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How to Change to Your Married Name in California

How to Change Your Name in California

Just married in California? Congratulations. The Golden State makes a married name change straightforward, with one catch worth knowing up front: you have to lock in your new name on your marriage license before the wedding. Here is exactly how to do it, in order, with what it costs and how long it takes.

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What a California Name Change Costs and How Long It Takes

The honest math for a standard married name change in California:

StepCalifornia cost
Social Security card (SS-5)Free
Certified marriage certificate copies$19 to $21 each, by county
Driver’s license$39
Vehicle title (Form REG 227)$0

Core out-of-pocket runs about $40 to $80, with the $39 license as the main cost. A passport update adds more only if yours is over a year old.

Time: plan for a few weeks. Your new Social Security card takes about 2 to 3 weeks, and it must show your new name before the DMV will process your license. A mailed title update takes 10 to 30 business days.

Step 1: Get Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate

In California your certified marriage certificate comes from the County Recorder (Clerk-Recorder) of the county where you got your marriage license; the state vital records office can also issue one. Order 2 or 3 certified copies, since Social Security and the DMV each want to see an original. As of January 2026 the fee is $19 per copy in most counties ($21 in Alameda), listed by county below.

Step 2: Update Social Security First

Social Security is free and the same in every state: complete form SS-5, show your certified marriage certificate, and your new card arrives in about 2 to 3 weeks. Do this first, because the California DMV electronically verifies your name against Social Security and will not issue your license until your SSA record shows the new name. Details: ssa.gov.

California has 124 Social Security field offices. Find the one nearest you:

CityAddressZIPPhoneMon-Fri
Alhambra555 W Main St91801(866) 227-65619 AM-4 PM
Anaheim900 S Harbor Blvd92805(866) 657-31339 AM-4 PM
Antioch2508 Verne Roberts Cir94509(866) 331-23249 AM-4 PM
Auburn11855 Edgewood Rd95603(866) 931-60879 AM-4 PM
Bakersfield2575 Haley Street93305(866) 366-95589 AM-4 PM
Bakersfield5300 Office Park Drive93309(866) 476-14899 AM-4 PM
Berkeley2045 Allston Way94704(877) 531-46969 AM-4 PM
Brea3230 E Imperial Hwy92821(866) 593-27579 AM-4 PM
Burbank1420 W Olive Ave91506(888) 748-76999 AM-4 PM
Campbell1480 W Campbell Ave95008(866) 348-58329 AM-4 PM
Chatsworth20439 Nordhoff St91311(855) 727-35989 AM-4 PM
Chico1370 E. Lassen Ave95973(866) 964-75859 AM-4 PM
Chula Vista626 L Street91911(888) 487-99079 AM-4 PM
Compton171 E Compton Blvd90220(888) 472-61179 AM-4 PM
Concord2150 John Glenn Dr94520(877) 319-60429 AM-4 PM
Crescent City560 E Hoover Ave95531(855) 727-36009 AM-4 PM
Daly City355 Gellert Blvd94015(888) 748-77029 AM-4 PM
Delano2234 Girard Street93215(866) 635-02879 AM-4 PM
El Cajon846 Arnele Ave92020(866) 964-00129 AM-4 PM
El Centro3007 N Imperial Ave92243(866) 593-56809 AM-4 PM
El Monte9351 Telstar Ave.91731(866) 931-03409 AM-4 PM
Eureka3144 Broadway95501(866) 828-19919 AM-4 PM
Fontana10668 Sierra Ave92337(866) 726-78659 AM-4 PM
Fountain Valley17075 Newhope Street92708(877) 304-15669 AM-4 PM
Fremont3100 Mowry Ave94538(888) 632-70739 AM-4 PM
Fresno5140 E Olive Ave93727(866) 366-49189 AM-4 PM
Fresno865 Fulton Street93721(877) 311-26409 AM-4 PM
Fresno640 W Locust Avenue93650(866) 931-90419 AM-4 PM
Garden Grove11900 Gilbert Street92841(877) 669-31159 AM-4 PM
Gilroy1059 First Street95020(877) 452-41989 AM-4 PM
Glendale225 W Broadway91204(855) 886-96339 AM-4 PM
Glendora1165 E Route 6691740(866) 964-60459 AM-4 PM
Hanford330 North Harris St93230(855) 207-48669 AM-4 PM
Hawthorne11539 Hawthorne Blvd90250(866) 331-76949 AM-4 PM
Hayward24301 Southland Dr94545(866) 964-50549 AM-4 PM
Hemet3095 W Devonshire Ave92545(855) 207-70839 AM-4 PM
Hollywood1122 N Vine St90038(866) 613-28619 AM-4 PM
Huntington Park6303 Rugby Avenue90255(866) 931-99419 AM-4 PM
Indio46845 Monroe Street92201(877) 319-57589 AM-4 PM
La Mesa7961 University Ave91942(877) 405-14459 AM-4 PM
Lakeport991 Parallel Dr95453(888) 676-26669 AM-4 PM
Lakewood4957 Paramount Blvd90712(866) 964-64849 AM-4 PM
Lancaster42225 10th St W93534(866) 964-17259 AM-4 PM
Lodi1110 W Kettleman Lane95240(888) 257-26419 AM-4 PM
Long Beach2005 Long Beach Blvd90806(888) 256-26319 AM-4 PM
Los Angeles4000 Wilshire Blvd90010(866) 964-75929 AM-4 PM
Los Angeles3840 Crenshaw Blvd90008(877) 531-46939 AM-4 PM
Los Angeles12429 Avalon Blvd90061(877) 836-15589 AM-4 PM
Los Angeles1122 W Washington Blvd90015(866) 964-74019 AM-4 PM
Los Angeles215 N Soto Street90033(866) 964-20359 AM-4 PM
Los Angeles1401 W 8th Street90017(877) 803-63089 AM-4 PM
Los Angeles11500 W Olympic Blvd90064(866) 964-47799 AM-4 PM
Madera348 E Yosemite Ave93638(877) 405-14539 AM-4 PM
Manteca510 Commerce Ct95336(866) 320-25879 AM-4 PM
Merced3185 M St95348(888) 632-70699 AM-4 PM
Mission Viejo23311 Madero92691(888) 306-98789 AM-4 PM
Modesto1521 N Carpenter Rd95351(888) 748-76989 AM-4 PM
Montebello2216 W Beverly Blvd90640(866) 964-74359 AM-4 PM
Moreno Valley22815 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos92553(888) 590-27059 AM-4 PM
Mountain View701 N Shoreline Blvd94043(877) 319-01619 AM-4 PM
Napa1850 Soscol Ave94559(877) 836-15599 AM-4 PM
National City700 E 24th St91950(866) 331-22039 AM-4 PM
Needles1502 Bailey Avenue92363(866) 596-79469 AM-4 PM
Norwalk12440 E Imperial Hwy90650(866) 331-32819 AM-4 PM
Oakland7200 Bancroft Avenue94605(888) 527-93299 AM-4 PM
Oakland360 22nd St94612(866) 964-74209 AM-4 PM
Oceanside2160 S El Camino Real92054(855) 287-47939 AM-4 PM
Ontario1100 E Holt Blvd91761(866) 331-22169 AM-4 PM
Oroville115 Table Mountain Bl95965(866) 331-71309 AM-4 PM
Oxnard2000 Outlet Center Dr93036(866) 931-83529 AM-4 PM
Palm Springs4201 E Ramon Rd92264(877) 873-91059 AM-4 PM
Panorama City14500 Roscoe Blvd91402(866) 341-07859 AM-4 PM
Pasadena104 N Mentor Avenue91106(877) 255-15089 AM-4 PM
Placerville3916 Missouri Flat Rd95667(877) 545-54979 AM-4 PM
Pomona2130 N Garey Ave91767(888) 808-54869 AM-4 PM
Porterville890 W Morton Avenue93257(866) 388-89039 AM-4 PM
Redding2660 Park Marina Dr96001(866) 964-12369 AM-4 PM
Redwood City1718 Broadway St94063(888) 860-55829 AM-4 PM
Richmond3164 Garrity Way94806(877) 877-31169 AM-4 PM
Riverside10000 Magnolia Ave92503(866) 931-44959 AM-4 PM
Roseville910 Cirby Way95661(866) 348-78309 AM-4 PM
Sacramento2424 Arden Way95825(855) 782-91539 AM-4 PM
Sacramento40 Massie Circle95823(866) 708-32089 AM-4 PM
Sacramento8581 Folsom Blvd95826(877) 274-54199 AM-4 PM
Salinas928 E Blanco Rd93901(877) 600-28579 AM-4 PM
San Bernardino605 N Arrowhead Ave92401(866) 331-71329 AM-4 PM
San Diego8505 Aero Dr92123(866) 331-63979 AM-4 PM
San Diego1333 Front Street92101(855) 820-00979 AM-4 PM
San Fernando456 S F Mission Blvd91340(888) 383-15999 AM-4 PM
San Francisco560 Kearny Street94108(877) 319-30709 AM-4 PM
San Francisco3140 16th St94103(866) 755-63239 AM-4 PM
San Francisco90 7th St94103(866) 964-50519 AM-4 PM
San Jose6140 Cottle Rd95123(888) 383-11809 AM-4 PM
San Jose2500 Fontaine Rd95121(866) 931-44969 AM-4 PM
San Jose280 S First Street95113(866) 331-22359 AM-4 PM
San Leandro320 Davis St94577(866) 331-21819 AM-4 PM
San Luis Obispo3240 S Higuera St93401(855) 207-48659 AM-4 PM
San Marcos367 Via Vera Cruz92078(866) 614-47699 AM-4 PM
San Mateo800 South Claremont St94402(866) 726-81939 AM-4 PM
San Rafael99 Smith Ranch Road94903(866) 331-77619 AM-4 PM
Santa Ana1851 East First Street92705(888) 366-61469 AM-4 PM
Santa Barbara122 W Figueroa St93101(866) 695-62859 AM-4 PM
Santa Cruz169 Walnut Avenue95060(800) 593-85239 AM-4 PM
Santa Maria2436 Professional Pkwy93455(866) 331-23169 AM-4 PM
Santa Rosa2099 Range Ave95401(877) 870-63849 AM-4 PM
Sonora745 Morning Star Drive95370(888) 397-41259 AM-4 PM
Stockton4747 Feather River Dr95219(877) 803-63149 AM-4 PM
Suisun City700 Main Street94585(866) 964-50219 AM-4 PM
Susanville2603 Riverside Dr96130(855) 420-85639 AM-4 PM
Thousand Oaks322 E Thousand Oaks Bl91360(888) 397-48079 AM-4 PM
Torrance20000 Mariner Ave Ste 15090503(877) 319-07329 AM-4 PM
Ukiah521 S Orchard Ave95482(888) 590-27069 AM-4 PM
Valencia27200 Tourney Rd91355(888) 632-70729 AM-4 PM
Vallejo106 Plaza Dr94591(888) 808-54879 AM-4 PM
Ventura6477 Telephone Road93003(877) 651-71189 AM-4 PM
Victorville13955 Park Ave92392(877) 405-14359 AM-4 PM
Visalia1901 E Noble Avenue93292(866) 344-84759 AM-4 PM
Watsonville180 Westgate Drive95076(800) 521-33859 AM-4 PM
West Covina501 S Vincent Ave91790(866) 964-01629 AM-4 PM
West Sacramento825 Riverside Parkway95605(866) 726-81369 AM-4 PM
Whittier7200 Greenleaf Ave90602(866) 336-21879 AM-4 PM
Yreka1960 S. Oregon Street96097(888) 366-61459 AM-4 PM
Yuba City355 Percy Avenue95991(866) 331-54499 AM-4 PM
Yucca Valley56492 29 Palms Hwy92284(877) 325-74179 AM-4 PM

Step 3: Update Your California Driver’s License

Head to a California DMV office in person. Here is your checklist:

  • Update Social Security first and wait for your new card. The DMV verifies against Social Security and will not proceed without it.
  • Bring a certified marriage certificate.
  • Pay the $39 license fee.
  • Expect a new photo and thumbprint, since it is done in person.
  • Book an appointment at dmv.ca.gov to skip the wait, since walk-in waits can top two hours. Or use the free Get in Line virtual queue.
  • Ask about REAL ID at the same visit. For REAL ID, also bring a passport or certified birth certificate and two printed proofs of California residency.
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Step 4: Update Your Vehicle Title

Good news for California car owners: a title name change is free. Use Form REG 227:

  1. Complete Form REG 227 with your new name.
  2. Attach a certified marriage certificate, your updated Social Security card, your current California title, and your California license in the new name.
  3. Mail it to the DMV.
  4. Allow 10 to 30 business days.

California Marriage Certificate Offices by County

Order certified copies from the County Recorder that issued your marriage license:

CountyCertified copy feeOrder from
Los Angeles$19Registrar-Recorder
San Diego$19Recorder-Clerk
Orange$19Clerk-Recorder
Riverside$19Clerk-Recorder
San Bernardino$19Recorder-Clerk
Sacramento$19Clerk-Recorder
Santa Clara$19Clerk-Recorder
Alameda$21Clerk-Recorder

Other California Licenses to Update

A few state-issued credentials need your new name too:

CredentialWhat to do
Notary publicFile a Name Change Application with the Secretary of State for an amended commission, then file a new oath and bond and get a new seal within 30 days.
Concealed carry (CCW)Submit a modification to the sheriff or police department that issued your permit (not wherever you live now). Update your license first, then upload your new license and marriage certificate. Fees vary by county (about $10, e.g. Los Angeles).
Hunting and fishingEmail the CDFW License and Revenue Branch at LRB@wildlife.ca.gov with your old and new names and your GO ID. Keep your existing record so your preference points stay attached.

Update Your Voter Registration

Re-register under your new name at RegisterToVote.ca.gov. A DMV name change does not automatically update your voter registration. The deadline is 15 days before an election.

California State Taxes

California has a state income tax, but there is no separate name-change form. Once you have updated Social Security, file your next Franchise Tax Board return under your new name (enter your prior last name in the return’s Prior Name field), and give your employer an updated DE 4. To fix an account issue sooner, call the FTB at 800-852-5711.

California Name Change Tips

The one thing California newlyweds miss

  • Decide your new name before the wedding. California lets you take your spouse’s last name, hyphenate, or use your maiden name as your middle name, but only on the marriage license when it is issued. You cannot add or change it after the ceremony without going to court.
  • Do Social Security first. The DMV will not process your license until your SSA record shows the new name.
  • Your car title change is free. Do not pay for a new title unless you want one.

Which Names Can You Take in California?

Spouse’s last name, hyphenated, or maiden name as your middle name: Yes, chosen on your marriage license under California’s Name Equality Act. A certified marriage certificate is your legal proof.

The catch: you must choose the new name on the license before the ceremony. It cannot be added or amended afterward.

A new first name, or a name not offered on the license: this needs a court petition in Superior Court.

Licensed Professional? Update Through BreEZe

Most California professions, from nursing to real estate to cosmetology, are licensed under the Department of Consumer Affairs through the BreEZe online system.

  • A single name-change submission in BreEZe notifies every participating board and bureau, so you file once.
  • Do it within 30 days, with a certified marriage certificate. DCA name change details.

Changing your name is one of the happiest kinds of paperwork there is. Take it one step at a time, in the order above, and you will be signing your new California name before you know it.

Ready for a New Name? Order Now!

The 6 Steps of North Carolina Name Change

Congratulations on your wedding in North Carolina! From the picturesque beaches of the Outer Banks to the bustling streets of Raleigh and Charlotte, this state is all about new beginnings. So, you’re thinking of changing your name post-marriage? Here’s a simple guide for you. Start by obtaining a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the county where you tied the knot. With this document, head over to the Social Security Administration to get your Social Security card updated. Once done, the North Carolina DMV is your next stop for a new driver’s license reflecting your new surname. It’s also a good idea to inform banks, credit card companies, and other essential institutions about your name change. Dive into this new chapter with enthusiasm and embrace your new identity in the beautiful state of North Carolina. For more details and guidance, www.missnowmrs.com has a wealth of information on name change after marriage. Cheers to your new journey and your new name! Keep reading for the details…

New Spouse, New Name, New Journey: Embrace Your New Married Life.

With Personalized Name Change Services for Every Newlywed.

Ready for a New Name? Order Now!

Step 1: Change Your Name with Social Security

North Carolina requires newlyweds to file the SS-5 form with Social Security as the first step. So, simply complete the form and file by mail (you will need to send your driver’s license or U.S. passport). Alternately you can in-person. In approximately 2 weeks, your new social security card with your new married name will be issued.

Step 2: Change Your Name with the IRS

The next step in the North Carolina name change process is filing the IRS 8822 form with the IRS. The good news is it’s a one page form that is free to file. Not every opts to complete the IRS 8822. But, we encourage our clients to file it to make sure the office knows their new name and maiden name when tax season arrives!

North Carolina Name Change Steps

Step 3: Change Your Name with the DMV

To update your North Carolina driver’s license with your married name, you will need to first file your SS-5 form and wait at to receive your updated Social Security Card. Then, bring it, along with your completed DMV form, certified marriage certificate, car insurance card, and $10.00 in cash to the DMV. The office will issue your new driver’s license the same day!
If you are applying for a Real ID, you will also need to bring a certified copy of your birth certificate or your unexpired U.S. passport (it can still be in your maiden name.) *Heads up! There may be an additional fee for your Real ID.

We highly encourage you to complete the section of the North Carolina driver’s license form where you can elect to update your name on your voter registration. This will enable you to vote locally and nationally with your new married name.

Step 4: Change Your Name with the State Department

Changing your name with the State Department, involves filling in the DS-11 passport form or the DS-5504 passport form. You can then file it with your current passport (or passport card,) your certified marriage certificate, two passport photos, and the listed processing fee. Word to the wise: U.S passports take approximately 5-6 weeks to be issued. So, it’s smart to give yourself 2 months to file before any international travel.

Step 5: Change Your Name with Your Creditors

After you’ve filed you name change forms with the state and federal offices, it is time to notify all of your creditors of your new name. The normal list of creditors includes your banks, credit cards, insurances, mortgage providers, student loan companies, medical providers, utilities, memberships, and magazines. Many of these companies can be contacted by phone, but some (especially banks) require you to come into a local office with your certified marriage certificate to change the name on your account.

Step 6: Simplify You Name Change with MissNowMrs

Name change typically takes 13 hours. That’s 13 hours of your newlywed life spent searching for forms, reading fine print, manually completing forms, and then figuring out what order to file them in (which is state-specific.) You will also need to research which offices you need to file each form at. It’s a super unfun process.

New Spouse, New Name, New Journey: Embrace Your New Married Life.

With Personalized Name Change Services for Every Newlywed.

Ready for a New Name? Order Now!

Fortunately, the MissNowMrs App and online name change service can streamline your name change. We automate all the tedious repetitive parts of the name change process saving our clients over 13 hours of stress.
So, if you’re thinking about changing your name after marriage in North Carolina, the MissNowMrs app, service, and name change experts are at your service!

How long it takes to legally change your name in North Carolina will depend on several factors, but expect a few months of waiting for your new paperwork to arrive after you start filing. Currently filing for a passport takes the longest, which wait times of several months.

You will need to get copies of your certified marriage certificates from the North Carolina county that you were married in.

This list is valid for name change throughout North Carolina, including Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Cary, Wilmington, High Point, and Concord.

3 Steps to Change Your Name After Marriage With Global Entry Video

Heads up newlyweds: if you’re changing your name after marriage, you’ll need to change your name with Global Entry AFTER you change your name on your U.S. passport. Don’t cause unnecessary stress or miss an important flight by forgetting to change your name with this office. Follow our Global Entry name change tips to avoid travel stress.

As of late 2018, Global Entry was available at 53 US airports. Over 5 million people are enrolled in Global Entry. And, the agency reports that 50,000+ new applications are filed monthly. That’s just a few people who need to know our global entry name change tips!

The MissNowMrs name change experts created a quick three-step video to help you understand the Global Entry name change process. Know when to file, and what to bring to the office with you to ensure you transition from your maiden name to your married name on your accounts with them. We want you to have smooth travels in your new name!

Global Entry is just one of the many agencies that need to be contacted when you change your name after marriage. Other government offices include Social Security, the State Department, the IRS, your state DMV, state voter registration bureau. You should also notify your banks, credit cards, insurances, utilities, mortgage provides, loan providers, professional licenses, and memberships. Whew!

The name change list is rather staggering. And, most newlyweds waste 13 hours on the name change process. Should you want to skip the stress and hassle of name change, check out the MissNowMrs service and App.

The MissNowMrs Name Change App Video

How did the MissNowMrs married name change app come to be? When you’re a company who was built before Facebook and Twitter you have to continuously innovate to keep your customers happy. So, our office is always buzzing with ideas on how to make name change after marriage easier for our newlywed clients.
42% of wedding planning is done via smartphones and tablets, so it made total sense to build a name change app to make the transition from maiden name to married name even easier. Enter the MissNowMrs name change app.

Here’s video to help you understand how the MissNowMrs app works and what to expect! Enjoy and download ladies!

Miley Cyrus’s Married Name Change


In the 2019 trend of celebrity name change, Miley Cyrus is also opting to change her name after marriage. While keeping her maiden name professionally, personally Miss Miley is now Mrs. Miley Ray Hemsworth. Miley Cyrus is queen of unpredictability, but as name-change experts we had been predicting her name change based on her age, background, and the trends we’ve been seeing in married name change since 2018.
Miley’s husband, Liam Hemsworth, was totally surprised by her choice to make the switch to Mrs. In a recent interview on Live with Kelly and Ryan he shared, “I think that was honestly one of the best things about it. I didn’t ask her to take my name, but then she’s like, ‘No, of course I’m taking your name. I’m like, ‘That’s awesome. That’s really good.'”

Married name change is a personal choice influenced by many factors in a newlywed’s life. We encourage anyone considering changing their name to think about it from all angles and make the decision that best suits their life and relationship. If you do decide to change your name after marriage, the MissNowMrs name change app was designed to save you 13 hours of form hassle by allowing you to change your name on your phone. Users simply Snap… Tap… and become a Mrs. ASAP!

Original Story: Harper’s Bazaar