How to Change Your Name After Getting Married
If you plan to take your new husband's last name after the wedding, there are several steps you need to take to legally change your name. It is not an automatic process and if you do not file the paperwork, you will not be able to legally use his name.
Start the process before you are married. Many couples fail to realize that there is quite a bit of paperwork and forms that need to be filled out. It is better to have these in place so that right after the wedding, you will be prepared to begin the process.
Get a copy of your certified marriage certificate. This needs to be authentic not just a photo copy because that will not be the actual proof that they need. This will also delay the process in the name change, if you only have a photo copy.
Find where to send your marriage license based on your state, and send your authenticated marriage certificate along with a copy of your driver's license and social security card and with your most current mailing address. In addition, check the column on each state's website to see if there is anything else you need to send. When the Social Security Administration receives your information, they use this to issue you a new social security card, which is free.
Go to the motor vehicle division in your state. You will need to do this after you receive your new social security card. This is so you can have your name changed on your driver's license.