Use Your Maiden Name Even After a Name Change
Whether you're changing your name to better align with your spouse's and kids' names or simply because you prefer it, there may be situations where it makes sense to continue using your maiden name.
You could achieve the best of both worlds where you:
- Change your name after marriage.
- Continue to use your maiden name when it suits you.
Let's look at real-life situations where using your maiden name instead of your married name is worthwhile, whether occasionally or most of the time.
1. In professional contexts
If you've invested time building your maiden name into your professional identity, don't discard it arbitrarily: consider the consequences and prepare for the transition.
Even after changing their name through marriage, many people still use their maiden names in professional contexts. You can join the ranks of those who find this approach beneficial.
It's doable without conflict, while making sure everything is legal and compartmentalized: your maiden name over here and your married name over there, coexisting peacefully.
Our online name change kit can help you complete this transition while you prepare for a future where your maiden name remains prominent in your life.
Everyone knows you by your maiden name
Consider the numerous places your maiden name is firmly plugged into the world, extending far beyond your diploma, professional license, or general reputation.
Your colleagues, customers, and clients know you by your maiden name. Your authored articles, references, and referrals from others are linked to your maiden name.
Your professional network converges around your name, weaving a web of recognition. Like Coca-Cola, you've covertly and masterfully branded your name throughout your life.
But now that you're married (or soon-to-be married) and have changed your name, it's like a lightning strike, short-circuiting these connections.
Like X, formerly known as Twitter, you've warped and fragmented your brand recognition and must carry the "formerly known as" millstone around your neck.
But you might not have to undergo a complete reset…
Starting over with your married name
Changing your maiden name severs your network of associations until you assimilate your married name. Yet, like refreezing melted ice cream, it's never quite the same after.
Traces of your maiden name will persist, etched into your birth records, deeply embedded in genealogy databases, and ingrained in the memories of everyone you've met.
While you can change your driver's license, you can't erase the historical record. Your yearbook is just one permanent testament to the past.
Yet this article isn't focused on downsides and rejecting your married name, but on completing the transformation while still placing your maiden name at the forefront.
Here’s how to put your maiden name to work…
Navigating the tricky transition
Here's one way dealing with name changes can get tricky: people still send mail and write checks to your maiden name even after you've switched to your married name.
The opposite also is true: checks made out to your married name are problematic when you haven't yet updated your bank records away from your maiden name.
A name mismatch might disrupt check cashing, deposits, and direct payments, including those from employers or potential IRS tax refunds.
Prepare for the inevitable: talk with your bank and make sure they'll allow deposits in both your maiden and married names.
While you're at it, if you have a hyphenated name, go the extra mile by making sure your bank accepts three name variations:
- Your maiden name
- Your hyphenated name
- Your spouse's surname only (just in case)
If you're well known by your bank's staff, an informal acknowledgment may be enough. But it's better to have an official notation recorded in your account that applies globally.
Repeat this routine with every new bank account you open.
Notifying your bank is an often-overlooked name change task that merits elevated importance alongside updating your social security card but rarely receives the attention it deserves.
Check this name change to-do off your list early, as soon as you have a certified copy of your marriage certificate to show your financial institution.
Doing business in your maiden name
Registering a DBA in your maiden name is useful if you need to conduct official business under your maiden name after changing it due to marriage.
FYI, DBA stands for "doing business as" and is synonymous with other terms, such as fictitious business name, assumed name, brand name, trade name, or trading name.
This approach ensures seamless continuity and legal compliance, saving you from having to change business cards, letterheads, signatures, or the brand you've built.
Simply put, a DBA is a smart way to use your maiden name as a legal alias, nickname, or pseudonym for your business.
Using your maiden name as a licensed professional
Having a DBA in your maiden name is not a sufficient substitute for failing to update the legal name on a professional or government-issued license.
For instance, if you're a registered nurse or doctor, the DBA approach won't work. Instead, ask your state's licensing board about using your maiden name professionally.
In this scenario, your state's licensing board would record your married name as your legal name and add your maiden name as an alternative name.
This allows you to continue working under your maiden name as your professional name, legally and transparently.
State regulations vary, so contact your state's licensing board to confirm if this practice is permitted and its potential impact on your DEA number, NPI, etc.
Consider requesting written confirmation from the board to acknowledge working under your maiden name as your professional name, despite your legal name change.
The preceding logic applies to other state-licensed professions too, such as dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, counselors, and physical therapists, among others.
2. In social contexts
Changing your name is a bold move, so it's understandable if you're reluctant to make the switch. After all, you've had the same name for your whole life… until now.
So, why bother changing?
Maybe you're being practical in wanting a smoother experience with insurance and paperwork, or perhaps you simply prefer to embrace the tradition of taking your spouse's name.
In many situations, you don't necessarily have to stick strictly to your legal name. Consider the context, use good judgment, and don’t confine yourself to rigid boundaries.
For instance, when meeting new people who don't know your spouse and address you by your maiden name, you're not obligated to correct them.
Another scenario is when you're meeting old friends. You might want to stick with your maiden name, as they may have trouble adjusting to your new one.
Most of these events are social in nature, so there are no legal implications to worry about. You're free to switch between your maiden and married names whenever you like.
3. Legal disclosure obligations
When a security or background check is run on you, they'll ask for any previous names you've used to get a thorough look at your history.
Background checks are standard for job applications, volunteer positions, and credit inquiries. In these cases, you’re usually required by law to provide your maiden name.
How can you tell if it's required? Check the form: if it has a section for other names you've used, you'll usually find instructions like "such as maiden names."
Better safe than sorry, unless you're truly set on leaving your maiden name behind. In that case, ask the person handling your paperwork if listing it is mandatory.
Your "legal name" is your "real name"
Your legal name is the name on your social security record. This is the name you'll use for tax filings, job applications, and W-2 forms.
Beyond the talk of DBAs and social contexts, you must use your real name when filling out legal or government forms that ask for your name, current name, or legal name.
So if you've officially changed your name after marriage but use your maiden name in social or formal settings, your legal name and real name are your married name.
For instance, if you're an actor or singer with a stage name, you must sign contracts and file taxes using your real name. This is where artistry meets reality.
4. Paperwork not finished
One compelling reason to temporarily stick with your maiden name, whether you like it or not, is when you have paperwork and ID that still need updating.
Before transitioning from your maiden name to your married name, your maiden name will play a key role in preserving your legal identity before passing the baton.
When using your maiden name is unavoidable
Like repairing a complex mechanical device, changing your name is a step-by-step process of addressing one document at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
But you've also got to navigate when to strategically and temporarily hold onto your maiden name, especially when time constraints or logistical challenges make updating everything in sequence impossible.
But sometimes the decision is out of your hands…
Certain documents are interconnected, requiring your name to match across them. In such cases, updating one ID requires changing others at the same time.
For example, if your driver's license is in your married name but your passport has your maiden name, your international airline tickets must match the name on your passport.
Another example is if you've updated your social security card but nothing else, you must still file your taxes using the name social security has on file.
Don't crack out of turn
Picture changing your name as a high-stakes game where you're juggling two identities: your maiden name and your married name.
Much like a con artist guards their words to avoid "cracking out of turn" and revealing true intentions, you must master the art of smoothly transitioning from one name to the other.
Only after updating all your documents can you fully shift from your maiden name to your married name, preventing any identity "cracks" in the transition.
Managing multiple identities
You're managing conflicting identities, but each credential, from your social security card and driver's license to your bank accounts, allows only one name to prevail.
Keep a checklist of who has confirmed your name change to avoid an embarrassing situation where you're unsure which name to provide.
Before receiving official approval for your new name, introduce yourself with your maiden name, then explain that you're in the process of changing it.
This is often enough to satisfy requirements at places like banks, as they understand the time-consuming nature of the name change process.
5. Haven't decided to go through with it
For some, the decision to undergo a name change is a can they keep kicking down the road, sometimes for years.
It's a procrastination that can make them wonder if they've missed an unspoken name change deadline that'll snare them with penalties or consequences.
Buying yourself some time
You might choose to slow-walk the process by updating your legal name on certain documents while you mull over whether you genuinely want to undergo a name change.
You might even welcome the idea of name change at first, only to backtrack when it comes to signing documents and introducing yourself with an entirely new name.
You're not alone if you're not sure if name change is right for you at this time. Maintaining the status quo is a tempting alternative to indecision.
You can legally change your name, but if you ever want to switch back to your maiden name, you can do so anytime. It's a reversible decision.
At a minimum, make sure you've chosen your preferred name before applying for a marriage license to avoid your marriage certificate missing your married name.
Closing thoughts on using your maiden name
Some people think changing or keeping their name after getting married is a Hobson's choice. In reality, you have room to maneuver.
You can legally change your name and still use your maiden name at work or with friends. You're not boxed in. It's about what feels right for you in the moment.
If you're ready to start the name change process, our online name change kit offers expert guidance through the transition.
If I change my name legally do I have to stay attached to that name because it was my birth name? Or can I choose that the name go away forever? If my mother is no longer here, to honor her name would it make a difference if I changed my name to her full name or would it be just as authentic to change just my name to her last name
If you're going to get your name changed through the court, you can change it to whatever you want.
Same as above.
No one can answer that except for you. You should choose whichever makes you most comfortable and can live with.
I think you would honor your mother by choosing any portion of her name. It doesn't have to be her full name.
My passport with my maiden name is going to expire next year. I got married this year and legally hyphenated my last name (maiden-married). Can I renew my passport in my maiden name and continue to book flights under my maiden name?
Yes.
I want to change my full name but I'm married, do I have to include my husband last name in my name change application or only my maiden last name
PS: currently I am using my husband last name in all my document
You'd specify your current legal name.
I married 6 months ago still has my maiden name in all my documents but is is ok if I want sign with my husband name for new documents
Hi Vicky. Your current legal name should go on legal documents. For less formal documents, you'll just have to use your best judgment.
I applied for renewing green card .after that I got married and charged my last name.a year later my alien card and social security got burned in fire.this year so I went to the social security office after to return back to madden after my divorce they couldn't do it cause I couldn't prove my alien status. I'm told him most of my paper burn down .then showed them my my i797 approved my alien status 2009 .do I apply my alien card 1st because social security wont let me have my maiden
Hi Lita. Did you try replacing your destroyed alien registration card first? You'll have to do it anyway.
Hi. I’m from NY. I never got married but I have 2 kids and they have both last names in the birth certificate (father and mother), by mistake at school they are register with my last name (mother) and after years my kids went by my last name. Now they’re over 18 and want to open a bank account, get a job, etc. Can they sign my name or they have to start using their fathers name? Can they present themselfs as they always did not anymore?
Missing word on last question is ‘or’. ‘Or not anymore’.
Can they use either one as an adult? Or they have to use the fathers last name as it appears on documents?
Hi Maggie. They'll have to use your name and their father's name for legal contexts and government documents. For other, informal purposes, it's up to them.
Hi Maggie. If they don't use their full last name (including their father's) it could throw up a red flag. They'd have to explain it away, but the bank will likely want the full name on file even if they'll allow a shorter variant on checks or debit cards.
Thank you so much for your help. Another question is that if they can use either one in their signature but print their names as it appears on documents?
If you're referring to your children printing either names on documents, then they need to exercise caution. On legal and government documents, their full name should be put down. On less formal documents, it's up to them to use their best judgment.
If you're referring to a bank or financial institution printing only one portion of their surname on a check or credit or debit card, then that has to be worked out between your kids and that institution. It has to be explicitly requested.
Thank u so much
I'm getting married and want to take my husband's lastname but I want to keep my surname for business purposes, we work for the same company and I don't want it to cause a conflict of interest. Do I have to change my name with my employer? Will this affect my taxes if I don't? Will I use my surname as it will be the one on my w-2 or do I use his and just attach a copy of my marriage license to clear up any discrepancies?
You may want to look into obtaining a DBA in your surname.
You'll have to use your legal name for tax purposes.
I'm married, and there is a New Surname listed on my marriage certificate because I've adopted my husband's surname.
I'm currently applying for green card, but I haven't changed my surname on passport yet, do I have to change my surname on passport before I send out the green card application forms?
Is my maiden name still a legal name for me?
Thanks.
Hi Fiona. The name on your green card and passport do not have to match. However, when you travel you may be asked questions about the discrepancy. You can bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate with you during travels to explain why your surnames don't match.
Because I'm currently working on the green card application forms, but I'm not sure which last name I should put on the forms for "legal name". Do you know which one is the legal last name for me? My husband's or my maiden name?
Thanks.
Hi Fiona. Generally speaking, your legal last name is whatever your current last name is.
I married to a japanese and i change my maiden name to japanese name.. after 1 year we decided to file a divorce. after a divorce the philippine embassy amend my passport change back to my maiden name,i go back to philippines and used my passport.long years have pass… I want to renew my expired passport and it was lost and its already amended on divorce passport.. my question is .. do the DFA question my passport because it was amended? Do they ask for any supporting papers eventhough they know that my passpost was amended on divorce..
Is the DFA computerized name and details of all registered person ?
Since you lost your passport, you'll have to submit an affidavit of loss and submit a brand new application and all the required documents. Since your passport is expired, you don't have to submit a police report.
Hi! I recently got married and went to the social security office to change my name to First MaidenMiddle HusbandsLast. Four days later and my family and husband are still upset with me, saying it’s not “traditional.” (Even though I told everyone this was my plan for 1.5+ years. I won’t even get into this.) At this point, it seems like it’s easier to just forget what I want and appease them, changing my name to First BirthMiddle HusbandsLast. Do you know if social security would let me change it again now, considering I still didn’t receive a new card?
You can attempt to have your application withdrawn by contacting your local SSA office. You can also visit the office. If your application has already been processed, then you'll likely have to get a court order for SSA to change your name again.
Hello.
I have been married for 4 years and I'm still not sure how to file my name when filling out documents. I have kept my maiden name as well as my husband's last name.
My name is M (first) M(middle) C(maiden) D(last).
When filling out documents, there's only 3 boxes. Normally in the US, it is FIRST, MIDDLE, LAST. Since I wanted to keep my maiden name, should I include it in the "Middle name" Box and move my Middle name to the "First Name" box? or do I put both my middle and maiden name in the "Middle Name" box?
Did you legally change your name, or are you just using these name combinations informally? If you didn't, then you shouldn't be putting your unofficial name on official documents. If you did change it, see the remainder of this comment.
It's not clear to me where the name divisions are with your example.
Space or no space, you only have one legal first, middle, and last name. If your middle name is Middle+Maiden, then that'd go in the middle name space. If it's Maiden+Last, it'll go in the surname space. You wouldn't shift your maiden name from middle to last at will. It's either part of your middle or last, but not both.
I legally changed my name which is Mikaela Milan Cusi Duro.
Before I got married, it was Mikaela Milan Abando(mother's maiden) Cusi or would be written as Mikaela Milan A. Cusi
I just found out that my mother included Milan as my first name and put Abando as a middle name.
Hi Mikaela. The prior answer would still apply. If your first, middle, and last name is split like so: Mikaela / Milan Cusi / Duro. Then that's how you'd fill out whatever document you're working with.
You previously asked if one portion of your name should go here or there, but that's not up for debate. Each section of your name belongs to either your first, middle, or last. If you're not certain which is which, you'll have to find the application you submitted to process your name change or whatever document confirmed your name change.
If this is not what you're referring to, please clarify.
Hi
I got married on January 2018 on the marriage certificate I decide to put my husband last name. Would I get on legal trouble if I don’t change the last name on every document and I have been signing with my last name still. I haven’t change anything to the married last name.
No, you will not face any legal trouble or penalty for not changing your name to match the new name on your marriage certificate. Name change is optional. You should continue to sign your current name. Your signature changes when your name legally changes.
Ok thanks. I can’t do the change At the moment.I’m on the process buying my mom house and I have a business plus too many credit card to change last name. On my marriage certificate it do said my new last name but no others legal documents yet.
I will be getting married in CA soon. On the marriage certificate I plan on putting FIRST, MIDDLE, MARRIED.
For several reasons I plan on “continuing” to use my name as is now…FIRST, MIDDLE, MAIDEN…I do not plan on legally changing my last name on anything or with any entity…not SS, DL, Passport, CA RN Licensing Board, Employer, Banks or any of my other Finacials…
Is this ok & can I just use my MARRIED last name “socially” and legally keep my current name as is on everything else?
Will my employer or any other entity somehow be notified of my new last name as it reads on the marriage certificate?
Lastly, if say in 5 years I choose to begin using MARRIED name as it reads on my marriage certificate can I just change everying over legally at that time even though so much time has elapsed?
Yes, of course.
No, California county recorders don't send out such notices after your marriage is registered. However, your marriage certificate will become a public record. If you'd prefer privacy, you'll have to choose a confidential marriage license.
Yes, the process is the same even many years later.
Excellent THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Just curious how do you go about getting a confidential marriage license?
When you apply, choose the confidential marriage license application instead of the default public marriage license application. The confidential version is typically a few dollars extra.
I recently got married and went to social security to update my new name. It now reads First Middle Maiden (hyphenated) Husbands last name. After thinking about it it’s going to be really really long, can I go back to social security with my marriage license and get it corrected to just my First Middle Husbands last name ?
No, only one name change allowed per name change event (e.g., marriage, divorce, court petition). You'll have to get a court order to change your name a second time.
Hi!
I got married last year in CA and this year I wanted to change my last name to just my husbands last name, so I went to the SS Office and changed it but now I realized its a big hazzle so I was wondering if I could just change it back to my last name only or just add my last name on their in any way!! I only have changed it on the SS no where else!! Please help!!
Hi Cristina. Since you've already changed it once with the SSA, you'll have to get a court order to change it again. How you prefer to change it—return to last name or add another surname—makes no difference.
I got married in 2016 and changed my maiden name to my husbands last name. I got new DL and new SSN with husbands last name. (I still have my old DL and SSN with maiden name) I do want to go back to my maiden name. I continue to stay married. (This is NOT a divorce!) Do I have to make a legal name change?
I am in Florida
Where you live doesn't change things. You can review the Florida name change page for details on how to file a name change petition.
Yes, you'll have to go through a court-approved name change.
How does that work in Cali ? I want to remove my second last name which is husbands , but I won't divorce. Where should I go , how do I do , please help.
Non-marriage names changes in California are handled by the Superior Court. The California name change page goes into further detail.
Reading this, it sounds like updating anything is not required after choosing to take a partner's surname. Is there really no time limit in updating your SSN, and therefore everything else?
If using a marriage certificate as proof of relationship for perhaps financial/bank reasons, does it not need to match? Would you change SSN before using the certificate for thing?
Thanks so much! This in FL by the way. :)
No, there's no time limit.
Since you'd be able to provide documentation of your old name, this wouldn't really matter in any real-world scenario.
If your marriage certificate contains a new post-marriage name that you haven't changed to, it still doesn't matter from the bank's perspective whether or not you change it.
It's doubtful the bank would even bring it up either way. They understand some people choose to not change their name after marriage, even if it conflicts with what the certificate says they intended at the time.
I'm divorced and want to use my maiden name again. Is it ok to change my name legally to my maiden name but still use my married name professionally? Is it ok if I don't change my SSN, passport, DMV, bank records, pensions, 401k, etc. even if I've changed my name legally?
Yes. You'll want to make sure your taxes are filed in your legal name.
If your name is only changed in your divorce decree, it's not actually legally changed. It just gives you the option to do so.
Regardless of what's in your decree, you don't have to change any of the documents you cited.
Hi, I got married this past April to an Air Force man and so my gov’t spouse ID and my marriage certificate both have my last name hyphenated but nothing else is. We just bought a house together and I used my maiden name on everything. My question is will I have to legally change everything to my new hyphenated last name? Especially when it comes social security and/or gov’t spousal benefits down the line?
If you'd like to stick with your maiden name, the easiest route to take would be to update your government ID. No other credential would need to be updated.
My fiance and I have played with the idea of him taking my last name when we get married, since his last name is difficult to pronounce for most people. Will a court order be necessary? We live in Massachusetts, if that matters.
No, your fiance doesn't need a court order. The eventual marriage certificate alone will suffice. Just be sure the new name choice is specified on the marriage license application.
Hi!
I got married a few months ago and took his last name. I kept my maiden name on everything (ssn, bank account, driver's license, passport…) and I've been receiving my paychecks through maiden name also. But I did file the application forms for the green card with my married name and filed my taxes this year with my married name also. Is that a problem? And if not, in the future, do I have to file the taxes with my married name? Do I need to have my paychecks on my married name if I file taxes with my married name?
Also, Since I filed the green card forms with the married name, my green card will have my married name in my passport that is on my maiden name, will that be a problem? Could I even keep using my maiden name for getting paid and everything if my green card is on my married name?
I'm sorry for the long comment, it's just that I took my husband's last name while getting married to eventually be able to use it but for now I just want to keep my maiden name on everything until I do decide to start using my husband's, but I don't know how to do that especially while being on the green card process! I'm in NY by the way.
Thank you very much for helping!
Taxes should be filed matching the name on your social security record. It's possible the agent who deals with your claim will manually reconcile your paperwork. If not, you'll be contacted for a correction.
See above.
Yes, it makes sense to do so.
If you don't update your passport, at least maintain an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate on hand in order to explain the name discrepancy.
That's an arrangement you'll have to work out with your employer.
If you want to reverse the name change on your green card, you'll have to petition the court for a name change and obtain a court order.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions, it helped me a lot! :)
I live in England UK. I got married in Jamaica in 2006. 12 years ago. I never changed my surname officially with benefit agencies and tax office and banks and dentist and doctors etc. So I kept my maiden name with them all but personally known by my husbands surname.
If I want my records and future letters from benefit agencies and tax office etc to now address me with my husbands surname instead of my maiden name because it's been 12 years and I've done nothing to change it would I have to legally obtain a change of name deed poll or would my marriage certificate be enough for them to change my name on my records despite the time frame being 12 years since I got married and I think my certificate might be signed with signatures for both my maiden and married surname.
I have a passport with 7 years left but am I right in guessing that even if I change my name with other organisations I don't have to buy a new passport and can keep that in my maiden name until it runs out as long as I book travel under my maiden name? Many thanks for any advice and feedback.
Your marriage certificate will suffice to change your surname. You don't need to do a deed poll. The fact that your marriage took place 12 years ago doesn't matter.
Correct.
Hi 26 yrs old from philippines and im studying again bachelor of science in nursing. And im married to a british guy. Is it ok if my bank account and my school ID is still under my maiden name if i submit it to the UK embassy? But my passport and other IDs is on my spouse surname… As i still want to use my maiden name when I graduate just to honor my fathers surname. Is it ok?
Something like this would have to be worked out with your school. Is there any mechanism in place where they'd be notified of a name change and require their internal records be updated? That's something you'll have to contact the school about to determine.
Didn't have time to read all the responses, but see you reply pretty promptly and may be able to answer my questions.
I just married two days ago and my wife too my name hyphenated as "Maiden name-Surname" we know she needs to change the SS card and Drivers license and such, but can she still use just her maiden name for things such as credit cards, or is she required to change it for everything?
Yes, she probably could considering credit bureaus maintain a history of prior names. However, if she's paying by credit card and it doesn't match the name on her ID, any given merchant may reject the transaction.
Furthermore, if she applies for a new credit card or equivalent using a name that doesn't match what's on her social security record, the application could be declined.
So it's possible, but could be a brittle path to maintain over the long run.
Thank you very much for the information. As a follow-up question.
Since we are now married and the marriage license has been signed and sent off for record keeping, If we were to have a change of heart and want to revert her name back, or even have me take hers, what would be the process for that?
Would we need to have the marriage license itself changed, or go through the normal name changing procedures?
If she's already changed her name with the SSA, she couldn't change it again without getting a court order. If she hasn't changed it yet, it depends on the state. Some state's marriage certificates will show a new name after marriage, which could hamstring your choices. Without knowing the state, I can't provide additional detail.
Only a few state's allow a husband to take the wife's name through marriage. Again, it depends on the state.
Marriage license or certificate changes are reserved for errors. Anything beyond that isn't allowed, unless you get a judge to sign off, which is unlikely.
It was done in New York State and we have not yet moved on changing the SSA or anything yet until we figured out other options.
Figured I would let you know we figured an easy solution. We actually got a hold of the Town Clerk where we did the paperwork just as it was about to be sent off so they were able to make the change for use after having us verify it was us.
It's great you got it sorted out in time. Thanks for coming back to give a status update.
Hi Valera,
I find myself in a similar situation. I got married back in June 2018 and I hyphenated my husband's last name so it is maiden name-surname, I have not updated any of my documentation such as SSN, credit bureau, etc; but I would like to go back to my maiden name, is there a way to do this in Massachusetts?
Hi Carolina. Since you haven't updated any of your identity documents, then there's nothing for you to do. Take no further action and your current name remains the same.
I was legally married last year although we kept it a secret and still had a big wedding celebration. I wrote my maiden name on the marriage license last year. Is it still possible for me to change my last name if it's not on the marriage license? How is the process different?
It depends on the state. Some states provide spots to choose a new name after marriage (e.g., California, New York, Massachusetts), while most others don't.
If I got married 8 years ago and I changed my last name at the social security office but still use my maiden name for everything I do. Will my new last name come up in a background check even if I've never used it?
Yes, it most likely will.
I married 6 years ago in CA and kept my maiden name. I now want to change DL and SS (all personal items) to my married name but want to keep my maiden name for work and my profession (psy) is this possible?
When you say you kept your maiden name, does that mean you never specified a new name on your marriage license application or does it mean you did but never formally went about changing it on any official documents?
If your new name choice doesn't appear on your marriage certificate, you'll have to petition the court. If it does, you can change your name as you normally would.
See prior comment.
It may be possible, but you'll have to contact your state's licensing board to determine if their records need updating without necessarily having to reissue your credentials.
Hi, I am being married for more than 20 years and in the beginning, I took my husbands name only on the passport, not on SS. Later on, like around 10 years ago, I took his last name on the SS as well. My question is can I add (not change back!) my maiden name to my last name on the passport and SS?
Not on the basis of getting married. You'd have to present a court order to the SSA and State Department for your name change to be authorized.
I am getting married in a few months and I am uncertain about changing my name. I would like to change my legal name in order to have the same last name as my children and separation from my professional identity. I would like to keep my maiden name professionally, but my concern is that I am a licensed professional. Is it possible to keep your maiden name professionally while legally changing your name? I would like to keep my maiden name on my state license, and as credentialed with insurance companies.
This is up to your state's licensing authority or board. In some states, reportage of a name change is mandatory. Same with an address change. Failure to report a legal name change may be considered professional misconduct.
Sometimes reporting has to be done within a certain number of days following your name change. Some will issue new certificates or credentials automatically, while others require you to pay a fee.
Some boards may allow you to report the name change while permitting you to use the professional name you've been using. It varies by state and profession.
Hi,
I have taken my husband's last name after marriage on my passport and green card and driving license. However, i now want to go back to my maiden name. We are not divorced but i feel it a big hassle to change name on all bank accounts etc. hence, i just want to go back to my maiden name on my 3 main documents while i am still married. How can i do that? What is the process?
All sites say i need a divorce decree to go back to my maiden name, but thats strange. I am married but i want to go back to my maiden name. Please suggest.
Whatever website says you need to get a divorce to change your name back to your maiden name is wrong. You need to obtain a court order for a legal adult name change.
Thank you! does court order require both husband and wife signature? Also, in addition to court order do you also need a newspaper advertisment?
No, only the person who's changing their name signs. The court has no interest in the other party.
Yes, that's typically the case. You can read the article about publishing your name in the newspaper for what to expect there.
I got divorced in 1998 and did not change back to my maiden name. I am now getting married in TX and we would like to use my maiden name. Can I do this or do I have to do a legal name change first?
Are you saying you want to use your maiden name on the application or you want to change to your maiden name after marriage?
If it's the prior, that wouldn't be possible. You'll have to use your current legal name. If it's the latter, you'll have to use your divorce decree to change your name back to your maiden name. If your decree doesn't contain an order permitting the return of your maiden name, then you must petition the court for a name change.
Question I got married in 2017 and only change my name with my bank and DMV but I did not hyphenated my husband last name. Is it ok to go back to the DMV to change my name back to my maiden name or can I just leave my license and my back account information the same and just continue using my maiden name.
If you had a court order, you could change it. Otherwise, you can leave it alone.
I was married 30 years ago and my name was changed on the marriage certificate but my social security card and license still have my maiden name. Does that mean both my maiden and married names are legal?
Hi Ellen. Your maiden name is still your legal name.
Hi! I got married in September (California), and at that point decide to take my husband's last name so in marriage certificate they put that It's my new last name. But now I changed my mind and I would prefer to keep use my maiden name. Is it legal? Or since there is new last name in marriage certificate I have to use it?
No, you're not required to change your name regardless of what's on your marriage certificate. Do nothing and your maiden name will remain intact.
I got married last week (we live in New York State) and I opted to keep my maiden name, mostly out of laziness. I'm 47 and didn't want to go through the hassle of changing my name on everything from my social security number to my gym membership. My original plan was to use a "double barreled" name, i.e. First Middle Maiden Married (no hyphen) and use the two last names interchangeably. But there was no option for that on the marriage license, so that would still mean I'd need to change everything over to the additional name – and likely need a court petition to complete the change. Too much work, time, money…
It's my understanding that you can call yourself anything you want, provided you are not doing so in an attempt to defraud or commit a crime. So ultimately I decided I would go by his last name socially, but keep my maiden name legally. People wrote us checks for our wedding that had my first name with his last name and the bank hasn't given me a problem, mainly because (a) we *just* got married, so obviously even if I were going to change my name it wouldn't take effect so soon, and (b) I'm putting the checks into our joint account, which obviously has his name on it.
But now that we've been married a week, I feel like I really like using his last name. I still don't want to change it legally, though, unless I end up just going with the original plan and tacking it on to the end of my maiden name. So I guess my question is, what exactly CAN I use his last name for, and what can I NOT use his last name for if it's not my legal name?
New York's name change options are fairly generous, but you have to specify your choice on the marriage license. Since you didn't do so, your path would be to file a name change request with the Supreme Court.
I've got married at the year of 2016 and taken my boardexam in 2018 and still i used my maiden name in taking my boardexam.. is it okay?
Hi Janine. If the legal name you specified when taking your board exam was correct, you're fine. If not, you can contact them to correct the record.
Ok so I got married about 4.5 years ago. At the time of filling out our Marriage Certificate, I thought I was going to take his name. After we got married, my father became ill and the importance of my last name hit me so I decided not to change it.
I have tried contacting my town and the state about getting my name change back on the marriage certificate and I'm being told that it is basically impossible without going to court and hiring a lawyer. Our marriage certificate / license is the only place where my last name shows as his.
My question is if something happens to me, will my husband have to fight or somehow prove that I am the same person as the marriage certificate in order to get everything I would be leaving behind to him? Every other document has my name on it, even our home and bank account we opened after we got married. It is literally the only document where I have his last name. How is it this hard to change?
This shouldn't be a problem, as your husband will be able to verify your identity. Many people choose to take a new name on a marriage license/certificate and then later change their mind. It's a nonissue.
I applied for green card and work permit.. My applications were all based on my maiden name. I received my SSN with my married name though.
My question is can I just retain as is my bank account details, green card, work permit and driver's license using my maiden name? Then my SSN with my married name?
Would this create a future problem for me? What is the best thig to do? I decided to use my maiden name instead of my married name for my bank details, green card, driver's license and credit card.
Hi Len. If don't intend to update your green card, you can keep a certified copy of your marriage certificate on hand in case questions about your married name arises.
I got married in 2013, it lasted 3 months. I never changed my DL, SS or birth certificate. I’m getting a divorce, will I have problems when divorcing for not changing my maiden name to the legal last name in my documents?
No, it doesn't matter.
Hi. I’m a permanent resident holding a 10 year green card. I got divorced in Feb. 2018 and my divorce decree stated that I can change my name back to my maiden name. I changed my last name to my maiden name on my ssn, driver’s license, job, bank accounts, etc. except my greencard and passport. I was told by a lawyer that I can have my greencard name changed when I apply for naturalization. I am eligible to apply for citizenship in Feb. 2019. My question is, am I going to have a problem with my citizenship application if my government id’s have already changed to my maiden name and not my greencard? Please help. Thanks
Hi Mary. You should be fine. Your situation is normal.
Hi, i recently got married, and my plan is to become a citizen next year, but i dont know what to do cause my husband owes back pay, now if i add his last name or or change my maiden name to his last names is that going to affect me on any kind of way?
Hi Bertha. The fact that you're married would be what's important, not your last name. You may want to get in touch with an accountant to discuss how your marriage affects your financial liabilities.
Can I use my maiden name when I apply to study at a university or is it fraud ?
Hi Ruth. You'll want to use whatever your current legal name is.
Hello,
I'm a Green card holder and now it's time to get my citizenship, i'm married, but all my legal documents (Green card, New York ID, SSN, etc..except marriage certificate) on my maiden name. I've got married since 2014 and I didn't change my last name, but 2 years later (my husband insisted on changing my last name, and in 2016 we came back to City Hall (as City Hall's Clerk advised us) and we remarried…
I have 2 marriage certificate now: first one is on my maiden name since 2014 and second one is on my husband's last name since 2016)..My question is… can I leave my maiden name when I apply for Citizenship? I still don't want change my maiden name
Thank you in advance
Yes, you can still leave your maiden name as your true legal name. You don't have to change it.
Hi!
I want to finally take my wife’s last name on all legal documents, except for my passport and military ID. I will change those in the next 2 years. Question is: will I enounter any sort of problem if I have some legal docs with my maiden name and some with my married name?
Thank you!
Maybe. You can carry a certified a copy of your marriage certificate with you to explain the inconsistency.
11.18.2018. My divorce was final in 2013. During the settlement, I signed a power of attorney over ownership for my ex-husband to have ownership of a truck. It was recently totaled due to a tree falling on it during a hurricane. He now has an insurance claim on it.
This week he has asked me to sign another power of attorney form. He states that back in 2013 there was a mistake on the form and it was rejected and “he just never fixed it”. So my name on the ownership form and the title of the truck is my married name.
My question is this, I changed my married name back to my maiden name last year. The notary (his friend) and my ex husband say I have to sign the form as my married name so the names match. Is this ok, since I have changed my name back to maiden name? It is a notarized signature. Thank you!
Hi Melody. There is an AKA option that the notary may accept. If they're just trying to get this moving along so that whichever entity receives the document is satisfied, then it's up to you if you're comfortable going along with it.
There doesn't appear to be anything nefarious about what they're suggesting and it's not as though your identity is in question, so this may be a mountain out of a molehill situation.
I indicated a name change on my marriage license (this is for NY) to hyphenate maiden-husband's last name since I wanted to have that representation that we're married. But I've recently been thinking that I want to keep my maiden name to avoid the insanity that is with notifying my licensing board of a name change. I'll be getting married in a month. Is there a way to change it on the day we get our marriage certificate or will we have to reapply again?
You can first ask the city or town clerk if they can reissue the marriage license with a modification. They may charge a small fee or no fee. If that's not an option, you'll have to apply for a brand new license.
Hello,
I am from California. On our marriage application and license, I put that I wanted to add my birth name to my middle name (2 middle names) and take his last name.
When we got the license, we were still struggling with this and we asked if what would happen if changed our minds about the name change. We were told that if we changed our minds, we would need to pay the $85 license fee again for a new license.
We ended up deciding it was best for me to either keep my last name or just add his name to my last name (2 last names, no hyphen). We have not turned in a signed license (my minister and witnesses).
We went back to the clerk to get a new license with the new name information to sign and submit for our official marriage certificate but were then told that they could not issue a new one because our we married on November 17th.
The clerk said that we were told incorrect information. Based on what the initial clerk told us, we thought the marriage/name change was not official until we submitted the competed and signed license and were issued an official Marriage Certificate?
We were Is this true? Do we have any recourse, or do I have to change my name to his last name? if no recourse, how can I keep my birth name or change it to reflect 2 last names?
Hi Nanette. Bottom line, you can only change your name to what's reflected on your marriage certificate. You're not required to change your name to this though. If you want your middle or last name changed to something other than what's on your certificate, you'll have to go to court.
Thanks! All names are on the license (no certificate yet), just not in the correct spot.
So, just for clarification, if my license has…First as 'Nanette', Middle as 'Michelle Johnson' [birth middle & last/maiden] and Last as 'Miller' and I want my middle just to remain as 'Michelle' and my new last name as 'Johnson Miller' [maiden & hubby's last name], I'd still need to go to court to change it?
Your certificate will ultimately mirror the names on the license.
Correct.
Just got married last month and wondering if I need to go to court to change my name or just take marriage certificate to all the places like SS and DMV, etc. . I want to drop my middle name and use both my maiden and married names, but no hyphen. So for example instead of “Jenny Lynn McKenzie” it would now be “Jenny McKenzie Smith” – two last names, no middle name … is this a legal court matter for name changing or is just filling out changes at SS and DMV etc. valid legally? State of Illinois if that helps. Thank you!
Hi Jenny. You can't drop your middle name without a court order.
I just changed my name but did not update my SS and DL.
I am about to purchase a property (no band and finance involved) and a vehicle, I want to have both under my new name, I can’t postpone the purchases.
I am planning to update my SS and DL 5 days prior to the purchase, I am concerned about insurance company not being able to verify my credit as the updated seems to take a while to show.
any comment if insurance companies will take into consideration my previous name against for credit checking so insurance coverage may not be an issue?
Thanks
Hi Kate. They'll check against your current legal name. If it's not found, they can try your prior name. If necessary, you can offer to provide them a copy of your marriage certificate to silence any doubts.
I recently got a court order that grants me permission to resume using my maiden name ( many years after the divorce). I’m having second thoughts about it and no longer want to change my name. Will I run into any problems if I just don’t change my SS info, drivers license or anything else?
No, there won't be any problems. You aren't required to follow through.
Thank you so much for being generous with your advice.
Good morning…i am separated for almost 10 yrs now,is it possible to change my married surname to my maiden name?even if we are not legally separated and whst is the requirments?tia
You'd have to file a regular name change petition with the court. Spousal separation, even for a great length of time, isn't sufficient for you to request your name be changed by X agency. If you ultimately get divorced, you can request the judge include instructions in the decree to reestablish your maiden name.
Hi so I got married a month ago and I wanna change my name, but just on my DL can that be done or will I have to change it on everything? Can I have both maid and married name on the DL but just my maid name? please help with answers thanks
If the DMV performs a lookup against the SSA database and discovers a name mismatch, you wouldn't be issued a new driver's license until your social security card is updated.
It's not guaranteed this action will be performed, but there's a good chance it will.
I don't know which you're referring to here. Please clarify.
sorry I was asking can I have both names on DL but just use my maid name? like for my food stamps and stuff I still wanna use my maid name. So will I be able to have both names on the DL but just use maid name?
Hi Shyra. You could use your maiden name informally, but for legal and government purposes, it would have to be your legal name.
Yes I live in Tennessee mines like that
QUESTION
Received my marriage certificate it states just my new surname. I had wanted to have both maiden name /hyphen new surname name listed on certificate but was misinformed by clerk that I should just list new surname on application to have option of both. Told now by town that only way to correct this is to redo marriage ceremony and application.
Can I just legally continue to use my maiden name for ease of life on everything with no penalties. Ex social security,taxes,bank statement,credit cards be listed on marriage certificate, citizenships, drivers license, etc,etc
Certainly.
Hi
I have my maiden name on Passport and on marriage certificate its with my husband last name.
I am applying for L2 Visa. Am i going to get into trouble for this?
Please help.
No, it wouldn't get you in trouble.
I got divorced in 2011 and court granted me the right to go back to my maiden name which I never did because of the hassle with SS. I am now engaged and plan on getting married in a couple of months. The only thing that never ended up changing was my SS name card. It still is under my former married name. Everything else is under my maiden name now(ie license, passport, etc). If I go back to SS now (years later) to change back to my maiden name, will it be a problem ? Also i plan on keeping my maiden name when i get re-married.
I meant to say which i never did legally with SS.
No problem. Just use a certified copy of your divorce decree to change your name back.
Hi, I’m getting married and want to keep my maiden name for some time, for family reasons.
I intend on changing my name to his at some point down the road but it could be 10 years before it’s feasable to do,
Will I be able to take my marriage licence and change my name legally on everything then or will we need to get married again?
You can change it later. Even many years later. You wouldn't have to remarry.
I recently got married and while filling out the marriage license i had opted to take my husbands last name, however i no longer want to, and was thinking of just hyphenating.. am i able to do that when i go to legally change my name or does it have to match the marriage license
Hi Katie. It likely has to match the state. Which state did the marriage take place in?
I got married 2012 and i changed my name only on my ss card. I have been using my maiden name for everything, DL, Bank account, insurance everything. Do i need to change my last name on my ss card back to my maiden? If so how and how much is it?
Not possible without a court order.
I’ve done about the same, I had my name changed on my social security card in June of 2018, and I’m going to go to the dmv tomorrow (May 2019) to get my license renewed as well as change my name on my license if I can. Everything else I have been using has my maiden name, except for my SSC. Is this possible to do without a court order? If so, is there a large fine?
There's no need for a court order if you're changing your name to match your social security card.
No.
I am am an emerging artist. I changed my name when i got married 18 yrs ago and took my spouse's name. But I sign my paintings with my maiden initials. Is it appropriate to continue to use my maiden name to sign my paintings and continue going by my maiden name as an artist but everything else by my legal name? Or do I have to go through the whole "DBA" thing?
Registering a DBA isn't required. You'll just do it if it serves any useful administrative or tax filing purpose.
I got a divorced in Hawaii in 2007 and elected to take back my maiden name. I moved to Colorado in 2008 and since my birth date wasn't listed on my Hawaiian divorce papers, Colorado DMV refused to recognize my maiden name as my legal name.. Because of that, I decided to continue using my married name.
After 8 years I moved back to Hawaii. I needed to get my Hawaiian drivers license and since my divorce papers listed my maiden name as my name they told me I had to have that on my license.
Since the divorce I had opened various credit accounts, loans and etc. with my married name. I decided I want to keep my married name.
My question is this. Do I have to go through the complete name change process to keep the name I have used now for for over 30 years?
The DMV is the only one that is using my maiden name but since I need my DL on occasion for identification purposes I'm concerned that having a different name on it will create a problem.
Thanks…
Are you looking to change your name with the Hawaii DMV from maiden to married? If that's the only entity, then you'll have to present a document that'll satisfy them.
It can't be your marriage certificate, since you're divorced. It can't be your divorce decree, since you already used that to go back to your maiden name. That leaves a court order, assuming you're unable to get the DMV to grant an exception.
Thanks for your reply. I was forced to get my driver license since my Colorado one was expiring today and I didn't want to go through the process of getting a new license all over again. They issued it with my maiden name on it since it was the name on my divorce papers as my legal name I would take after my divorce was final. I literally begged them to leave my current married name on my new drivers license but they refused. So how do I go about getting a court order or do I have to go through the expense and inconvenience of the name change process?
You'll have to submit a name change petition in the district court representing your county of residence.
Hi. I got married in 2004 in NC, and my husband and I decided I would hyphenate my last name. But I never did, and he seems upset by this. So I was wondering if I can change my name to the hyphenated last name on my marriage certificate only? Thanks.
Yes, you can.
We were married in 2015 in CA. I indicated I wanted to keep my current last name on the marriage license for tax purposes but now I want to change it, can I do that or will we need to remarry?
Hi Keisha. You'd actually have to petition the court.
I married in 2018 and changed my SS to my husband’s last name, but I kept my maiden name professionally, on my DL and insurance. We live in TN. Will this cause any identification issues when we file our taxes? Also, do I need to obtain a DBA? If so, how do I do this in TN?
We are planning to try to get pregnant in 2019. Will I be able to use my husband’s last name on my the birth certificate and medical records even though my insurance has my maiden name?
It may if the name you're filing in doesn't match what's on file with the social security administration and IRS.
You can register an assumed name online which is the same as a DBA.
Yes.
Hello. I got my marriage license on Monday. I did not know I was supposed to decide immediately the last name, and was taken by surprised when I was asked. I decided to change it to my future husband's. Now my family (European) is very upset because that is not customary to us, and they are asking me to rethink this. Given we have not yet performed the ceremony, that will take place later today, am I still on time to change this?
Thank you!!!
Hi Laura. Name change is optional. You don't have to commit to what you specified on your marriage license.
Hi- I recently got married in Texas and was so excited to take my husband’s name. I began the name change process rather hastily and now have a social security card and driver’s license with my first name, middle name, new last name on it. I received my social security card in the mail today – wondering if it’s possible to change to first name, maiden name, and new last name? Can I just return to social security office with my marriage certificate and start over or do I have to go through the court system?
You'll have to go through the court system to do a follow-up name change.
I got married about 17 years ago and changed my name on drivers license to my husbands last name but didn’t change my ss card to his name it still has my maiden name on it and i lost my husband about 8 years ago and want to know what i can do to change my name back to maiden name on my drivers license i live in South Carolina
Hi Melinda. You'd have to get a court order.
Hi…I want to use my maiden name again, but I'm still married…how can I do that?
Hi J Ann. If you want to make it official, you'll have to get a court ordered name change. The alternative is to use your maiden name informally.
Hi there,
We are an Irish couple getting married in LV shortly.
I want to continue using my maiden name on all official documentation and only use my marriage name socially.
However, for tax purposes we have to notify the Revenue (Tax office) of our marriage, do I tell them that I still intend to go by my maiden name – even though the marriage certificate will show my marriage name?
Hi Lou. If you're not formally changing your name, there's nothing to tell them about.
I have changed my last name after getting married. We recently found out we are expecting and when I went to the doctor for the first visit I still had my primary insurance under my maiden name. My husband is concerned that there will be issues with billing once I begin using his insurance since I now have been put under his insurance with my new name. Do you know anything about this?
Hi Joanna. Insurance is typically under your social security number as well, so it shouldn't be much of an issue. You may want to consider contacting your prior insurance company about your name change.
Hi,
I married back in 2008, I took my current seperate husband last name when we married but I never change my new last name on all documents including driver license, SS but my green card is his last name. Do I have to wait till we finalize the divorce in order to change back my maiden name on my green card?
Hi LA. You don't have to wait if you obtain a court-ordered name change. If you don't want to go through those steps and expense, you'll need to wait to receive your divorce decree.
Hi,
I got married at a young age and didn't realize my maiden name changed to my husband's last name after marriage. For years I've been using my maiden name when signing documents, bank accounts etc. I'm not sure what to do now. Should I continue using my maiden name or do I legally have to use my husband's last name?
What's the basis of your saying you changed it? Your marriage certificate, social security card, driver's license, or a combination thereof?
This is going to sound stupid but I have a hyphenated first name. I never used the second name. I am having my ss card and my drivers license name changed so they match. Should I use it? And since it is only on my birth certificate is that enough documentation to have it changed?
If the name on file with the SSA is hyphenated, it won't be changed without a court order. Same with your driver's license.
Hello, I got married about a year ago and changed my name to reflect my husband's last name Green on my ssc and citizenship/ passport. However, I own a property in my maiden name. Now i use my maiden-married name. Is that ok? or will i get in trouble for using both maiden and marital name on documents (since i legally removed my maiden name on ssc & passport). I'm wondering if i can keep both my maiden name and marital name on my driver's license (FL) now.
Hi Tanya. These sort of name mismatches have a way of eventually catching up with you. It's one thing to use an alternative name informally. It's another to do so on official documents.
As for your driver's license, when it comes time to renew they'll likely perform a search against SSA records and they'll come across your current name. If that happens, your license must be updated to reflect your legal name.
Hi got married and tuck. My. Husband last name but we have split up and I changed my last name back to my madam name by deepoll us that ok to do
Hi Kelly. Could you please rephrase your question? I'm not sure what you're asking?
I got married in 2014, changed my name everywhere, except US GC and my foreign passport (those still bear my maiden name). Never before had I any problems with that.
Now this year I'm finalizing a divorce. Not planning to change back, because of too much paperwork.
Question: if I wish to remarry anytime down the road, will I be able to do it under my maiden name with my passport, where it never changed? And still keep the name from my current marriage after remarrying, as I don't wish to change US documents?
It may be possible. It depends on the state's marriage license requirements as it pertains to identification. Many states leave ID decisions up to the marriage licensing officer. Foreign passports are typically accepted as-is without much problem.
You don't have to change your name regardless.
Hi – i got marrried in 2017 in nyc and i hyphenated my last name on my marriage certificate to CRUZ-RIVERA (my last name is cruz and my husband is Rivera).
i have not changed my name in my SS, DMV, passport, etc, all my paperwork reads CRUZ. HOWEVER, i recently submitted a renewal for my permanent green card (since it’s about to expire) with my first name and new hyphenated name CRUZ-RIVERA.
I am scheduled for my biometircs and i want to know if this will be an issue? Or do i need to go to SS office to legally change my name?
Now I’m wondering if i made a mistake and i should have renewed my green card with my name before marriage – not sure if it’s too late to do this? I also need to get a new permit at the DMV and I’m debating wether to leave it with just cruz (Can i do this?) any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Karen. Your green card takes precedence. The Social Security Administration can change the name in their records to match the green card, not the other way around. Same with the driver's license.
Hi Valera, thank you for your prompt response. i just want to make sure i then filled out my green card application correctly. It asks “Has your namei legally changed my name since the issuance of your permanent resident card.” I indicated yes since i did get married and i listed the name on my marriage license. I have not gone to the SS office for a name change yet. Am i required to do this? Or can i leave my paperwork as is?
That's proper.
You can, but then you'll have to juggle this name mismatch.
I have been divorced 8 years and when we had married I used First Maiden Husband’s Last Name. Now, I am buying property and building a new home. I no longer wish to use his last name. Can I legally use my First Maiden name to purchase the property? Time is of essence- putting in the bid ASAP. Thanks.
Hi Lori. You'll want to consult with whoever is handling the purchase for you. A name mismatch can hold things up, especially if your identification doesn't match what's on your credit report or bank statements.
I got married in 2015 and signed my Marriage License/Certificate requesting name change. The entire time I was married I continued using my maiden name for everything. When I got divorced I did not request a name change because I didn’t feel I needed to since I never went by my married name and none of my personal documents (besides marriage license) shows me having my married name. (Everything still shows my maiden name since that is what I had continued to use) Now that I’m wanting to get married again, am I going to have an issue?
It's not a problem, as your name was never changed.
I have a question my daughter is pregnant and she's married she's separated from her husband and got pregnant from her high school sweetheart come to find out he doesn't want anything to do with her or the baby. So my question is her can she give the baby her maddien name instead of her married name
Yes, it's up to her.
Hi. Ive been married last 2008 but was seperated to my husband after 4 yrs. However, ive already used my married name at my drivers license and tin id. I just filed for a petition for annulment this 2018 but the process is still ongoing. I am planning to buy a house using my maiden name now, using my passport as identification that also contains my maiden name, Is it possible that i request that my name be changed back to my maiden name now for my tin no. to be able to buy the property under my maiden name?
You'd have to present a document to justify the change, such as a court order