How to Legally Change Your Name After Your Wedding
In Nevada, you cannot designate a new married name on your marriage license, but following these steps will help you legally change your name after your wedding. Whether you’re planning a scenic Las Vegas wedding or a traditional ceremony elsewhere in Nevada, it’s important to know the correct process to ensure your new name is legally recognized. Let’s walk through the essential steps.
Step 1: Get Married
The first step to changing your name is, of course, getting married. In the state of Nevada, your wedding must be conducted by a licensed Marriage Officiant. Only officiants licensed in Nevada have the legal authority to perform the ceremony and sign the necessary documents that will allow you to begin the name change process.
One of the reasons Las Vegas is such a popular wedding destination is its simple and fast marriage process. Couples from all over the world choose to marry here because Nevada doesn’t require waiting periods, blood tests, or residency for marriage. You can apply for a marriage license and have your ceremony performed on the same day. Once your ceremony is conducted, your officiant will need to file your Marriage Certificate.
Step 2: Obtain Certified Proof of Marriage
After the ceremony, your officiant will file your Marriage Certificate with the county clerk’s office within 10 calendar days. This step is crucial because, without the official registration of your marriage, you won’t be able to legally change your name.
Once the Marriage Certificate is filed, you will need to obtain a certified copy of it. The certified copy serves as your official proof of marriage, and it’s the document you’ll need to present to government agencies and other institutions as you go through the name change process.
Why Certified Copies Are Important
Certified copies of your Marriage Certificate are required because most agencies won’t accept photocopies. This document confirms that your marriage is legally recorded. It’s recommended to request several certified copies so you can handle multiple processes (e.g., updating your driver’s license, passport, Social Security, etc.) simultaneously.
You can obtain your certified Marriage Certificate from the county clerk’s office where your marriage was registered. Most counties in Nevada offer online options to request these copies, which makes the process quick and convenient. Once you have the certified copy, you’re ready to begin changing your name with various entities.
Step 3: Change Your Name Legally
Now that you have your certified Marriage Certificate, the next step is to change your name with various government agencies and other organizations. You will need to gather any relevant documents that show your history of name changes (if applicable), such as past marriage or divorce certificates, and follow these steps to officially change your name:
Social Security Administration (SSA)
The first agency to notify of your name change is the Social Security Administration (SSA). Your Social Security Number (SSN) is used in a wide range of official records, including tax filings, employment, and government benefits. Changing your name with the SSA ensures that your new name will be correctly recorded in these critical systems.
To change your name with the SSA, you’ll need to provide the following:
- A certified copy of your Marriage Certificate
- Your current Social Security Card
- U.S. Driver’s License/ID or U.S. Passport (for U.S. citizens)
- Proof of immigration status and work eligibility (for non-U.S. citizens)
You can complete the process by mailing the necessary documents to your local SSA office or visiting an SSA office in person. After your name change is processed, the SSA will issue a new Social Security Card with your new name, but your SSN will remain the same.
For more details, visit the SSA website or call the SSA at (800) 772-1213.
Driver’s License
Once you’ve updated your name with the SSA, you can move on to your driver’s license. In Nevada, it’s recommended to wait two business days after the SSA updates your records, so the DMV can electronically verify your new name.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your current driver’s license or ID
- A certified copy of your Marriage Certificate
- Your new Social Security Card with your new name
If you’re applying for a Real ID for the first time, you’ll need to provide additional documents, such as a U.S. birth certificate or passport, and two forms of proof of your residential address (e.g., utility bills or lease agreements). These additional documents are necessary to meet the Real ID requirements, which allow you to use your license for federal identification purposes, such as domestic air travel.
Nevada’s DMV makes this process relatively straightforward, but keep in mind that other states may have slightly different requirements. Make sure to check the specific guidelines for your state if you’re changing your name outside Nevada.
For Nevada-specific information, visit the DMV website or call the DMV at (702) 486-4368.
U.S. Passport
If you have a U.S. passport or plan to apply for one, you’ll also need to update it with your new name. You must complete this step after updating your Social Security Card and driver’s license to ensure consistency across your legal documents.
To change your name on your U.S. passport, you will need:
- A certified copy of your Marriage Certificate
- Your current passport
- Proof of your name change on other government documents (e.g., your new Social Security Card or driver’s license)
In most cases, your name change will require you to submit Form DS-82 (Renewal Application) if your passport is still valid, but it’s less than a year old. If your passport is more than a year old or has expired, you’ll need to complete Form DS-5504.
The processing time for name changes on passports typically takes 4-6 weeks, but expedited services are available if you need your passport sooner for international travel.
For more information, visit the U.S. Passport website or call the U.S. Passport office at (877) 487-2778.
Updating Financial Institutions and Other Services
Once you’ve completed the name change process with the SSA, DMV, and U.S. Passport office, there are several other institutions that you’ll need to notify. Here’s a checklist of other places where you should update your name:
- Banks and Credit Card Companies – Most financial institutions will require a certified copy of your Marriage Certificate and your updated government-issued ID to change your name on your accounts.
- Employer/Payroll – Be sure to notify your employer to update your payroll records and tax filings.
- Insurance Companies – Update your name on health, car, home, and life insurance policies to ensure continued coverage.
- Voter Registration – It’s important to update your name on your voter registration records to ensure you can vote under your new name.
- Utilities and Service Providers – Don’t forget to update your name on your utility accounts, phone bills, and any other recurring services.
Common Questions About Changing Your Name After Marriage
Do I have to change my name after marriage?
No, changing your name after marriage is a personal choice. Some people choose to take their spouse’s name, while others opt to hyphenate, combine names, or keep their maiden name. It’s entirely up to you.
How long do I have to change my name after marriage?
There’s no specific deadline for changing your name after marriage, but it’s recommended to do it as soon as possible to avoid complications, especially if you plan to travel or file taxes in the near future.
Can I change my name to anything I want after marriage?
While most people choose to take their spouse’s last name, you can change your name to anything you want, provided it’s not for fraudulent purposes or deemed offensive.
