If you are changing your name you may be concerned that your maiden name is printed on your certified marriage certificate or that you signed the certificate with your maiden signature. As long as your name and your husband’s name are listed on the certificate you can use it as legal proof of marriage for name-change purposes. The name you are changing to does not need to be listed on the certified marriage certificate.
Danielle Tate
Looking for name change advice or some tips for newlywed life? The MissNowMrs experts have created state-specific name change articles and checklists for you. We’ve chronicled our recommendations for how to travel while changing your name AND how to handle voting during the transition.
We’ve also compiled our best guidance for how to handle difficult sister in laws, holidays as newlyweds, the ever-annoying baby questions, and much more. Why? Because, while we are name change experts, we’re also newlywed wives, moms, and sisters.
We hope our name change advice articles help smooth your transition to your new name, and a whole new phase of life. Congratulations and best wishes from the entire MissNowMrs team!
How do I get a Certified Marriage Certificate?
The official that performed your marriage ceremony will submit your marriage certificate to a county office for recording. Certified copies of that certificate are typically available ten days after your ceremony. You can personally go to the county office where you applied for your marriage license and request certified copies, or you can request your certificates on line. www.MissNowMrs.com is a site that guides brides through the name-change and marriage certificate request processes.
How do I know if I have a Certified Marriage Certificate?
Certified marriage certificates will have a raised state and/or county seal on them. The seal ensures that the certificate is a legitimate copy of the original marriage certificate. If your document does not have a seal, it will not be accepted as a certified copy.
How to Change Your Name Post-Wedding Continued
Curious how to change your name post-wedding? The MissNowMrs name change experts are continuing their list of newlywed to-do’s.
- Update your U.S. Passport. You will need to fill out an application for a name change on your passport and have new photos taken. The fee will depend on how long you have had your current passport.
- Notify the Post Office. If you have moved due to your recent marriage make sure to notify the United States Postal Office of your new residence by filling out a brief form.
- Name Change the Easy Way. Use MissNowMrs.com to complete all of your state and U.S. government forms in three easy steps: Questions, Forms, File.
- Change your personal paperwork. This includes notifying your bank, credit cards, utilities, title and registration of your vehicle(s), all types of insurance (health, life, auto, home, ect.), professional certifications, voter registration, memberships, ect.
- Start using your new name. Introduce yourself with your new name, change your name on your voice mail and answering machine, sign your new name on emails or letters, and consider buying yourself something with your new initials on it: jewelry, stationary, or clothing are great examples.
How to Change Your Name Post-Wedding
Here’s how to change your name post wedding:
- Get a few copies of your certified marriage certificate. You will need to use them as legal proof of your marriage.
- Get a Social Security Card with your new name. You will need to complete an application and submit it with proof of identity and proof of legal name change.
- Update your driver’s license or ID from your state DMV. Each state has a process for name change on a driver’s license or ID card. Make sure to bring your current license/ID, proof of legal name change, and proof of residence if you have moved. It is also a good idea to wear something cute, since your photo will be re-taken.
- Notify the IRS of your name change. You will need to complete a form to notify the IRS. This ensures that when you file your taxes under your new name or jointly with your husband the IRS will not hold your returns while they investigate who you are (ex: We have Caroline Green on file, but not a Caroline Smith with this SSN).