How to Legally Hyphenate Your Last Name after Married

Marriage heralds a new life. However, there is a part you desire to remain with even as you adopt a new identity. One of these elements you want to retain is your old name. You also want to adapt the name of your spouse so that the entire family can have similar last names. This is why many people choose Hyphenating last name after marriage.

Hyphenating the last after your wedding is considered an easy option. People can still refer to you using the previous name and also the new on you have adapted. But why do people choose to hyphenate as opposed to changing the name completely?

• Signal Change- your friends who witnessed the wedding will look at you with different eyes. By hyphenating, you give them a chance to refer to you by a new name. It gives them an impression that you really changed. 
• Maintain Identity-though you are changing your status upon marriage, you do not lose the old self. You cannot take the name of your spouse in totality. This helps you to continue holding on to your identity for a while.
• Professional purposes-professionals who rely on their names to attract clients would have a difficult time losing all their names. By hyphenating, you mark the transition into a married partner while you also maintain the previous identity. You do not have to build your brand again from scratch. It also gives clients and associates time to get used to the new identity without an abrupt shift. 
• Good for your children-hyphenating the name allows you to share an identity with your children. Most children will take the name of their father. Once the name of your spouse appears on your documents and those of your children, it will be easier to claim parentage and identity. 
• Easier to reverse- statistics on divorce are evidence that not all marriages will last. In case you wish to revert to your original name, it will be easier. You will also not have lost your full identity. 
• You make your husband happy while still remaining happy- there is no legal requirement that you should change your name completely. You will want to maintain your identity. You also want to please your spouse by adapting his name. Hyphenating last name after marriage is an opportunity to hit two birds with a single stone. 

The process of hyphenating your name will be similar to that of changing your name legally. The law recognizes this as adapting a new identity. This means that you are required to complete the procedure as though you are taking on a totally new identity. 

• Obtain the necessary documents- the marriage certificate provides strong justification for you to change name. When it is presented in a petition, the judge believes your petition more. You should, therefore, include the certificate when filing the petition in court. 
• File your petition for name change in a probate court-this should be done in the county where you reside. You can also file the petition in a circuit court. Each state has a unique process of filing petition for name change. Check with your county clear for the procedure to follow in your situation. 
• You will get a hearing date- this request is made at the office of the clerk who will assign you a date. There are cases where the hearing date is set automatically and not on your request. Some of these filing documents can be downloaded online. This saves you the trouble of having to visit the office physically. 
• Publish the name change petition on newspapers- the publication is done on newspapers that circulate throughout the county. However, some may require you to extent to other areas. The newspaper must have significant circulation. A grace period is given to anyone who may object to your application for name change. 
• Name change order- the order is issues once the court is sure that there is no objection and you have paid necessary dues. The time provided for the publication process must also lapse before the order is issued. You might be required to file the order with the clerk in some counties. 

Do not allow this hectic process of Hyphenating last name after marriage to discourage you. You can enlist the services of an agent who takes up your papers and follows up until all persons and institutions are informed of the changes. This saves you time and is cost effective. Notify the Social Security Administration office for issuance of a new card. You will also need to change your Driver’s License and also inform banks, credit card providers, mortgage companies and other entities where you identity is necessary for record purposes. 

Is It Possible to Change My Last Name After Marriage Online?

A lot of private institution and government services are now offered online. This option is preferred because of its convenience. The biggest question is whether Married Name Change process can be completed online. It is impossible to give a straight answer to this question. The truth is that there are some steps that can be done online while others require physical presence. Beyond online, you should consider the option of remotely completing the process. Here is a view of the process you can complete remotely or online and those where your physical presence is required.

Requirements for Online Name Change

Whether you change your name one-on-one or online, there are requirements that must be fulfilled. These requirements concern the name you choose, reasons for changing the name and documents you will be required to present. While marriage is considered the easiest path towards changing your name, there are different scenarios available to persons who wish to change their names after marriage.

• Retain your old name- it is not automatic that you change your name because you have gotten married. There are people who opt to retain their old names without adding that of their spouse. This is helpful for professionals who are already established and use their names as brands. You would need time and resources to convince people that you changed the name of a product because you got married. Other than lose clients, you opt to stick with the old name.
• Add the name of your spouse- this is a common option. If you are operating with two names, you can add a third to your spouse. You can even make the name as the second one. It is easier for friends to begin referring to you by the name of your spouse, whether you have changed the name officially or not.
• Develop a new name- there are couples who would like to take a totally new identity after marriage. Both the husband and wife drop their sir-names and take up new ones. This requires a lengthy process but it is a symbolic way to acquire a new identity after marriage.

Married Name Change is easy depending on the option you take. If the change is meant to allow you to adopt the name on the marriage certificate, you will have an easy time. You only present the marriage certificate with the new name to the Social Security Administration and your request will be approved within days. What are the online or remote options of changing your name after marriage?

Using phone calls- there are processes of a name change that you can complete using a simple phone call from the comfort of your home. You can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate through the phone. You just need to call the office where your marriage was registered. You have to make payments for producing and mailing the certified copy of your certificate. You may be required to appear in person in some states when you need a new social security card and Driver’s License. This explains why there are queues at these offices. However, other entities like banks, credit card providers, alumni organizations, landlord, neighborhood organizations and mortgage provider, among others, do not require your physical presence. This means that you can make a call and changes to your personal details will be made. However, you should confirm with each organization on the prescribed process of changing names.

Using Name Change Agents- changing your name will require commitment and time. After marriage, you could be too busy with your honeymoon or parking into the new home. You do not want to waste time moving from office to office and collecting numerous documents. Use name change agents who will take up the task on your behalf. You will have to provide them with all the documents required. This includes certified copies of the marriage certificate. They have to go through the process of obtaining a new social security card and Driver’s License. In case your state requires you to publish your intentions on newspapers, it will have to be done. The agent only takes up the work but is not exempt from following the procedure laid down.

Married Name Change is cheaper when it is done on phone or remotely. Complete the processes that are possible via phone calls. Those that require physical delivery of documents and the assistance of an agent should be handled by these professionals. This saves you time and allows you to complete the processes of name change hustle free.

How Do I Legally Change My First Name?

There is a process involved when you want to legally change your name. This process will apply whether you are changing the first, middle or last name. The process is almost similar in all states. However, a few differences will emerge depending on the circumstances under which you want to change the name. For instance, it is easy if the chance is anchored on your marriage status. With all the papers and justification required, it will be easy to complete the process. If you have criminal or civil cases in court, the process might prove a bit challenging. However, here is a step by step guide on changing your name legally.

Filing a Petition to Change Your Name

You will be required to obtain a petition from the county court. The papers are designed to collect your personal details and allow the court administrator to understand your identity, why you need to change and what you need to change the name to. Beyond the form asking you to provide your identity, it requires you to indicate whether you have active convictions and cases in court. The aim is to certify that the desire to change name is not an attempt to escape legal obligations.

The information given on the petition must be accurate and comprehensive. If the administrators find inconsistencies and errors, your application will be declined or the process will delay as you correct the mistakes. You need to sign the petition and further have it notarized. In most states, police background check is mandatory. You will therefore be required to present a disposition certificate if you have a history of conviction. You can obtain this certificate from the convicting court.

File the petition with the county court clerk. This should be in the county where you live. The court will require you to pay some administrative fees. These fees are determined by what your petition will involve. Complex cases attract higher fees. The fees may also change from one county or state to the other. You will be assigned a case number and given a date for your name change hearing.

It is mandatory to attend court hearing for your name change. The judge uses the opportunity to inquire more about your background and reason for desiring to change your name. The session could last a few minutes if your papers are in order and reasons for changing the name justifiable. The judge will give a ruling, a copy of which will be passed to you by the clerk.

Publishing Your New Name 

There are states that require you to publish your name in the local newspaper. This is meant to alert anyone with an objection. Requirements for publication, including circulation of newspapers and number of times to publish the name will vary from one state to the other. The clerk of the court where you file the petition will provide details on publication. There are instances where publishing the name is risky. The judge will make a ruling on exemption. For instance, if you are a victim of hate crime, rape or witness to a sensitive court case, you will be exempted. The aim is to conceal your identity and protect you from further harm.

The court requires you to return proof of publication after the expiry of the period granted. You will pay for copies of the certified name change order and use it to institute name change on different institutions. You can present the order to the vital records office in your state for processing of the birth certificate under the new name.

Acquiring a New Social Security Card after Name Change

Social Security Administration office requires you to present old identification documents and the order granting change of name. The documents you can present include Driver’s License, old SS card and proof of address, among others. They verify that you are the old owner of the new name. They require two weeks to complete the updating process and issue a new card. The old number is retained as well as previous personal records. Since other institutions refer to Social Security Administration database, they will not find inconsistency in your name or other details. You can them proceed to get a new Driver’s License from the Department of Motor Vehicle, change name in banks, insurance and other institutions.

It might appear hectic to Legally Change Your Name by visiting all the offices and filing petitions. Take a shortcut by engaging professional name change agents who will take up the responsibility. They save you time and allow you to focus on other personal duties yet have your name changed in the shortest time possible. 

How to Legally Change Your Name Back to Your Maiden Name

It is exciting to adapt the name of your spouse or a new name after marriage. However, most people want nothing to do with the name after divorce and therefore want to revert to the maiden name. There is a process involved when you want to Legally change your name After Divorce. With different options available, it will depend on the choice you make. Here are options for you to consider.

During Divorce 

Since most people use the marriage certificate to change their names, the divorce decree can be used to revert to the maiden name. Your attorney is required to make a request to revert back to the maiden name on his application for divorce. Divorce is an easier and solid justification for change of name. Most states accept this option and judges will accept the request with ease. The divorce decree will come with a pronouncement that you have reverted to your old name.

It is possible for the judge to decline your request even when the circumstances appear so logical. If you have a pending court case apart from the uncontested divorce, your request will not be granted. Persons who are convicted must produce a certificate of disposition, issued by the court that had convicted the person. In case you have debts, you will be required to get the consent of debtors in order to change your name.

Once the divorce decree has been signed, you will be issued with a copy. It is this copy that you present to Social Security Administration to obtain a new SS card. Once the SSA has issued a new card, you will use it to change the name at the bank, credit card provider, insurance, and such other offices.

Name Change Decree

The divorce might be contested or you need to change your name faster than the divorce will be concluded. The option available for you is to go to court and obtain a name change decree. The process and requirements will vary from one state to the other. You are required to obtain a form online or from the court and provide details to proof identity. The details provided also give the court justification for name change and the intended new name.

Name Change Decree application also interrogates your civil and criminal record. If you have been convicted or have pending cases, the judge may decline your application. Sexual offenders and those with debts find it difficult to change names if the crimes were committed under the names they wish to change.

Different states may require you to sign additional papers and take on different procedures. These papers could include publication of your name change intentions on public newspapers. There is a statutory period for the changes to be effected. This period will only be obeyed if all your papers are in order. In case someone objects to the name change upon publication, your application will be delayed. The clerk of the court will direct you on the steps to take to facilitate successful change.

All papers should be filed with the clerk of the court to facilitate processing. Each state has statutory fees that are to be paid by all seeking name change. Pay these fees during filing to avoid delays. In case you published the name and there was no objection, you may be granted the reversal without any hearing. However, there are instances where a hearing session may be required. The clerk will notify you about the hearing so that you can attend. Once your hearing is successful, you will be issued with a decree approving reversal to your maiden name. With the signed decree, you can move on to institutions where you need to change your name.

Using the Divorce or Name Change Decree to Change Names Elsewhere 

The decree provides sufficient proof that your change of name has been approved. However, it cannot be used as an identification document. You will be required to present the decree to Social Security Administration office where you will be issued with a new card bearing the new name. The old number and personal records will remain. Use the card to visit the Department of Motor Vehicle and obtain a new Driver’s License. The card also helps you to change your name in banks, insurance companies, school, social associations and any other place you are required to update your name.

Using an Agent to Change Your Name 

It is not mandatory to appear in person unless circumstances and the judge demand when you want to Legally change your name After Divorce. It will save you time and resources to engage experienced agents to handle the process on your behalf. It takes a shorter period and fewer resources to change your name on all platforms and institutions. 

How to Complete Marriage Name Change in Texas With Ease

Texas is one of the best states to get married. It makes it easy for couples to marry by providing lenient conditions. Once your status has changed, you want everyone to recognize that. The best route to take is to have a New Married Name. This enables people to recognize that you have transformed from ‘Miss’ into ‘Mrs.’ The state recognizes the desire for many couples to have a similar name and has therefore made it easy for you to change your name after marriage. Here are tips and the secrets you can follow to make the name change smooth as well as fast. 

Options Available When Changing Your Name after Marriage

The law allows you to change your name to anything you wish. This means that both partners can acquire new identities with ease. Some of the options when you need to change your name include

• Taking the last name of your spouse. This will result in a new name being added to your existing names. You may introduce a hyphen between your original names and the added one or you may allow the names to sound as one. This is easy because it allows you to maintain a large part of your previous identity. If you are a professional, people will recognize the new status while still having memory of the old self. 
• Adopt the last two names of your spouse without adding a hyphen. This change is a bit drastic. It means that you will be adapting almost a new identity and forgetting the old one. The level of scrutiny might be higher in this case because your names will have changed significantly. 
• Take a new name. This is for a couple that wants to have a totally new identity by shedding either of their names. The process involved in this case could be lengthy because you have to file an application at the court. It is easy to add a new name to the existing names than to pick a totally different one. This is why applications and advertisements are required in most states. The new name may be made from hyphenation of your two names or be unrelated to your old names. You make the decision on the name to choose. 

Change a name while collecting your marriage certificate is easy because it is proof that you have adopted a new name. In fact, you are not required to make any application or advertisement in the process. However, the sail is not always smooth for anyone who wants to be referred by a new name. The application to have your name changed may still be rejected even when it is based on marriage certificate. 

• Criminal acts- if you have a pending civil or criminal case, the court and even the registration office will decline to grant your application. The argument is that you are using the opportunity to escape justice. The court will order that you hold the application until the case has been resolved. 
• Escaping debts- has anyone filed a civil complaint about debt that you owe them? Authorities will decline to approve your application. If the name changes, it will be difficult to trace you since the history of your old name is erased. This is why the administration refuses to approve your application on the basis of pending debts. 
• Intent to commit criminal acts- if authorities establish that you are changing your name in order to conceal your identity and commit crimes, they will not grant your request. This applies even when you have been married. This is why you must declare your reasons for desiring to change your name despite the fact that you have been married. 
• Impersonate a popular figure- some people have names that sound like those of celebrities and other popular figures. They could easily pass as their namesakes. If you wish to change your name in order to resemble any of these figures, administrators will decline your application. However, you still have a chance to change to whichever name you wish because no one has a copyright to a name. Whether you are granted the wish will depend on how well you convince the authorities. 

Authorities may decline your application for any reason that they deem sufficient. However, it is your convincing power that will determine whether the application is approved or declined. You will be required to provide all supporting documents and have no hidden agenda when making the application. 

What next after getting the marriage certificate?

A marriage certificate in your new name appears as the ultimate step towards changing your name. While the certificate is a game changer, you still have a long way to go before you can be officially recognized with the new name. Because of increase in cases of identity theft, organizations are requiring consistency in names appearing on different documents. This makes it necessary to change your name officially on all documents used for identification. You will also need to update your name in institutions where you transact or have records. For instance, if you appear at the counter of your bank with an identification document that reads a different name, you will be suspected of identity theft. 

The change of name after obtaining the marriage certificate is a process. Here is a guide that will make it easy to update your name of all platforms and transform your identity completely. 

• Social Security Administration

This is your first stop after getting the marriage certificate with your new desired name. Organizations and government departments get their data from Social Security Administration. Once you have updated the name at the SSA office, you can use the new Social Security card to update the name on other platforms. 

The SSA office will require you to bring the previous proof of identity. Your driving license will serve the purpose. You will also be required to present the marriage certificate that bears your new name. Proof of address will also be used in confirming your personal details for update on the SSA database. 

The process of changing the name at SSA office takes two weeks. While you will be issued with a new SS card bearing your new name, the old details will remain captured in the system. You will maintain the old social security number. Once the name has been updated on the social security platform, it leaves you free to change your name on all other platforms like banks and social organizations. 

• Department of Motor Vehicle 

Make the Department of Motor Vehicle your next stop after Social Security Administration. The department will produce a new Driver’s License that can be used for identification purposes. DMV also enables you to change ownership details on the vehicle to be consistent with those of your Social Security card. In case the vehicle is co-owned, the other owner must be informed about the change of name. At the DMV, you can update your voter details to reflect the changes. You need to present the old identification documents like the Driver’s License and the new Social Security card. It helps to confirm your previous and present identities. 

• Financial Institutions 

Banks and institutions dealing with finances are extra careful about the identity of their customers. They will therefore demand that your name matches with that which appears on your Social Security card. The institutions where you are supposed to update your name include banks, mortgage companies, credit unions and insurance companies, among others. Your credit card name will also have to change. You might be required to visit the office directly, send an email or just call, depending on their verification procedures. It will be difficult and even almost impossible to transact without synchronizing the names.

• Social Circles 

Update your name and personal details in your social circles. This includes social groups like alumni associations, estate association, church and other welfare organizations where you are a member. Your names also need to correspond at postal services to ensure that your letters are not returned to sender. This could take a brief email or even a phone call to complete. Utility services providers also need to get an update on the name. Though they may not be too sensitive about the name, ensuring consistency will reduce confusion and make service provision easier for them. 

To ease the process of name change after marriage, it is advisable that you buy more certified copies of your marriage certification. Since this is the document you are using as your basis for name change, more copies will give you a chance apply for change in many institutions at the same time. This reduces the time it takes to complete name change. 

Use the Agency to Change Your Name 

The process of changing to your New Married Name appears hectic because you are required to move from one office to another. You can enlist the services of an agent that will move from one office to the other and also make applications on your behalf. This helps to speed up the process and will even cost less. You do not have to stop all your activities in order to make applications. 

Just Got Married? Here Are 6 Steps to Guide You through a Name Change after Marriage

During a marriage process, there are many major decisions to make among them the name you will use afterward. In most cases, it is expected that the bride will take the spouse’s name as a sign of the change in status. These days, it is also possible to make other names after marriage including hyphenated names among others. The bottom-line is that this is something you should include in your priority list. If you decide to change name to married name, you have to go through a legal process and like with all government processes, it is a winding one. Many spouses who would have liked to take up new names after marriage has dithered due to lack of information or the fear of making a move.

If you plan to change your name after getting married, this is a detailed guide that will help you through the process. While the name change requirements vary from state to state, the process is similar and you should find it easy to get on with it. After all, they say information is power, and you will thus find it easier to get started. Read on.

1. Get a Marriage Certificate With Your New Name

The most important step in the name change process after marriage is getting your new name reflected in a marriage certificate. It is important to appreciate that a marriage license which is the document that allows the wedding to go on is not the official document that you need.

When applying for a license, make sure you use the new name because this will reflect on the marriage certificate. This legal document comes after the wedding and carries the new name of each spouse. Once you get hold of the marriage certificate, pay for several certified copies because they will come in handy in the other steps you will take to formalize your new name. All this you will do at the court clerk’s office.

2. Update Your Social Security Card (SSD)

Your social security card is the most important document every citizen in the U.S must.  It is the one the government uses to identify you with and in case of any changes to your particulars; you need to update this on the government’s database.  You will not apply for a new social security number but instead, you will update the name change to help the government continue offering the best services.

The SSD update happens online and you need to visit the Social Security Administration and down the security card update form.  Fill the form and remember to use your new name on the documents. once you do this, attach the following documents to your application:

i. Valid passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate which is proof of citizenship
ii. Certified copy of your marriage certificate which process you have changed your name.
iii. Photo ID
iv. Proof of identity which could be a valid passport, U.S. Military identification card, valid driver's license or valid state-issued identification card.
v. The current social security card
Within ten working days, you should have your new security card with your new name reflected. Remember it is only your new name after marriage that changes on your card and there is no further action to take on the card.

3. Visit the Local DMV For a New Driver’s License

Your driver’s license is another crucial identification document and if you have made any changes to your name, the same must reflect on your DL. To initiate the process, you have to visit the local DMV office. It is advisable to wait at last 24-48 hours after applying for your social security card before heading out to the DMV office. This ensures your new data reflects on the government database. You have to do this in person and you need to bring along the following documents:
i. Your new Social Security card or paperwork/receipt showing you have applied for a new card
ii. Certified copy of your marriage certificate
iii. Current driver's license.
iv. New driver’s license fee which varies from state to state
v. Proof of residence in your state (you can bring your insurance documents, lease/mortgage documents, bill or bank statement mailed to your current home address.

4. Update Your Passport/ Travel Document

Now, this is a very crucial step for newlyweds because there are most likely plans to travel. It is important to understand that while you need new travel documents reflecting your new name, they might take time and this can disrupt your travel plans. In most cases, you have booked your trip under your maiden name and if you update the passport before travel, it can lead to big problems. For this reason, you can update your passport after you come back from your honeymoon.

In case you have no plans to travel, you can update your travel papers on the U.S. Department of State website.  For the passport update, you don’t need to visit any government office because the website has everything you need and you only need to mail the necessary documents. When applying for a new passport, you need the following:

i. A new passport photo (2 x 2 inches in size)
ii. A certified copy of your marriage certificate
iii. For passports less than a year old complete form DS-5504 and your new book will be free
iv. For a passport older than one year, complete and submit Form DS-82
v. Current passport or travel documents
vi. For a Global Entry card, you will need to visit your nearest Enrollment Center after updating your passport.

5. Start Updating Your Name With Relevant Institutions

Once you have acquired these critical legal documents bearing your new name, you will move to another important step in the name change process. This entails updating all institutions and organizations that use your maiden name. It is important to initiate the process early to avoid inconveniences in the future. Some of these institutions include:

• Mortgage, Rent, and Utility Companies
• Credit and Debit Card company
• Insurance providers
• Your employer
• Your bank and other financial institutions
• Your attorney
• Learning institutions
• Newspaper and Magazine subscriptions
• Online subscriptions

To send notifications of your new name, you need a certified copy of your marriage license, new Social Security card and your new driver's license. Some institutions and organizations might have other specific requirements based on the services they offer and you should meet all their requirements for the new name to take effect.

6. Use an Online Name Change Service

Looking at the name change process after marriage, it is obvious that it is a lot of work. After going through a hectic wedding process, the last thing you want is to start filling out forms and hopping from one government office to the next. At least you need time to relax and settle down but at the same time, the name change is crucial for your life to continue seamlessly. To overcome this challenge, you should use an online name change service.

A name change service removes the hassle from the process by availing all the documentation you need in one place and filling out the necessary documents for you. You don’t have to search for the required documents because these experts are up-to-date with the legal requirements and ensure you have everything needed to get started. You can choose a name change package that suits your needs and budget.

On the name change website, you will get the documents required after signing up. You can request these documents and complete or opt for these professionals to fill them out depending on the name change package you choose. The idea is to make a name change after marriage a stress-free experience by offering tailored solutions to help you out.  These experts also offer invaluable resources to help you understand what the name change after marriage process entails. If you have no idea how to go about a legal name change, these experts will guide you through it all.

In addition to making the process hassle-free, a name change service also saves you a lot of time. While you will still need to visit your local DMV office for your new driver’s license, you will have all the required documents already filled out. This saves you time and the stress of having to queue for hours in the crowded DMV offices. Most couples dread the name change process but if you have no idea where to start, an online name change service is the best option for you.

If you have plans to change name to married name, there is nothing to fear. Yes, you have heard discouraging stories about the red tape and waiting but with this information, it is easy to get started and complete the name change quickly. What’s more, you can save yourself a lot of trouble by working with an online legal name change company to complete the process. It will save you the stress and time it normally takes to complete a legal name change after marriage.

How to Get a Marriage Name Change Solution in California after Getting Married?

If you are residents of the Golden State and you have wedding plans in full throttle, the mix of anxiety and excitement can make you miss out some important things.  For most couples, once the ring is on the finger, it all bliss and life of joy but there is an important missing detail; a new name after marriage. Now that marriage is one of the most important changes in your adult life; it is advisable to accompany it with a name change. In California, the process of a name change after marriage can get overwhelming with several office visits and multiple documents to download, fill out and mail.

This article offers a detailed marriage name change solution in the Golden State. Read on.

1. It All Starts With a Marriage Certificate 

A marriage certificate is a legal document and it comes in handy in the name change process after marriage. When applying for a marriage license, you need to use the new name you have chosen because this reflects on the marriage certificate you receive at the court office.

To apply for the license you need to produce a valid picture ID and appear in person at your county clerk's office. Pay for certified copies of the marriage certificate which you will use in acquiring new documents and sending out name change notifications.

2. Update Your Social Security Card 

Once you have a marriage certificate, you need to update your social security card to reflect the name change after marriage. To save time, you can download and fill out the Social Security SS-5 form available at the government’s website. You need to attach a certified copy of your marriage certificate, your driver's license, state-issued non-driver identification card or US passport.

You can complete the SSD change online or take the documents in person to the nearest Social Security office. Remember the process requires original documents and taking them in person is thus the easier option instead of mailing such sensitive documents.

3. Visit the Local DMV for a Name Update 

Once you update your Social Security card, you should visit the local DMV for a new driver’s license. This has to be in person and you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, your current driver’s license and proof of residence.
It is advisable to visit the DMV about 24 hours after applying for a new social security card because the name change has to be verified electronically using your new social security card. You should also carry along the receipt for the social security card application.

4. Passport Change in California After Marriage 

After changing your name on the marriage certificate, you need to apply for a new passport. The process for a passport application in California is similar to other states. You need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, proof of residence, a color passport photo and original passport. You can initiate the process by downloading the relevant Form DS-5504 (for passport issues less than a year back) or Form DS-82(for passports issued more than a year ago).

To complete the name change ion your passport, you should complete the forms and mail them to the National Passport Processing Center or visit the Department of State Passport Agency offices in San Diego, San Francisco or Los Angeles. Make sure you schedule an appointment before visiting and carry all the required original documents.

The renewal fee for a passport in California is currently $110but if you need the process expedited, there is $60 on top of the regular renewal fees. Remember this process takes 4-5 weeks before you get a new passport and if you have travel plans for your honeymoon, you should only update the travel documents once you get back.

Hassle-Free Option for a Name Change After Marriage in California 

There is no denying that a name change after marriage in California takes a lot of time and energy. The last thing you want after a hectic wedding is another equally tedious process. An online name change service saves you all the hassle.

These name change experts give you access to all documents you need for a name change after marriage. They offer tailored name change packages and depending on which you choose; they can also fill out the forms and mail them to relevant offices.

You now have a choice for a marriage name change solution; you can opt to go through the hassle or work with a name change service for a hassle-free process.