Can You Change Your First Name After Marriage?

Marriage, that magical moment when two become one… but amidst the celebrations, one curious question lingers: can you change your first name along with your last name?

Let's find out if saying "I do" to a new first name is possible or fanciful, and go over your legal options if you're determined to make the change by hook or by crook.

Can you actually change your first name?

According to Social Security Administration (SSA) policy, you can change your first name through marriage in five states: Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, and Oklahoma.

But that paints an incomplete picture. The same policy singles out 15 states where changing your first name is prohibited, while staying silent on the remaining 30 states and DC.

We're left with a murky landscape:

• Five cleared
• Fifteen rejections
• Thirty-one question marks

We'll clarify each state's position in a moment, but first, let's explain the policy, and how it will affect your social security card, driver's license, or REAL ID name change.

SSA's policy on changing your first name

It's SSA policy to accept a change to your first name on your social security card using a certified copy of your marriage certificate if two conditions are met:

1. Your new first name appears on your marriage certificate.
2. Your state's statutes allow such a change.

The SSA posed this first name change question internally, and their Office of the General Counsel (OGC) approved the precedent after being consulted for legal advice.

Here's the source policy text:

EXCEPTION: An entirely new first and last name as shown on the name change document which is permitted under statutory law per Regional Chief Counsel Precedent is acceptable evidence of a change to the first and last name.

"SSA – POMS: RM 10212.055 – Evidence Required to Process a Name Change on the SSN Based on Marriage, Civil Union and Domestic Partnership," Social Security, October 27, 2010, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/0110212055.

Let's break down this rule… Your name change document is your original or certified marriage certificate, which you'll get after your marriage is recorded.

Any legal partnership document will work:

• Marriage certificate
• Certificate of civil union
• Certificate of domestic partnership

Your new first and last name must be shown on your marriage certificate, which means you must declare them in writing when applying for a marriage license. This serves as acceptable evidence of your name change.

The SSA follows statutory law, not common law:

• Statutory laws are written by state legislatures.
• Common law is based on court decisions and traditions.

A common law name change is like saying:

Hey, I've decided my new first name is Simone. I don't have a marriage certificate or a court order to make it official. I'm just gonna start using Simone consistently in all parts of my life.

Example of declaring a common law name change.

This approach is called the common law usage method, which won't work for changing your first name the way it might work for changing your last name in certain contexts.

Why does the SSA's position matter?

While the SSA defers to state law, DMVs defer to both the SSA and state law. This circular alliance works, even though the SSA is a federal agency and DMVs are state agencies.

So you can't change the name on your driver's license until you've updated your social security card, and the name on your driver's license must match SSA records.

That's why DMVs often recommend waiting 24 to 48 hours between your social security and driver's license name change, to avoid preempting the SSA.

This universal recommendation applies to men and women, whether you're changing your first name, middle name, last name, or even hyphenating.

Does your state allow first name changes?

Let's break down this answer in four ways:

1. By map
2. By table
3. By state-specific details

Our methodology: We compiled this resource by analyzing SSA POMS data, reviewing state statutes and marriage license documents, and consulting with SSA field offices, marriage license offices, and driver's license departments.

1. By map

First, let’s look at a color-coded map of the United States that shows which states allow first name changes through marriage and which do not:

2. By table

The following table summarizes each state's position on first name changes through marriage.

3. By state-specific details

Now, let’s get into the specifics for each state. Below, you’ll find details on how each state handles first name changes through marriage, including relevant laws and SSA rulings.

Alabama

Per Alabama SSA POMS, the state doesn't allow first name changes for marriage as there's no specific law for it. So, you can't use Alabama marriage certificates for such changes.

Because Alabama does not have a statute expressly allowing a person to change his or her first or full name in the event of marriage, an Alabama marriage document would not be acceptable evidence to allow SSA to change a number holder's first name.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.001 – Alabama," secure.ssa.gov, June 21, 2013, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712001.

Alaska

Alaska's marriage statutes and marriage license application only reference "names" and "current name," implying that first name changes aren't allowed.

Before issuance of the license, each contracting party shall make a statement under oath that the contemplated marriage meets the requirements of law, giving the names […] and age of each party…

"Alaska Stat. § 25.05.091," The Alaska State Legislature, accessed May 27, 2024, https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#25.05.091.

Arizona

Arizona's marriage application statute and marriage abstract statute only solicits your legal name prior to marriage, making a first name change via marriage impossible.

Persons who wish to marry shall apply to the clerk of the superior court for a license and shall complete and sign under oath an affidavit provided by the clerk that states each applicant's name, age and residential address.

"Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 25-121," Arizona State Legislature, accessed May 27, 2024, https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/25/00121.htm.

An abstract of marriage shall include the legal name of the bride prior to the marriage, the name of the groom…

"Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 25-130," Arizona State Legislature, accessed May 27, 2024, https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/25/00130.htm.

Arkansas

Arkansas' intention to wed statute doesn't support first name changes, as it limits the marriage license application to collecting only your current name.

The notice [of intention to wed] shall state the name, age, and address of both parties desiring to wed.

"Ark. Code § 9-11-205," Casetext, July 15, 2015, https://casetext.com/statute/arkansas-code-of-1987/title-9-family-law/subtitle-2-domestic-relations/chapter-11-marriage/subchapter-2-license-and-ceremony/section-9-11-205-notice-of-intention-to-wed-noncompliance-penalties-and-effect.

California

California doesn't allow you to change your first name through marriage, which is confirmed by the California Name Equality Act of 2007 and CDPH's instructional pamphlet.

Parties to the marriage may not change their first name on the marriage license. Persons desiring to change their first name must do so by obtaining a court ordered name change through the superior court…

"The Name Equality Act of 2007 (AB 102, Chapter 567, Statutes of 2007, Amended by AB 2882, Chapter 474, Statutes of 2016)," California Department of Public Health, January 22, 2018, https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/CDPH Document Library/ADA_The Name Equality Act of 2007 (01-18).pdf.

Colorado

Colorado doesn't provide a way to change your first name through marriage, as CO's marriage license statute and application will only ask for your current name.

…the form for an application for a marriage license, which must include the following information: name, sex, address, last four digits of the social security number, and date and place of birth of each party to the proposed marriage…

"Colo. Rev. Stat. § 14-2-105," Casetext, August 2, 2019, https://casetext.com/statute/colorado-revised-statutes/title-14-domestic-matters/marriage-and-rights-of-married-persons/article-2-marriage-and-rights-of-married-persons/part-1-uniform-marriage-act/section-14-2-105-marriage-license-and-marriage-certificate.

Connecticut

Connecticut doesn't support changing first names through marriage, as their application for license statute and the application worksheet will only ask for your current name.

The license shall be completed in its entirety, dated, signed and sworn to by each applicant and shall state each applicant's name, age, birthplace, residence, whether single, widowed or divorced and whether under the supervision or control of a conservator or guardian.

"Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-25," Connecticut General Assembly, accessed May 28, 2024, https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_815e.htm#sec_46b-25.

Delaware

Delaware's marriage license statute doesn't support changing your first name through marriage; instead, you must petition the court of common pleas.

The marriage license […] shall show: the earliest and latest time the marriage may be performed pursuant to the license, the place of issuance of the license, the names of the parties, the signature of the issuing authority and such other wording as the Department of Health and Social Services may prescribe.

"Del. Code Tit. 6, § 115," Delaware Code Online, accessed May 28, 2024, https://delcode.delaware.gov/title13/c001/sc01/index.html#115.

District of Columbia

You can't change your first name through marriage in the District of Columbia because the district's marriage statutes and marriage license application don't support it.

Although DC SSA POMS hasn't provided guidance on this topic, the lack of statutory support suggests that first name changes are only possible by petitioning the Superior Court.

Florida

Florida SSA POMS has reviewed the state's statutes and found no provisions that support changing your first name through marriage. In fact, Florida's marriage statutes don't mention name changes in any context whatsoever.

Because Florida does not have a statute expressly allowing a person to change his or her first or full name in the event of marriage, a Florida marriage document would not be acceptable evidence to allow SSA to change a number holder's first name.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.011 – Florida," secure.ssa.gov, February 4, 2016, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712011.

Georgia

Georgia SSA POMS review of Georgia marriage license statutes indicates that either party to a marriage may change their surname, but not their first name.

The form for application for marriage licenses shall be designed and printed in such a manner that applicants therefor shall designate the surnames which will be used as their legal surnames after the marriage is consummated.

"Ga. Code § 19-3-33.1," Casetext, accessed July 11, 2024, https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-georgia/title-19-domestic-relations/chapter-3-marriage-generally/article-2-license-and-ceremony/section-19-3-331-use-of-surname-in-application-for-marriage-license.

…an individual applying for a marriage license in Georgia may change his or her surname, but Georgia statutes do not appear to allow an individual to change his or her first name when applying for a marriage license.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.012 – Georgia," secure.ssa.gov, June 21, 2013, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712012.

Hawaii

Hawaii's marriage statutes cover changes to middle and last names upon marriage, but ignores first names. Therefore, first name changes aren't allowed by omission.

Upon marriage or civil union, each of the parties to a marriage or partners in a civil union shall declare the middle and last names each will use as a married person or civil union partner.

"Haw. Rev. Stat. § 574-1," Hawaii State Legislature, 2019, https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0574/HRS_0574-0001.htm.

Idaho

In Idaho, you can't change your first name through marriage because the state's marriage license statutes don't mention first name changes or name changes in general.

Idaho's marriage license and marriage certificate—which is the same document—will only ask for and record your current legal name and maiden name, not a new name.

Illinois

Illinois prohibits changing your first name through marriage because it's not sanctioned by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.

Further, Illinois' marriage documents don't provide a way to declare a new first name, leading the SSA POMS Illinois guidelines to refuse to recognize such a change.

DO NOT accept a marriage document issued in Illinois […] as a valid name change event for a person to change their name to an entirely new first name or to a last name that cannot be derived from the marriage document.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.016 – Illinois," secure.ssa.gov, June 13, 2014, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712016.

Indiana

In Indiana, you can't change your first name through marriage, as the state's marriage license application statute only allows the collection of your current name, not a new name.

For this reason, Indiana SSA POMS won't support first name changes using an Indiana marriage certificate.

Although Indiana common law may recognize the validity of changing a first name or a last name to a new name that cannot be derived from the marriage document […] the agency would not recognize the name change because Indiana does not have a statute which expressly allows for such a change in the event of marriage.

[…]

Additionally, Indiana’s marriage documents do not include an entry specifying what new name will be used.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.017 – Indiana," secure.ssa.gov, May 22, 2014, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712017.

Iowa

Iowa marriage statutes allow you to change your first, middle, and last names through marriage, as long as you specify your new name on the marriage license application.

Although Iowa SSA POMS didn't review the state's statutes on first name changes, several Iowa county recorder offices we contacted confirmed that the practice is allowed.

A party may indicate on the application for a marriage license the adoption of a name change. The names used on the marriage license shall become the legal names of the parties to the marriage. The marriage license shall contain a statement that when a name change is requested and affixed to the marriage license, the new name is the legal name of the requesting party.

"Iowa Code § 595.5," Iowa Legislature, accessed July 19, 2024, https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2024/595.5.pdf.

Kansas

Kansas' marriage license statutes allow you to change your first name through marriage. The SSA's Kansas-specific POMS syllabus concurs with this reading.

To comply with SSA guidelines, your new first name must be specified on the marriage license application, ensuring it appears on the marriage certificate.

At the time of marriage, a person may designate a new legal name, by which such person shall subsequently be known. Such name may include a combination of the person's prior existing name and the prior existing name of such person's spouse, or derivative versions thereof.

"Kan. Stat. Ann. § 23-2506," Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes, 2007, https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch23/023_025_0006.html.

Kansas law permits a man or woman to change his or her name upon marrying to a combination of the person's prior existing name, the spouse's prior existing name, a derivative version of the spouse's existing name or a wholly different name at the time of marriage (including a change to the first name). The member of the married couple must list the name he or she intends to use after marriage on the marriage license.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.019 – Kansas – 05/25/2017," secure.ssa.gov, May 25, 2017, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712019.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, you can't change your first name through marriage, as the state's marriage license statute only allows recording your current name, not a new one.

This total lack of statutory support has led Kentucky SSA POMS to instruct their agents to reject a Kentucky marriage certificate for first name changes.

A marriage license which provides for the entering of:

(b) Vital information for each party, including the full name, date of birth, place of birth, race, gender, condition (single, widowed, or divorced), number of previous marriages, occupation, current residence, relationship to the other party, and full names of parents;

"Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 402.100," Kentucky General Assembly, accessed July 20, 2024, https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=47035.

Because Kentucky does not have a statute expressly allowing a person to change his or her first name in the event of marriage, a Kentucky marriage document would not be acceptable evidence to allow SSA to change a number holder's first name.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.020 – Kentucky," secure.ssa.gov, June 21, 2013, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712020.

Louisiana

Louisiana's Code of Civil Procedure marriage name confirmation doesn't support first name changes through marriage the way it outright supports last name changes.

Marriage does not change the name of either spouse. However, a married person may use the surname of either or both spouses as a surname.

"La. Code Civ. Proc. Art. 3947," Louisiana State Legislature, accessed August 3, 2024, https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=111886.

Maine

Maine statutes supports changing your first name through marriage, provided you indicate your "proposed new name" on the marriage license application.

Although Maine SSA POMS hasn’t reviewed the state’s laws for changing first names, we confirmed that this practice is permitted by consulting several Maine city and town clerks, who are responsible for issuing marriage licenses.

If either party intends to change that party's name upon marriage, the application must include the proposed new name of that party.

"Me. Stat. Tit. 11, § 651," Maine Legislature, accessed July 20, 2024, https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/19-A/title19-Asec651.html.

The marriage license returned must contain a statement giving the names of the parties united in marriage, place and date of the marriage, the new name of either party if either party intends to change that party's name…

"Me. Stat. Tit. 11, § 654," Maine Legislature, accessed July 20, 2024, https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/19-A/title19-Asec654.html.

If the marriage license indicates that a party intends to change that party's name under section 654, subsection 3, the new name indicated on the license becomes effective upon completion of the marriage license pursuant to subsection 2.

"Me. Stat. Tit. 11, § 656," Maine Legislature, accessed July 20, 2024, https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/19-A/title19-Asec656.html.

Maryland

Changing your first name through marriage isn't possible in Maryland because the marriage family law code contains no provisions for name changes, including first names.

This means that when you apply for a marriage license in Maryland, you won't have the option to declare a new first name on the application.

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, you can’t change your first name through marriage, as the state’s registry statutes only mention changing last names.

The marriage license application, which each Massachusetts city and town clerk is responsible for designing, only references changing surnames as well.

Each party to a marriage may adopt any surname, including but not limited to the present or birth-given surname of either party, may retain or resume use of a present or birth-given surname, or may adopt any hyphenated combination thereof.

"Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 46, § 1D," Massachusetts Legislature, accessed July 20, 2024, https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVII/Chapter46/Section1D.

Michigan

Michigan marriage statutes and vital records statutes don't address name changes in any context, including first name changes.

A review of Michigan marriage applications, licenses, and certificates will show that there's no option to record a new name—whether first, middle, or last.

Michigan SSA POMS further solidifies this by incorporating these findings into official instructions that reject first name changes through marriage in Michigan.

…although Michigan common law may recognize the validity of changing a first name or a last name to a new name that cannot be derived from the marriage document […] the agency would not recognize the name change because Michigan does not have a statute which expressly allows for such a change in the event of marriage.

[…]

Additionally, Michigan’s marriage documents do not include an entry specifying what new name will be used.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.025 – Michigan," secure.ssa.gov, May 22, 2014, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712025.

Minnesota

Minnesota statutes allow both parties in a marriage to change their first, middle, and last names, provided these changes are specified on the marriage license application.

Likewise, Minnesota SSA POMS instructions have approved this practice after reviewing the state's statutes and standardized marriage license application.

…the local registrar shall issue the license, containing the full names of the parties before and after the civil marriage, and county and state of residence, with the county seal attached, and make a record of the date of issuance.

"Minn. Stat. § 517.08," Office of the Revisor of Statutes, accessed July 17, 2024, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/517.08#stat.517.08.1b.

We conclude that the agency may recognize a marriage as a valid name change event in Minnesota for a person wishing to change either his or her (1) first name or (2) last name to a name other than that of his or her spouse because (a) Minnesota has a statute which expressly allows for such a change, and (b) the marriage license in Minnesota has an entry which allows the couple to specify the new name to be used.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.026 – Minnesota," secure.ssa.gov, May 22, 2014, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712026.

Mississippi

Mississippi marriage statutes, applications, licenses, and certificates make no mention of changing your first name through marriage; therefore, the practice is not allowed.

Mississippi SSA POMS' review of the state's marriage statutes and documents has reached the same conclusion, closing the door on first name changes.

…Mississippi law does not require that the application or the marriage license or certificate include the names the parties would use after the marriage.

[…]

Because Mississippi does not have a statute expressly allowing a person to change his or her first name in the event of marriage, a Mississippi marriage document would not be acceptable evidence to allow SSA to change a number holder's first name.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.027 – Mississippi," secure.ssa.gov, June 21, 2013, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712027.

Missouri

Although Missouri's marriage statutes don't prohibit first name changes through marriage, the lack of explicit support makes it impossible without a circuit court order.

At best, Missouri SSA and DOR offices permit either party to a marriage to change their middle or last name using a certified marriage certificate.

Montana

Montana's marriage license statute and declaration of marriage statute don't allow you to list a new name, making it impossible to change your first name via marriage.

The director of the department of public health and human services shall prescribe the form for an application for a marriage license, which must include the following information:

(a) name, sex, as defined in 1-1-201, address, [social security number,] and date and place of birth of each party to the proposed marriage;

"Mont. Code Ann. § 40-1-107," Montana State Legislature, accessed July 28, 2024, https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0400/chapter_0010/part_0010/section_0070/0400-0010-0010-0070.html.

A declaration of marriage must contain substantially the following:

(a) the names, ages, and residences of the parties;

"Mont. Code Ann. § 40-1-311," Montana State Legislature, accessed July 28, 2024, https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0400/chapter_0010/part_0030/section_0110/0400-0010-0030-0110.html.

Nebraska

In Nebraska, you can't change your first name through marriage, as the state's marriage license statute and marriage license application don't allow you to specify a new name.

Each party shall present satisfactory documentary proof of and shall swear or affirm to the application giving: (1) Full name of each applicant and residence; and (2) the place, date, and year of birth of each.

"Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-104," Nebraska Legislature, April 7, 1988, https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=42-104.

Nevada

Nevada's marriage statutes forbid first name changes via marriage, as made explicit in a 2017 amendment that also broadened options for changing middle and last names.

The first name of each applicant selected for use by the applicant after solemnization of the marriage must be the same as the first name indicated on the proof of the applicant's name submitted pursuant to subsection 2 [photo identification proof of the applicant's name].

"Nev. Rev. Stat. § 122.040," Nevada Legislature, 2017, https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-122.html#NRS122Sec040.

New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, you can't change your first name through marriage; the state's vital records statutes only let you change your middle and last names in limited ways.

Upon entering into marriage, either party may retain his or her surname prior to the marriage or change his or her surname to the surname of the other party or change the surname to a hyphenated combination of the full surnames of both parties.

If a party requests a surname change under this paragraph, that party may also change his or her middle name to his or her surname prior to the marriage.

"N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 5-C:41," The General Court of New Hampshire, accessed July 19, 2024, https://gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/I/5-C/5-C-41.htm.

New Jersey

New Jersey's marriage license statute doesn’t support changing your first name through marriage, unlike the explicit provisions for surname changes.

With no statutory or marriage license application support for first name changes, your only option is to petition the Superior Court in your county of residence.

New Mexico

You can't change your first name through marriage in New Mexico because the state's marriage statutes don't explicitly support the practice.

New Mexico SSA and MVD offices only allow middle and last name changes using your marriage certificate; anything beyond that requires a district court order.

New York

New York marriage statutes allow either party to a marriage to change their middle or last name after marriage, but not their first name.

Furthermore, New York marriage license applications—which aren't standardized across city or town clerk offices—only include space to change your middle or last name.

Every application for a marriage license shall contain a statement to the following effect:

[…]

One or both parties to a marriage may elect to change the surname by which he or she wishes to be known after the solemnization of the marriage…

[…]

One or both parties to a marriage may elect to change the middle name by which he or she wishes to be known after the solemnization of the marriage…

"N.Y. U.C.C. Law § 15," NYS Open Legislation, December 27, 2019, https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/DOM/15.

North Carolina

North Carolina statutes don't support changing your first name through marriage. Instead, you must petition the clerk of superior court in your NC county of residence.

North Carolina SSA POMS reached the same conclusion, citing the lack of statutory support for first name changes as a barrier.

An application to obtain a North Carolina marriage license requires the full names of both applicants, but does not identify the names the parties will use after the marriage is completed.

[…]

Because North Carolina does not have a statute expressly allowing a person to change his or her first or full name in the event of marriage, a North Carolina marriage document would not be acceptable evidence to allow SSA to change a number holder's first name.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.036 – North Carolina," secure.ssa.gov, April 15, 2015, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712036.

North Dakota

Although North Dakota marriage statutes provide very detailed options for changing middle and last names—specifying combinations such as segments, hyphens, and spaces—they don't permit first name changes.

One party or both parties to a marriage may elect to change the surname by which that party wishes to be known after the solemnization of the marriage by entering the new surname in the space provided on the marriage license application.

[…]

One party or both parties to a marriage may elect to change the middle name by which that individual wishes to be known after the solemnization of the marriage by entering the new middle name in the space provided on the marriage license application.

"N.D. Cent. Code §§ 14-03-20.1, 14-03-20.2," North Dakota Legislative Branch, accessed July 18, 2024, https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t14c03.pdf#page=4.

Ohio

In Ohio, you can't change your first name through marriage, as the state's marriage statutes don't support it, and the marriage license application doesn't provide a space for it.

Ohio SSA POMS reached the same conclusion: there's no statutory support, and a new first name can't be derived from the marriage certificate.

…Ohio does not statutorily allow a person to change his or her first name or his or her last name to a name other than that of his or her spouse in the event of marriage.

[…]

Additionally, Ohio’s marriage documents do not include an entry specifying what new name will be used.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.039 – Ohio," secure.ssa.gov, May 22, 2014, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712039.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma marriage statutes permit you to change your first, middle, and last name after marriage. Oklahoma SSA POMS has confirmed that they'll honor such a change.

Keep in mind, one quirk of Oklahoma is that you can't declare your new name on the marriage license application; you must do so on the issued marriage license instead.

For each party, the full name by which the party will be known after the marriage, which shall become the full legal name of the party upon the filing of the marriage license and certificate with the court, as required by law

"Okla. Stat. Tit. 43, § 43-5," Oklahoma Legislature, accessed July 15, 2024, https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2019-12/os43.pdf#page=10.

In our opinion, absent any evidence of an illegal or fraudulent purpose, the Oklahoma Marriage and Family statutes do not preclude a person from changing his or her first name, in addition to his or her surname, at the time of marriage.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.040 – Oklahoma," secure.ssa.gov, November 20, 2014, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712040.

Oregon

In Oregon, you can’t change your first name through marriage or domestic partnership, as the state’s statutes only acknowledge changes to middle names and surnames.

The Oregon Health Authority, which issued a 20-page document to help couples fill out the marriage license application, makes this limitation evident.

The [middle and last] name of each party after marriage as indicated on the application, license and record of marriage shall become the sole legal name of each party after marriage.

"Or. Rev. Stat. § 106.220," Oregon State Legislature, accessed July 20, 2024, https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors106.html.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania marriage statutes don't contain language supporting first name changes. At most, the SSA and PA DMV will accept middle and surname changes.

Although the PA DMV driver’s license application (DL-80) has a space to specify a new first name, Pennsylvania SSA POMS has determined that it's not applicable when using a marriage certificate.

Pennsylvania historically allows the bride to change her name officially by signing her new married name on her marriage certificate.

[…]

In addition, we have confirmed this practice with the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by telephone and through the forms that the DMV requires to be submitted for a name change.

[…]

…additional documentation is required if a party desires to use a name other than his or her (1) birth name, (2) spouse’s surname, or (3) a name given though a Court Order

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.042 – Pennsylvania," secure.ssa.gov, March 18, 2019, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712042.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island's marriage license statutes, vital records certificate statute, and marriage license application worksheet don't support changing your first name through marriage.

Although the Rhode Island SSA POMS page doesn't address first name changes, the absence of any mention in the state's statutes effectively rules out the possibility.

South Carolina

South Carolina SSA POMS has concluded that changing your first name through marriage isn't possible because SC's Code of Laws contains no language supporting the practice.

Instead, you must petition a family court judge in your circuit, as explained in the state's civil change of name statutes.

An application to obtain a South Carolina marriage license requires the names of both applicants, but does not identify the names the parties will use after the marriage is completed.

[…]

Because South Carolina does not have a statute expressly allowing a person to change his or her first or full name in the event of marriage, a South Carolina marriage document would not be acceptable evidence to allow SSA to change a number holder's first name.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.045 – South Carolina," secure.ssa.gov, June 21, 2013, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712045.

South Dakota

The codified marriage laws of South Dakota include specific language explicitly stating that changing your first name through marriage is not permitted.

On the marriage license application, each applicant shall provide the name the applicant shall be known by after the solemnization of the marriage. […] A first name may not be changed under this section.

"S.D. Codified Laws § 25-1-10.1," South Dakota Legislature, 2020, https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/25-1-10.1.

Tennessee

You can't change your first name in Tennessee because the state's marriage license code doesn't explicitly allow it: a prerequisite for SSA support.

Further, Tennessee marriage license applications don't provide space to declare a new name; they only ask for your current name, birth surname, and parents' names.

Texas

In Texas, you can't change your first name through marriage, as the state's application for marriage license statute only asks for your current full name and maiden surname.

This limitation is also reflected in Texas' marriage license application (VS-180), which offers no space to specify a new first name.

Utah

Utah's marriage license statute and application for license statute contain no language supporting first name changes, or any type of name change whatsoever.

In fact, the only reference to marriage and name changes appears in the ancillary Driver Licensing Act, which only discusses changing surnames.

Finally, Utah SSA POMS' analysis concluded that Utah law provides insufficient support for first name changes using a marriage certificate.

A certificate of marriage issued by the State of Utah is not acceptable evidence of a legal change to the first name because Utah does not have a statute that expressly allows a first name to be changed in the event of marriage.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.049 – Utah," secure.ssa.gov, February 11, 2015, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712049.

Vermont

Unlike Vermont's three neighboring states, its marriage license statute makes no mention of name changes, let alone first name changes. Neither does its marriage license application.

The Vermont Vital Records Guidance for Town Clerks instructs clerks to collect only your current legal name when applying for a marriage license, not a new name.

Vermont SSA POMS' review of the state's statutes was indecisive, neither supporting nor rejecting first name changes via marriage, effectively amounting to a rejection.

We note that our opinion is less firm with respect to an individual’s first name. There is, of course, a long tradition of surname name changes at the time of marriage. It would appear less customary for an individual to change his or her first name at the time of a marriage.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.050 – Vermont," secure.ssa.gov, June 3, 2010, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712050.

Virginia

Virginia's marriage statutes, application, license, and certificate don't support changing your first name through marriage. Virginia SSA POMS confirmed this as well.

A Virginia certificate of marriage is not acceptable evidence of a legal change to the first name. Virginia does not have a statute that expressly allows a first name to be changed in the event of marriage.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.052 – Virginia," secure.ssa.gov, December 23, 2014, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712052.

Washington

In Washington State, changing your first name through marriage isn't supported by the state's marriage license statute, marriage certificate statute, or marriage license application.

Application for a marriage license must be made and filed with the appropriate county auditor upon blanks to be provided by the county auditor for that purpose, which application shall be under the oath of each of the applicants, and each application shall state the name, address at the time of execution of application, age, social security number, birthplace, whether single, widowed or divorced, and whether under control of a guardian, residence during the past six months…

"Wash. Rev. Code § 26.04.160," Washington State Legislature, March 9, 1939, https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.04.160.

…each [marriage license] application shall state the name, address at the time of execution of application, age, social security number, birthplace, whether single, widowed or divorced, and whether under control of a guardian, residence during the past six months…

"Wash. Rev. Code § 26.04.160," Washington State Legislature, March 9, 1939, https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.04.160.

The person solemnizing a marriage shall give to each of the parties thereto, if required, a certificate thereof, specifying therein the names and residence of the parties, and of at least two witnesses present, the time and place of such marriage, and the date of the license thereof, and by whom issued.

"Wash. Rev. Code § 26.04.080," Washington State Legislature, accessed July 30, 2024, https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.04.080.

West Virginia

West Virginia's marriage statutes don't support changing your first name through marriage. Instead, you must petition the circuit court or family court in your county of residence.

Furthermore, West Virginia's marriage license application doesn't have a spot to specify a new first name after marriage, which is required for SSA evidence guidelines.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin SSA POMS stipulates that they won't allow a first name or full name change because the state's statutes and marriage documents don't explicitly support either.

…although Wisconsin common law may recognize the validity of changing a first name in the event of marriage, SSA would not recognize the name change because Wisconsin does not have a statute which expressly allows for a person to change his or her first or full name in the event of marriage.

[…]

Additionally, Wisconsin’s marriage documents do not include an entry specifying what new name will be used.

"SSA – POMS: PR 02712.055 – Wisconsin," secure.ssa.gov, May 22, 2014, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/1502712055.

Wyoming

Wyoming marriage statutes don't support changing your first name through marriage, and the state's marriage license application doesn't provide a space for a new first name.

Application for a marriage license shall be made by one (1) of the parties to the marriage before the license is issued.

Upon receipt of an application, the county clerk shall ascertain by the testimony of a competent witness and the applicant, the names, the social security numbers of the parties who have valid social security numbers, residences and ages of the parties…

"Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 20-1-103," Wyoming Legislature, accessed July 30, 2024, https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title20.pdf.

Conclusion

Simply put, the SSA, DMV, etc., will change your first name through marriage in their records if your state's statutes allow it; otherwise, they'll deny the request by default.

There are five states that allow such changes using just your marriage certificate, without requiring a court order: Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, and Oklahoma.

Knowing your rights and understanding your state's specific statutes are important to successfully navigating this process.