Married Name Change Guide & Checklist, Illinois

How do I change names after marriage in Illinois?

The right to change names is extended to both spouses’ in Illinois, including same sex spouses. There is no need to specify your preferred name when applying for your marriage license. Once you are married, simply apply for a certified copy of your marriage certificate from your county clerk. Show this to any organizations that may require proof of your married name. 

Always change names with the SSA first, then apply to all other agencies and companies. You may have a number of forms to complete and many companies require you to send a letter. Get all your ready to send paperwork in just 20 minutes with Easy Name Change. Our notification kits start from just $19.95.

Appling for an Illinois Marriage License

Marriage licenses are usually only valid for use in the county where they were issued. Check directly with the county clerk’s office in the county where you reside or plan to marry.

Both parties should appear together when applying. Complete the marriage license application form, present valid photo ID including proof of age and pay the fee. Licenses are issued on the spot and are valid for the next day, for up to 60 days. Fees vary between counties; expect to pay between $30 and $60.

After the ceremony the officiants completes the marriage license and returns it to the county clerk’s office. Couples can order a certified copy of their marriage certificate about 1 to 2 weeks later.

Get a certified copy of your marriage certificate

Marriage certificates are not automatically sent to couples, however some counties have facilities to pre-order at the time of applying for a marriage license. Certificates are generally available from a week or two after your ceremony. Certificates are only issued by the clerk in the county where you applied for your marriage license.

Expect to pay around $10 to $15 for the first copy, then under $5 for subsequent copies.  Most counties allow you to apply online or by mail using a form you can download from their site. Just google ‘county clerk marriage record’ for your county to learn the process, fees, turnaround and to access the application form, if your county has one.  

Prioritize your name change with the SSA

Always change names with Social Security first. Most agencies will only allow you to change to the same name as currently recorded with the SSA. This means you may need to wait a few days after filing for your name to be updated. You must complete and return form SS5 – Application for a Social Security Card. There is no charge. 

Illinois driver’s license/ID card name change

Ensure your name has first been changed with the SSA. Next, attend any Driver Services Facility in person within 10 days of the change. You must provide your current license, identification with your new name (eg: updated SSA card or correspondence) and identification that links the old and new names (eg: your marriage certificate). There is a $5 fee* for a duplicate license.

*Fees correct at time of writing, subject to change without notice.

Illinois vehicle title & registration name change

Submit form VSD-190 with the Illinois Certificate of Title and a certified copy of your marriage certificate. There is a $15 title fee. You can correct your registration card at the same time for $3. Titles are mailed to owner, or to your lienholder if you have one. Include the details of your lienholder on form VSD-190. Begin your VSD-190 application online. You can then file in person at any Secretary of State facility or else send the documents by mail.  

Passport name change

There are different forms to use, depending on when your passport was issued. For passports issued within the past 12 months, use form DS-5504. You will receive a replacement passport free of charge. For current passports issued more than 12 months ago, use form DS-82 and pay full renewal fees ($110 passport book, $130 passport card). There is no credit provided for unused time in your passport. Easy Name Change helps you complete the correct passport name change form and explains how to file, our kits start from just $19.95. 

Document preparation

We help personalize all your name change forms, letters and faxes so you can just sign and send. We have almost 1,000 listings, covering all state and federal agencies plus hundreds more companies, ranging from your bank to loyalty clubs to insurance and more. Get detailed filing instructions and ready to send paperwork for each company. No hunting for forms, waiting on hold or guesswork.  

DIY with our free checklist

Want to save money by changing names the hard way? Manage your own name change with our free name change checklist. Download in PDF or DOC format and make any changes as you go. We list all the places where you should change names so you won’t miss anything. Allow an additional day for research and paperwork. If you have more than 15 organizations to notify, we recommend a personalized kit as it will save you over 8 hours.

Same sex marriages and name change in Illinois

Illinois same sex marriages came into effect in February 2014. If you normally reside in Illinois and are married here both spouses will be extended all the same name change rights as any married couple. Non-residents cannot obtain a marriage license if that marriage would be void in their home state.

What married name can I take in Illinois?

If you were married in Illinois, both spouses have the following name change options;

• Take your spouse’s surname
• Take your spouse’s surname on all ID and records, but keep using your maiden name at work
• Add your spouse’s surname to your own (with or without a hyphen)
• Leave your name as it currently is

If you add your spouse’s name to your own, you may run into issues should you separate your surnames with a space rather than a hyphen. When entering your name into their system, some companies may not realize the distinction between your middle and surnames. Often only the second part of a double barreled surname is recognized as a surname. If this occurs on any records you should have it corrected immediately so that you don’t run into identification issues.