The Significance Of Changing Your Last Name After Marriage
Getting married is a joyful milestone, and for many couples, changing a last name is part of the celebration. However, the name change process involves legal steps that can feel overwhelming. At Michaelis Events, Louisville’s top wedding planning service, we help couples navigate every detail of their wedding—including what comes after. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your name change official.
How Do You Change Your Name After Marriage?
Step 1: Obtain Your Certified Marriage Certificate
Before you can legally change your name, you’ll need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. After your officiant files your marriage license, you can request a certified copy from the county clerk’s office where your marriage was recorded. If you were married in Louisville, visit the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office.
Step 2: Update Your Social Security Card
Your next step is to update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). To do this, you’ll need:
- A completed Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
- Your certified marriage certificate
- Proof of identity (such as a driver’s license or passport)
You can submit your application by mail or in person at your local Social Security office. Once processed, your new Social Security card will arrive with your updated name, though your number will remain the same.
Step 3: Change Your Name on Your Driver’s License
After updating your Social Security records, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (or your state’s DMV if outside Kentucky) to update your driver’s license. Bring your new Social Security card, certified marriage certificate, and current ID. Some locations may require proof of residence, so check ahead of time.
Step 4: Update Your Passport and Other Identification
If you plan to travel, update your passport as soon as possible. The U.S. Department of State requires a name change application, a certified marriage certificate, and a passport photo. Processing times vary, so plan ahead.
Step 5: Notify Your Employer and Financial Institutions
To avoid paycheck or tax complications, inform your employer of your new name. You should also update your name with banks, credit card companies, and loan providers. Many institutions require an in-person visit with legal documentation.
Step 6: Update Your Insurance and Legal Documents
From health and auto insurance to property deeds and wills, updating your name on legal documents ensures consistency. Contact your insurance providers, mortgage companies, and any relevant organizations to make the necessary changes.
Step 7: Change Your Name on Utilities, Subscriptions, and Memberships
Lastly, update your name on personal accounts, including:
- Utility bills
- Subscription services
- Social media profiles
- Gym memberships
What varies (or is worth checking) by state and How To Change Your Name in Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, Ohio, or Indiana
| State | Notable Variation / What to Check |
|---|---|
| Kentucky | While you can do a full name change via a court petition (filing a “Petition for Name Change” in the county where you live), if you only want to change your last name because of marriage, the typical path is to provide your marriage certificate – no separate court-petition is required. Kentucky Justice+1 Also, Kentucky law says if you get a name change you need to update your driver’s license within 10 days. Kentucky Justice |
| Tennessee | To change your name on a Tennessee driver’s license (after marriage), you must visit a Driver Services Center and bring your current license along with the original or certified copy of the document showing the name-change reason (e.g. a marriage certificate). Tennessee State Government So far as public resources show, that suggests no separate court petition is needed for a standard married-last-name change – just the certificate. |
| Texas | The state allows updating a driver license or ID using proof of the name change (like a certified marriage certificate). Texas State Law Library Guides+1 That said, if you wanted to adopt a completely new last name (not just your spouse’s), the general name-change procedures (court petition, etc.) would apply. (This mirrors the default U.S. approach.) US Legal Forms+1 |
| Ohio | For a standard name change after marriage or divorce, you do not need a court order. A signed marriage certificate (or divorce decree) is sufficient. Ohio Legal Help+1 However, if you want a name change for another reason (or change to a name not associated with marriage) you’ll need to file forms with your county’s Probate Court, pay a filing fee, possibly undergo a background check, attend a hearing, and later update documents based on the court’s judgment. Ohio Legal Help+1 |
| Indiana | The publicly available guidance indicates that after marriage, you use the marriage certificate to update federal and state documentation via the SSA and other agencies. Indy+1 If you want a name change for reasons outside of marriage (or a completely different last name), the standard name-change procedures (petition, court order, fees) apply. Indy+1 |
Let Michaelis Events Help You Navigate Post-Wedding Details
At Michaelis Events, our Louisville wedding planning experts help couples with every aspect of wedding preparation and post-wedding logistics. Whether you need help with legal details or finalizing the last touches of your dream wedding, we’re here to make the process seamless.
Contact Michaelis Events today to ensure a stress-free wedding and transition into married life!
