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Changing Your Name after Your Marriage

It is a common misconception that your name automatically changes when married, however that is not the case. Changing your name is a process that you have to do yourself. To start the process of changing your name, you will need to purchase a certified copy of your marriage license. Please keep in mind, your name will always appear as your legal name prior to the marriage (for example your maiden name) on the certified copy. You may choose to do a hyphenated last name, but if you do, please remain consistent with all of your legal documents, bank accounts and forms of ID.

Once you have obtained a certified copy of your marriage, these are the two most important things to change and it’s recommended that you change them prior to continuing on with the list:

  1. Your Driver’s License/Non‐Driver ID – this is the first item you should change. If you have a New Hampshire Driver’s License or Non‐Driver ID, currently the state will change your name at no charge. For residents of other states, you will need to contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles for the state in which you reside.
  2. Social Security – this is the second item you should change. The applications may be found online here. The process for changing your Social Security card can be done through the mail or you may visit one of their locations. The two locations in New Hampshire are: 70 Commercial Street Ste 100, Concord NH and 177 Main Street, Littleton NH. For more information, you may contact SSA at (800)772‐1213. (We suggest you do SS changes second, because they will ask for your updated ID as part of the process.)

This is a reminder list of other items that, if applicable to you, should be changed. Please keep in mind that this is not a complete list, just a general list. You may have other items under your previous name that you’ll want to take care of as well.

  1. Passport
  2. Information with your Employer: benefits, payroll, retirement, etc. Please check with your employer for a complete list of what needs to be updated.
  3. Car Registration: If you are a NH Resident, you may have your name changed on your car registration for free after you have changed your driver’s license. You will have to present your updated driver’s license and your current registration. This may be done at any DMV substation. Residents of other states should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles.
  4. Bank accounts and loans: checking, savings, mortgage, auto loans, personal loans, lines of credit, certificates of deposit, IRA’s, etc that you may have with your bank or other financial institution.
  5. Credit Cards
  6. Utility Bills/Other Bills and Accounts
  7. Voter Registration: For New Hampshire residents, please visit your Town or City Clerk’s office, attend a supervisor’s session or visit your polling location on Election Day. Residents of other states should check with the Secretary of State’s office for their state for voter registration locations.