How to Change Your Last Name after Eloping

Jun 1

Once you elope, you have a few steps left to make everything official. Don’t forget after your intimate wedding that you will need to change your maiden name. Before your big day, you will need to make your decision about whether or not you will want to change your name. If you want to change it, the process can be complicated and frustrating — don’t worry, we have the tools, tips, and tricks that you need!

Step 1: The Marriage License

Submitting your Marriage License is the beginning! Before you get married, check the legal requirements for how to file a Marriage License. You will indicate there if you would like to change your name. You will need the Marriage License before you can change your name in other places.

Step 2: Social Security Card

You will not need to change your actual Social Security Number, just your name on the card. You can fill out the online form on the U.S. Social Security Administration website. Use you Marriage License to submit this form, they will mail you a new card after your application has been approved!

Step 3: Driver’s License

Head over to your friendly local DMV with your Marriage License to get a newly printed identification card. Make an appointment to avoid long lines and make your DMV experience go much more smoothly.

Step 4: Update your passport

Get ready to travel! In order to hop on a plane, your Passport Name and your ID will need to match. You will need to bring your current passport, your marriage license, and a passport photo to submit your application. As the passport renewal process can take some time, we recommend doing this after you have returned from your honeymoon so that you have plenty of time to receive your passport before your next big trip!

Step 5: Bank Account and Credit Cards

Your first step is to change your name with your bank accounts. Call or go in to your banks, make sure to bring your new identification! Once your bank has your new name, you can get your new cards, if your cards are through your bank, this will be even easier. If your cards are not through your bank account, call each of your cards to update your name. Make sure to check your credit and debit cards as well as all of your cards that are through retailers.

Step 6: Everything Else

There are many other places that you may need to update your name, here are a couple to start out with.

Your employer to get the correct name on payroll
Your lease, utility, and rent/mortgage
Future Travel plans to match your ID
Your Doctors
Voter registration (you’ll need to register again)
Insurance — auto, home, health
Your phone, cable, streaming services, technology
Business cards
Email address
Attorney
Will
Social media

There you have it! That is how you change your name and all of the places you will need to update your personal information if you choose to change your last name following your elopement wedding.

Nicole Berriman

Nicole is the Lead Elopement Concierge at Modern Elopement, bringing her passion for crafting unforgettable experiences to every couple she works with. Since joining the team in 2018, she has helped hundreds of couples create their perfect wedding day, ensuring that each celebration is as magical as can be.

Her favorite island is Oahu and she finds inspiration in the island's majestic Ko'olau mountains. With a love for travel that has taken her to over 40 countries, she thrives in the great outdoors, particularly on sun-drenched beaches.