If you’re a newly married Texan and have been wondering how to legally change your name after marriage—or you’ve been worried about the cost of changing your name after marriage—we have some good news for you: An easy name change after marriage is within your reach, and it’s not expensive.
All you need are some key vital records, completed forms, and legal documents, along with a list of the government entities you’ll need to notify.
If you’re wondering where to get your name changed, you should know that there is no one-stop shop—or government entity—that will handle your post-wedding name change.
You’ll need to work with multiple entities individually.
If you don’t want to work on this on your own, you can find a name change service with Texas expertise, but that isn’t a requirement. The only warning we have for you is, while it’s not complicated, changing your name after marriage in the Lone Star State is not a particularly speedy process.
This article explains how to legally change your name after marriage and a few tips that can simplify each step.
change of name due to marriage: First Things First
Before you can start the process of changing your surname, you’ll need legal proof of your marital status. You can do that with certified copies of your official marriage certificate from the office of the county clerk who originally issued it.
(By the way, Texas residents can get a marriage license from any county in the State, no matter where you hold your wedding. So, if you get married in Houston, you can get your marriage certificate from the Harris County Clerk’s office—but you don’t have to.)
One frequent question we receive is, “Can I get my marriage certificate online?” The answer is yes. In most cases, you can order copies of your marriage certificate (your marriage record) online. We recommend requesting at least several copies.
Keep in mind that a photocopy is not the correct marriage certificate to use for this process. You need a certified copy. Be specific when you make your request.
Pro tip: You can make it easier to complete your name change during wedding planning. If you’re still preparing for your wedding, and you intend to change your name, you might be able to order the certified copies with your original marriage license to save yourself some time.
Know What You Want
Have you decided what kind of name change you’d like?
You’ll either be able to hyphenate your last name with your spouse’s name or make a complete switch and take your spouse’s last name.
What you won’t be able to do is use your marriage certificate to change your first name. The law doesn’t allow for changing your current middle name, creating a double middle name, or making up a new last name.
Court Requirements? Not in Texas
We’ve seen articles about changing last names in Texas that instruct readers to file a name change petition with their district court clerk. These articles mention court costs or filing fee and the need for a brief court hearing.
You should know that while filing a court petition is necessary for a legal name change in Texas, that requirement does not include a changed last name after marriage. You will not need a court order.
Instead, you’ll be approaching individual government agencies with a name-change request, providing one of your certified marriage license copies, and submitting name-change forms.
We recommend starting with the Social Security Administration.
How to update a social security card after marriage
Changing your name with the federal government and getting a new Social Security card calls for completing an SS-5 form. If you want, you can start the application process online at the Social Security Administration website before making an appointment to visit your local Social Security office.
Another option is to call 1-800-772-1213 to request a form by mail.
In addition to a certified copy of your marriage license and your signed, completed SS-5 form, you’ll need to be able to show the following:
Evidence of your age, which ideally would be your birth certificate. Other options could be a U.S. hospital record of your birth, a religious record established before you were 5 years old created at the time of your birth, a passport, or a final adoption degree.
Evidence of your identity, which could be a U.S. state-issued driver’s license or identification card or your U.S. passport.
Evidence of U.S. citizenship, which could include your U.S. birth certificate or passport, a Consular Report of Birth, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Certificate of Naturalization.
The Social Security Administration requires original documents or certified copies in all cases, so while you can submit your application by mail, remember that you’ll need to include your supporting documents as well. If you go that route, Social Security will return your documents with your new card.
If you’d like to bring in your application and documents in person, you can find your nearby office on the Social Security Administration’s website.
You can expect a processing time of three to four weeks.
A Texas Driver’s license NAME CHANGE IN TEXAS
Once your new Social Security card arrives, your next step will be to complete the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS’) Form DL-14A, which you can find online, to change your name on your Texas Driver’s License or ID.
If you complete the information in questions 1 and 2, you also can start the process of updating your voter registration.
In addition to your signed, completed application, you will need a certified copy of your marriage license, your new Social Security card, your passport (in your previous or married name), and your current driver’s license or state ID for a name change on a drivers license in Texas.
If you don’t have a passport, the DPS accepts other documents, including a U.S. birth certificate. You can find the complete list of accepted documents on the DPS website.
You’ll also need two documents that show you’re a Texas resident. They can include your current license or ID if it has your current address. Additional options are a utility bill, a pay stub, a bank or credit card statement, or a postmarked bill.
Take all of your documents to your local DPS office. You can avoid long lines by scheduling an appointment on the DPS Texas Scheduler site.
DPS does charge a fee for updating your license or identification. Processing takes two to three weeks.
The DMV and an After-Marriage Name Change
After receiving a new driver's license reflecting your married name, your next step is to update your car registration and title.
Here's how to work with the Texas DMV on a name change after marriage
Gather necessary documents - You will need to bring your current car registration, new driver's license, marriage certificate, and completed Title and Registration application. The Title application must be completed in your new married name.
Visit your local TX DMV office - Make an appointment at your local TX DMV office to process the car title and registration name change in person. Locate your closest office by searching online or calling.
-Pay applicable title and registration fees - There is a small title fee to reissue the car title in your new name. You'll also pay standard registration renewal fees if also renewing the registration.
-Receive new documents - The DMV will issue new car title and registration documents in your updated married name. Make sure all information is correct before leaving the office.
-Update insurance company - Contact your auto insurance provider with your new name and updated vehicle docs to reflect the changes on your policy.
Passport
If you have a passport, we suggest getting a new passport now so it’s available when you need it. To do that, use the DS-82 Form, available for download online.
Mail your completed, signed form to the U.S. Department of State. Once they receive it, standard processing time ranges from eight to 12 weeks; expedited processing is five to seven weeks. Fees begin at $130 for a passport book, and expedited processing is an additional $60.
If you’re enrolled in the U.S. Global Entry program, which provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States, you’ll also need to visit a Global Entry enrollment center to update your information.
Your Health Insurance Card
After changing your name legally in Texas, one of the many items you'll need to update is your health insurance information.
The first step is to get in touch with the customer service team for your insurer. Let them know that you've recently changed your legal name due to marriage and need your name updated in their system and on your insurance card.
You’ll need to provide legal name change documentation. Your insurer will likely require a copy of your marriage certificate.
Your insurer may have specific forms or applications to process a name change on an account. Be prepared to fill these out with your new legal name.
Once you submit your name change request and documentation, ask your provider how long it will take to receive an updated insurance card and when the name change will take effect in their system. There is often some processing time.
Once you receive your new card, contact your doctors, dentists, specialists, and other healthcare providers to update your insurance information in their files. Provide them with the updated card.
If you have a spouse or dependents also covered under your policy, make sure to request enough new insurance cards so each covered member has an updated card.
Updating Your Name on Employment Authorization
If you have legally changed your name in Texas due to marriage, and you have employment authorization documentation, you'll need to update that as well.
The validity period, expiration date, and requirements to renew the card vary based on your immigration status.
Reach out to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office that issued your employment authorization document to inquire about requirements.
Next, submit an application and documentation. You'll likely need to file Form I-765 with USCIS to request a corrected employment authorization document reflecting your new name. Include supporting documents like your marriage certificate.
Allow processing time. It may take two or three months for the updated card to arrive. Continue working legally with your current card in the interim.
Once your new employment authorization arrives, make sure your name is correct. Contact USCIS immediately if any changes are still needed.
Let your employer know about your name change and updated work authorization document. Provide them with a copy for their records.
Taking these steps ensures you remain legally authorized to work under your new name. Reach out to USCIS or an immigration attorney if you have any questions about the process.
Banks, Credit Cards, and More
After you have your updated Social Security Card, along with your new Driver’s License or Passport, you’ll be able to change your name on your bank accounts, credit cards, and other forms of identification.
Remember, different banks and credit card issuers may have varying procedures for updating your name. Check their websites or contact their customer service departments to understand their specific requirements and processes.
While changing your name, take the opportunity to review and update other account information as necessary, like your mailing address or contact information.
After requesting a name change, watch for correspondence from your bank or credit card issuer confirming the update. Review any documents or statements carefully to ensure that your new name is reflected accurately.
Along the same lines, monitor your bank and credit card accounts regularly to make sure all transactions and account activity are accurate. Notify your financial institutions immediately if you notice any discrepancies or unauthorized activity.
(People also have asked us about social media accounts: You do not need to legally change your name to update them.)
As you can see, when you’re a Texas resident, legally changing your name after marriage is a slow, but straightforward process.
With a bit of preparation and attention to detail , you’ll have no trouble making sure everything is done correctly.
Name Change FAQs
Changing your name after marriage can bring up many questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Do I need to hire a lawyer to change my name?
In most cases, you do not need legal representation to change your last name after marriage. As long as you have the required documents like a certified marriage certificate, you can navigate the name-change process on your own by working directly with each government agency and accounts you need to update.
How should I list my name when I apply for something before the change is complete?
When filling out applications during the transition period, list your previous or maiden name as your current last name. You can note your new name "as married" in parentheses or in the "Other Names Used" section. This ensures records accurately reflect your legal name at that time.
Once the name change process is fully complete, you should list your new name as your legal name on all applications and accounts.
Is there a time limit to change my name after marriage?
There is no time limit for changing your name after marriage in most locations. However, it's recommended you begin the process soon after your wedding to minimize complications of having documents and accounts in your maiden name. Many couples start the process 1-2 months after marriage.
Will my signature need to change?
Most likely, yes. Once your legal name has changed, you'll sign documents like checks and contracts with your new full name. While your signature itself doesn't need to drastically change, signing with your new last name solidifies your name change.
In a Nutshell: Your Checklist for Changing Your Name After Marriage
Changing your name after getting married requires updating your identity on several important documents and accounts. Here is a checklist to help you tackle this name-change process:
-Obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This is proof you'll need for your name change.
-Social Security card. Submit a completed application, marriage certificate, and documents proving your identity. You'll receive an updated card reflecting your new name.
-Driver's license. Visit your local Texas Department of Public Safety office and bring original documents like your marriage certificate. Pay any required fee for your updated license.
-Passport. Fill out the name change application and have a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You'll need to mail your current passport in with these materials.
-Voter registration. Visit your state's election website and fill out the name change form. This ensures you can still vote under your new name.
-Bank accounts and credit cards. Log in to your accounts online and look for name change forms. You'll need to submit documentation that ties your old and new names.
-Bills and utilities. Contact providers like your phone carrier to update your name on accounts. Make sure billing information reflects your new name.
-Insurance, 401K, pensions. Reach out to update your name on health insurance, retirement accounts, and other finance-related items.
-Social media profiles. Edit settings to reflect your new full name across platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. You do not need to provide documents to verify your name change.
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