Changing Your Name After Wedding

You finally did it! After all that time spent planning the perfect wedding you finally tied the knot and you’re ready to take on a new last name. At first it might seem a little daunting to figure out how to change your name after the wedding, so I’ve done the research for you and compiled this step-by-step guide for you. If you’re in Orange County, CA, this will be even easier since I’ve linked to some of the appropriate resources you’ll need to complete the process!

Get A Certified Copy Of Your Marriage License

Prior to your wedding day you’ll apply for a marriage license through the county (https://www.stateofflorida.com/getting-married-in-florida.aspx). Your officiant and witnesses will sign it on the big day and your officiant will send it in within one week of the wedding ceremony. About two to three weeks after it’s sent in you should receive your certified copy in the mail. Then you can start your name change process!

Get Your New Social Security Card

You need to fill out an SS-5 form (https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf) with the Social Security Administration. A discrepancy in your social security could affect your taxes and retirement benefits so make sure to do this first and carefully double check all details. You must be able to prove your identity so you’ll need to bring a certified copy of your birth/adoption certificate, a certified copy of your marriage license and a valid US driver’s license, ID card or passport. You also need to prove that you are a US citizen either by way of birth certificate or immigration paperwork. A detailed description of which documents are and are not acceptable are on the SS-5 form linked above. You can either mail your application along with your documents or you can visit your local social security office in person (https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp) If you mail in your documents they will mail them back to you once the process is complete.

Visit the DMV

You’ll need to visit the DMV to update your driver’s license, vehicle registration and voter registration. You can start by filling out an application for a new DL/ID Card. If you plan to use your DL/ID to travel you’ll want to apply for a Real ID. You will have to actually visit the DMV in person to prove your identity, take a new photo and scan your fingerprint, so make an appointment! (Trust me, the appointment is worth it!)

Don’t forget to take your supporting documentation, a certified copy of your marriage license, Social Security Card, and a certified copy of your birth certificate. You’ll need to pay as well so take cash, a check or a debit card. Depending on the location they do NOT accept credit cards and you’ll have to start the whole process over if you don’t have another payment method on hand!

The Bank

Let your bank and other financial institutions know about your new legal name change. Expect this to be an in-person visit and be sure to bring along your updated driver’s license and a copy of your marriage certificate.

Update Your Insurance

Insurance can be tricky enough as it is, so you’ll want to make sure all of your information with them is up to date. Be sure to contact your insurance company to find out their steps on how to update your policy.

Employer

Talk with your employer’s HR department to make sure they update your payroll information for tax purposes. This is also a good time to review your tax withholdings and make any necessary adjustments.

Other Things You’ll Want to Update

• Passport
• Your Attorney for Legal Documents (like a will)
• Landlord/mortgage & utilities
• Creditors – This can affect your credit history and credit report so it’s important to keep it updated!
• Post office
• Professional licensing boards (if applicable)

I hope you found this step-by-step guide to changing your name after your wedding helpful! Did you think of anything else that should be added to this list? Leave a comment below and tell me about it!

Important Name Change Tips – Updated July 2, 2026

Changing your last name is more than just updating your driver’s license and Social Security record. Your legal name appears in dozens of places you may not immediately think about, and taking a little extra time to create a checklist can save you from headaches down the road.

Create a Master Checklist

Before you start making changes, write down every account and organization that has your current legal name. This can include:

• Credit cards
• Bank accounts
• Investment accounts
• Retirement plans
• Student loans
• Mortgage lender
• Auto loan
• Cell phone provider
• Internet provider
• Streaming subscriptions
• Online shopping accounts
• Medical providers
• Pharmacy records
• Dentist and eye doctor
• Gym memberships
• Airline loyalty programs
• Hotel rewards programs
• Car rental rewards programs

Checking each item off as you complete it will help ensure nothing gets overlooked.

Keep Multiple Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate

Many organizations require an original certified marriage certificate instead of a photocopy. While most will return it, some may keep it for processing several weeks before mailing it back.

Ordering two or three certified copies from your county can make the process much easier because you can update multiple accounts simultaneously instead of waiting for documents to be returned.

Update Your Passport Carefully

If you’re planning a honeymoon immediately after your wedding, don’t rush to update your passport beforehand.

Airline tickets must exactly match the name on your passport. If your ticket is booked under your maiden name but your passport has already been updated, or vice versa, it could create unnecessary travel complications.

If you’re leaving shortly after your wedding, many couples simply wait until they return from their honeymoon before beginning the passport name change process.

Don’t Forget Digital Financial Services

Many people remember their traditional bank but forget about online financial accounts.

Take time to update services such as:

• Digital payment apps
• Investment platforms
• Cryptocurrency exchanges
• Buy Now, Pay Later accounts
• Online banking profiles
• Payroll direct deposit information

Keeping these accounts current helps prevent identity verification issues later.

Update Emergency Contacts

This is also a great opportunity to review emergency contact information with:

• Your employer
• Children’s schools
• Doctors’ offices
• Hospitals
• Daycare providers
• Veterinarian
• Fitness centers

Many people forget that emergency contacts often include your legal name, which should match your updated identification.

Review Beneficiaries While You’re Updating Everything

Marriage is one of the most important life events for reviewing your financial planning.

Take time to verify the beneficiaries listed on:

• Life insurance policies
• Employer-provided benefits
• 401(k) and retirement accounts
• IRAs
• Pension plans
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
• Investment accounts

Updating beneficiaries ensures your wishes are properly reflected and can prevent complications in the future.

Update Your Estate Planning Documents

If you have a will, trust, healthcare surrogate designation, or power of attorney, consider scheduling a meeting with your attorney after your wedding.

Marriage often changes not only your legal name but also your long-term financial and healthcare planning. Updating these documents ensures everything stays consistent with your new legal identity and family situation.

Notify Professional Organizations

Depending on your career, you may also need to notify:

• State licensing boards
• Professional associations
• Industry certifications
• Union memberships
• Professional networking organizations

This is especially important for healthcare professionals, teachers, attorneys, accountants, engineers, and real estate professionals whose licenses are tied to their legal name.

Be Patient With the Process

Changing your name isn’t something that happens in a single afternoon. Some updates are processed immediately, while others can take several weeks.

A good rule of thumb is to complete the process in this order:

• Social Security Administration
• Florida driver’s license or state ID
• Passport (if appropriate)
• Employer and payroll
• Banks and financial institutions
• Insurance providers
• Credit cards and loans
• Professional licenses
• Memberships and rewards programs
• Online accounts and subscriptions

Following this sequence helps ensure that each organization can verify your updated identity using documents you’ve already changed.

Consider Whether a Name Change Is Right for You

Finally, remember that changing your last name is a personal decision—not a legal requirement after marriage.

Many couples today choose to:

• Keep their existing last names
• Hyphenate both names
• Create a double surname without a hyphen
• Have one spouse change their name while the other keeps theirs
• In some cases, the husband takes the wife’s last name

Whatever option you choose, the most important thing is selecting what feels right for your relationship and your future together. There is no “correct” choice—only the one that best fits your family, your career, and your personal identity.

By taking a methodical approach and keeping track of each update, you’ll make the transition much smoother and avoid common administrative headaches. Before long, your new name will be reflected everywhere it needs to be, allowing you to focus on what really matters: enjoying your new life together.

Complete Weddings + Events in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida Areas

If you’re planning a wedding in Fort Lauderdale, FL, then you’ve landed at the right place! Now that you’ve said YES! to spending your life together, you have some exciting decisions ahead. At Complete Weddings + Events, planning weddings and events are what we do best.  Complete Weddings + Events, Fort Lauderdale’s leading provider of event and wedding photography, videography, lighting, and DJ services.