiting periods, and the surprisingly long list of places you need to update your name, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry—we’ve got you!

We’ve rounded up everything you need to know to make your post-wedding name change as seamless as possible. Whether you’re going the traditional route, hyphenating, or getting creative with your new moniker, here’s your guide to crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s (with your new last name)!

Step One: Get Your Marriage Certificate

Before you can change anything, you’ll need the official document proving your new marital status: a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You can usually request this from the county clerk’s office where your marriage license was filed. Be sure to get a few certified copies—many places won’t accept photocopies or scans.

Step Two: Update Your Social Security Card

Your next stop is the Social Security Administration Office. That may sound scary—but we promise it’s pretty easy! You’ll fill out Form SS-5, which can be found online, and either mail it in or take it to your local SSA office along with:

• A certified copy of your marriage certificate
• Proof of identity (your current Social Security card, driver’s license, or passport)

This part is free, and your new Social Security card will come in the mail with your new last name—but thankfully your number stays the same.

Step Three: Change Your Name on Your Driver’s License

Once your Social Security record has been updated (this usually takes about 48 hours), scoot on over to the DMV to update your driver’s license or state ID. Requirements vary by state, but you’ll generally need:

• Your current license
• A certified copy of your marriage certificate
• Your updated Social Security card or proof that your SSA name change is processing
• A form of payment for any fees

Check your state’s DMV website before you go—some states require appointments, specific forms, or additional documentation.

Step Four: Update Your Passport

If you’re traveling internationally and your honeymoon tickets are already booked in your maiden name, do not change your passport yet! We cannot stress this enough. Your travel documents need to match the name on your passport. But once travel is done and you’re sufficiently honeymooned out, you can submit Form DS-82 to update your passport by mail (if it’s less than a year old, it’s free!). Prefer to do it in person? You can also visit a passport acceptance facility, like the Clerk of Courts—many are located in post offices or government buildings. For either option, you’ll also need:

• Your current passport
• A certified copy of your marriage certificate
• A new passport photo

Step Five: Update Your Name Everywhere Else

Here’s where the list gets long—but don’t worry, we’ve broken it down for you. Take it one step at a time! Once you’ve changed your name with the SSA and DMV, it’s time to take care of:

Financial Institutions

• Banks and credit unions
• Credit cards
• Mortgage or lease agreements
• Student loans
• Investment accounts (401k, IRA, etc.)

Work and Payroll

• Your HR department
• Email and internal systems
• Direct deposit and tax documents (W-2s, 1099s)

Healthcare

• Health insurance provider
• Primary care doctor and specialists
• Pharmacy and prescription accounts

Insurance

• Car insurance
• Homeowners/renters insurance
• Life insurance

Personal Accounts

• Cell phone provider
• Utilities (electric, water, gas)
• Streaming services and subscriptions
• Airline mileage programs
• Voter registration
• Social media handles (if applicable!)

A few things to keep in mind: This process doesn’t have to be done all in one day, and it’s okay to tackle it in waves! Keep a running checklist of places to update and make notes as you go. It’s also helpful to sign all forms and communications with your new last name (plus a note that it’s newly changed). Finally, remember that some changes—like with banks and passports—may require in-person appointments or notarized documents. Give yourself grace, time, and maybe even a glass of wine. You’re doing great!

Pro Tip: Some companies like HitchSwitch or NewlyNamed offer kits and services to help streamline the process—they’ll pre-fill forms for you and tell you exactly what to send where. If your head is still swimming, it may not hurt to check these out!

Last But Not Least: Celebrate the Milestone

Name-changing might not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but it’s still a big moment! Whether you’re taking a new name, blending names, or just updating your signature, it marks the beginning of your next chapter. So when the forms are filled out and the documents are filed, take a moment to raise a glass and toast to the future—with your brand-new name in tow.

Happy name-changing!

Photo credit:

Lex Christie Photo