Name-change checklist
Every place to update your name after the wedding — in the right order, starting with Social Security. Tick each one off and print the list. Free, nothing saved.
My Name-Change Checklist
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First — get your proof
0/1Almost every update asks for a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Step 1 — Social Security (do this first)
0/1Your license, passport and banks all check against the Social Security record, so it has to change first.
Step 2 — Government IDs
0/6Once Social Security shows your new name, update the rest of your official IDs.
Step 3 — Money & accounts
0/5Update anything that pays, bills or invests in your name.
Step 4 — Work, health & insurance
0/5Tell the people who pay you and cover you.
Step 5 — Everyday & online
0/8The long tail. No rush — work through it over a couple of months.
Name-change questions, answered
What should I change my name on first after marriage?
Your Social Security card, before anything else. The DMV, the passport office and your bank all verify against the Social Security record, so if you change your license first you’ll often just have to redo it. Order certified copies of your marriage certificate, update Social Security, wait for the new card, then work through the rest.
How long do I have to change my name after marriage?
There’s no strict federal deadline — you can take your time, and many people do. It’s sensible to start within a few months while the marriage certificate is fresh and your details are consistent. Some states do ask you to update your driver’s license within a set window, so check yours.
How much does a name change after marriage cost?
The Social Security update is free. You’ll pay for certified copies of your marriage certificate (a few dollars each), driver’s-license and vehicle-title fees that vary by state, and a passport fee unless yours was issued within the last year. Doing it yourself is inexpensive; paid name-change services bundle the paperwork for a fee but aren’t necessary for most people.
Do I need my marriage certificate to change my name?
Yes — a certified copy (not the decorative keepsake) is the proof almost every agency asks for. Order several when you request them, because Social Security, the DMV, the passport office and your bank may each want to see or keep one.
Is the name-change checklist free?
Completely free, no sign-up, and your ticked-off progress is saved in your browser — nothing goes to our servers. Print it or save it as a PDF to work through over the weeks after the wedding.