Does your name change automatically when you get married?

Your surname does not change automatically upon marriage unless you elect to change it. Nothing in the law requires you to change your name when getting married; it is your personal choice. You are not required to have the same surname as your spouse.


How many days after your wedding do you have to change your name?

FAQ. How long do you have to change your name after getting married? You have as long as you want to change your name after getting married. While many states prefer that you notify them that you've changed your name within 30 days after your wedding, you'll still be allowed to change your name even if you wait.

What happens if you get married and don't change your name?

When you marry, you are free to keep your own name or take your husband's name without a court-ordered name change. The same is true whether you're in a same-sex or opposite-sex marriage. In most states, your spouse can adopt your name, instead, if that's what you both prefer.


When a woman gets married how does she change her name?

Generally, however, in most states, a legal name change after marriage can be accomplished by simply filling out some forms and without court involvement. One caveat: some states have different name change procedures for anyone except a woman taking her husband's surname after marriage (which includes hyphenating).

Can I use my husband's last name without legally changing it?

After you are married, or have signed and filed the Use of Common-Law Spouse's Last Name Statutory Declaration form, you do not need to apply for a legal name change.


How To Figure Out If Changing Your Name When You Get Married Is For You



What happens if you don't change your name within 30 days?

Will I get penalized for not changing my name? There's no civil or criminal penalty for not changing your name. But various DMVs may impose a fine for not changing the name on your driver's license within 30 days or thereabouts.

What do you call a married woman who keeps her maiden name?

The prefix Mrs., pronounced missus, is used to describe any married woman. Today, many women decide they want to keep their last name instead of taking their husband's. These women are still referred to as Mrs. A widowed woman is also referred to as Mrs., out of respect for her deceased husband.

Is a marriage certificate proof of name change?

A marriage certificate simply records the names of the couple that are getting married. It does not show what surname you will be using following your marriage. While some women choose to adopt their husband's surname, there is no legal requirement to do so.


How do I change my name on my Social Security card after I get married?

To change your name on your card, you must show us documents proving your legal name change and identity. You also must show us a document proving your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them.

Do you have to tell Social Security your married?

You must also tell us about changes for your spouse if you are married and living together, and parents if applying for a child. Common changes you must report to us include: Change in income. Change in resources (including bank accounts, vehicles, or property).

Do you have to tell Social Security that you're married?

For many people, a wedding often means a name change is in order. If you are legally changing your name, you need to apply for a replacement Social Security card reflecting your new name.


What happens if you don't tell Social Security you are married?

Marriage has no impact on your Social Security retirement benefit, which is based on your work record and earnings history.

What do I need to change when I get married?

Marriage Name Change Checklist
  1. Obtain a Copy of Your Marriage Certificate.
  2. Order a New Social Security Card.
  3. Get a New Driver's License.
  4. Update Your Bank Accounts and Credit Cards.
  5. Take Care of Loose Odds and Ends.
  6. Will My Credit Score Change After Changing My Name?
  7. Review Your Credit Report After a Name Change.


How do I change my married name?

How to Change Your Name in 14 Steps
  1. File for Your Marriage Certificate. ...
  2. Obtain Certified Copies. ...
  3. Update Your Social Security Card. ...
  4. Get a New Driver's License or I.D. ...
  5. Update Your Passport. ...
  6. Update Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. ...
  7. Change Your Name on Your Bank Account. ...
  8. Change Your Name on Your Credit Cards.


Who do I need to inform of my marriage?

You and your partner must give notice of marriage in your local Register Office, whether or not you wish to marry in that district. If you and your partner live in different places, you'll both have to go to your own local Register Office to give notice.

Are you still a bride after you get married?

A bride is a woman who is about to be married or who is newlywed.

What do you call a woman before she's married?

Historically, "Miss" has been the formal title for an unmarried woman. "Mrs.," on the other hand, refers to a married woman. "Ms." is a little trickier: It's used by and for both unmarried and married women.


Do you automatically become a Mrs when you get married?

No, whilst it is standard practice to change your title to 'Mrs' when taking your husband's surname you are under no obligation to do so.

Are you still a Mrs if you don't change your name?

“Mrs.” is the traditional and official title for a married woman. This is the case whether a woman chooses to change her name after marriage or not. Remember, lots of women prefer to keep their title as “Mrs.” even after their spouse passes away or after divorce, but this often depends on age.

What are the consequences of changing your name?

Consequences to Changing Your Name

There can be professional consequences that can be problematic. For instance, all of your bank accounts and credit cards will need to be updated, as well as your driver's license and passport, which means you'll have a lot of paperwork to fill out.


Can I take my wife's last name?

Changing Your Name Regardless

Even though it may be more expensive, anyone can choose to take his or her wife's last name by petitioning for a legal name change. Each state and local court may have a different form for the petition, and yes, there will be filing fees.

Do you have to change your taxes when you get married?

After getting married, couples should consider changing their withholding. Newly married couples must give their employers a new Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance within 10 days. If both spouses work, they may move into a higher tax bracket or be affected by the Additional Medicare Tax.

How do taxes change if you get married?

Marriage can change your tax brackets

Tax brackets are different for each filing status, so your income may no longer be taxed at the same rate as when you were single. When you are married and file a joint return, your income is combined — which, in turn, may bump one or both of you into a higher tax bracket.


Does my tax change when I get married?

The tax benefits of marriage include saving income tax, minimising capital gains tax and avoiding inheritance tax.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Who is eligible for Social Security bonus? For every year that you delay claiming past full retirement age, your monthly benefits will get an 8% “bonus.” That amounts to a whopping 24% if you wait to file until age 70.