Changing your Name: The Basics

Certified Marriage License

Get a certified marriage license. Call the office where your license was filed to get copies.

Social Security

Contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213. An automated system will talk you through the name change process. Your new card will be free. If you're contacted by a company that claims to do this for a fee, don't buy it. For more information, visit the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov/replace_sscard.html.

The DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)

The DMV requires you to make a personal appearance. Bring plenty of identification and your certified marriage license.

For DMV substation locations, click here.

• Friends and family
  


• Employers/payroll
  


• Post Office
  


• Phone Company and other Utilities
  


• Banks and other financial institutions
  


• Credit Card companies
  


• Schools and alumni associations
  


• Registrar of voters
  


• Mortgages and leases
  


• Wills
  


• Insurance policies
  


• Magazine subscriptions