Legally changing your name

How do I change my name?

There are no federal or state legal requirements that force a newlywed to assume their spouse's name after your marriage.  However, many couples choose to assume their partner's name or to combine their last names after exchanging vows.  In order to change your last name, you will need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, sometimes called a “marriage abstract”, from the probate court in the county in which you were married.
 
We are going to combine our last names or create a new last name—help!?

This process is a bit trickier and requires you to pay fees to the probate court.  If you were simply assuming your spouse’s name there are less paperwork and it if free to do.  To receive a court order to legally change your last names, you must file a formal request, called an Application for Change of Name of Adult.  Each county in Ohio use their own versions of this form and are available at the county's probate court or through the probate court's website.  Be sure to ask the clerk if you have all of the forms required to file.

Preparing to Change Your Name

Most organizations and governmental agencies will require the above-mentioned certified copy of your marriage certificate; it is best to obtain four or more official copies for your records.  As stated over and over, each county in Ohio is different – some of the smaller county’s will mail you a copy of your license; while other counties require you contact them personally to request copies and pay for those copies.
 
Please trust us when we say wait until after your honeymoon to legally change your name.  Many travel documents, including your passport, and any plane tickets purchased prior to your wedding, will be in your maiden name.  Changing your legal name on your passport usually takes up to six weeks after you send the appropriate documentation into the passport agency, including a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

Whom to Contact – Government Agencies

The first agency to file a change of name application is the United States Social Security Administration.  We recommend that you file this form promptly after your honeymoon, so that your records reflect your married name and/or status for the current tax year.  Rest assured that your Social Security number will not change, only the name on your card.  Even if you do not take your spouse's name, it is advisable to file with the Social Security Administration anyway in order to indicate a change in marital status.  A visit to your local Social Security office may be all that is necessary.  Please be aware that the representative may keep your copy of the certificate for the agency's records.  The U.S. Department of Immigration and Naturalization is another governmental agency that requires you to file an updated name form rather quickly after the wedding.

Other important agencies to contact – Banks, Insurance Companies—etc.

After receiving your new social security card you may now update your new legal name on your driver's license and on any insurance policies, including auto, health, medical, life and accidental death insurance policies, this step is very important.  Most, if not all, of these agencies will require a certified copy of your marriage certificate and a copy of your new social security card in order to update your policies.

It is also very important to quickly update your name on your bank accounts and any debit or credit cards attached to them.  Most banks will require you to furnish a copy of your updated driver's license and your certified copy of your marriage certificate when you are changing your name.

If you are taking your spouse's name after the wedding, or if you are combining your name with your spouse's last name, you will want to send a number of other organizations and agencies your new information.  In addition to Social Security, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, insurance, utilities and your banks, you will also want to change your name on vehicle titles and registrations, forms at your doctor's office and so on.  It is not necessary to change your name on club rosters, health club memberships and other recreational and professional organizations, but you may find it to be beneficial to do so over time.

Final Checklist

Remember to change your name with your local post office, your mortgage company and your voter registration.  You may also want to update your name on any real estate holdings you may have as well as leases, real estate loans, investment accounts and living wills.  Of course, don't forget to tell your employer to change your name for payroll purposes.