How do I change my last name?

Question

I recently got married and I was wondering how do I go about changing my last name? I live in CA and I'm not sure if the law varies by state.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Well, I'm not really sure but all I did was go get my driver's license changed and my checks, and bills. I told them I got married and needed to change my name. I guess when you get the marriage license that takes care of the legal side of it. That's all I can remember, it's been 16 yrs. ago!

Answer 2

All you have to do is go down to the social security office, take your marriage certificate and your 2 ID's. Fill out a small application with your old info and it asks you for your new last name. You can hyphenate or use your maiden name as a middle name or eliminate the middle name completely. Then they send you your new social security card with in two weeks with your new last name. When ever you want to you can get your Drivers license updated with your new SS card and you can start using your new last name as soon as you get your new SS card, the number doesnt change just the name. Pretty easy simple and only takes about 5 min.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, the state makes you go through a few more hoops before it's official. Step one is to request several certified copies of your marriage license (you'll need to present it as proof for your name change). Next, change your records at Social Security office Next stop: the Department of Motor Vehicles. Unfortunately, this has to be done in person, After these two official changes are made, the rest can usually be done by telephone. Your name should be changed on your financial records, your payroll records, voter registration, utility accounts, automobile registration, passport ... and don't forget to update those magazine subscriptions! LOL

Answer 4

If you marry and one spouse wants to take the other's name (including hyphenating your names), you can go to the DMV or Social Security office and show a certified copy of your marriage certificate, and the agency will make the change without a court order. However, if you both want to change your names to something entirely new (for example, Barry Diamond and Sarah Emerald want to change their names to Barry and Sarah Jewel), you'll have to use the court method to make the change.

Answer 5

Well the way that i did it was that i went to the social security office and i got it change like that they gave me a new card with my husbands last name on it and with you drivers license go to the drivers license place and tell them that you jut got married and tha you want to change the last name on you card. They'll take your picture and then you'll receive your new card on the mail. For the rest of your stuff go to their offices and talk to them and little by little everything will be changed to his last name. I hope this helps. GOOD LUCK... :o)

Answer 6

Congrats! Wait until your marriage license come back. Then go fill out a social security application to change your last name and then go to your Department of Safety and get a new Driver License with your new last name. good luck!

Answer 7

Go to the Social Security Office with your old Social Security Card, and your marriage license. They will give you a new card with your new name on it. Then you can use this to apply for everything else.

Answer 8

Take the marriage certificate down to the social security office, get a new ss card, then you have to take that down to the DMV and change your DL. After that you have to call all the companies you have bill thru to change you last name.

Answer 9

First of all you go to the Social Security office and change your name there...the second thing to do is to got and change your drivers license or ID...because the you will need your social security anywhere you go...just take your marriage certificate and birth certificate .....congrats!!!

Answer 10

First you have to go to your local Social Security office and change your name there, then change it with DMV, with your employer, you have to change it on all of your insurance papers (health/life/car) You have to change your name at the bank as well as on any credit cards you own. You have to change it on your tax forms and any loans you have outstanding. If you have any children you will have to change your name on all of their records as well (school/medical/etc)If you are collecting unemployment insurance you will have to change it there as well...Right now that' s all I can think of.