Free Michigan Married Name Change Guide & Checklist

How do I change names after marriage in Michigan?

The only proof you need to change names is your marriage certificate. Apply for this with the county clerk where your marriage license was initially filed. Simply having a marriage license or signing your license in your new name does not automatically change your name. Your name change only becomes official once you update the Social Security Administration and, if applicable, your Michigan driver’s license or state ID card. All other applicable organizations should also be updated.

Contact each organization directly to learn the name change paperwork and what paperwork may be required. Otherwise get personalized and ready to send paperwork and detailed procedures for over 1,000 organizations with an Easy Name Change kit.

Apply for a Michigan Marriage License

The bride and groom must apply for their marriage license at least 3 days prior to their wedding. The license is then valid for 33 days. The license costs $20 for a state resident, or $30 for out of state residents (prices correct at time of writing, but subject to change).

The couple should apply in the county where either party resides. Whichever applicant resides in that county should appear in person to apply or collect the certificate, if both parties reside in the same county they should both attend and the license is valid state wed. If both parties live out of state, they must only apply in the county where they plan to wed. Some counties offer online license applications, but the all the necessary supporting documents must be shown when collecting the license.

Collect your license in person from the county clerk and provide it to the officiant. After the ceremony they will return it to the county recorder. Once filed you can order a marriage certificate, which is accepted everywhere as proof of name change.

Get a certified copy of your marriage certificate

You can apply for a certified copy of your marriage certificate either at the county clerk’s office where your marriage license was filed, or you may apply at state level. It is generally quicker and easier to apply at the county clerk’s office as certificates are available about a week or two after your ceremony. Walk in certificate requests are usually issued on the spot. Fees vary for each county, but expect to pay around $15 for your first certificate, and under $10 for subsequent copies ordered at the same time. Many counties have online ordering, mail in application forms and fees available on their website. Simply google your county’s name plus ‘marriage certificate’ to find out more.

Prioritize your name change with the SSA

Many government agencies link records from the SSA and will only allow you to change to a name that is currently on file with the SSA. This means that all name changes should start with updating SSA records. Complete form SS5- Application for a Social Security Card, which is also used to change names on existing SSA cards. We provide this form and help you correctly complete it in all our Easy Name Change kits. You may return the form by mail, however for faster service we recommend filing in person at an SSA acceptance facility.

Michigan driver’s license/ID card name change

Once your name has been updated with SSA, visit a Secretary of State branch office with your current license or state ID card and the original certified copy of your marriage certificate. A new photograph will be taken. There is a driver license replacement fee of $9, however if your license is due to expire soon you may choose to renew it for $18. Note, fees are current at the time of writing but are subject to change without notice.

If you have an enhanced license, or are applying for an enhanced license, different fees apply and you may need to present a number of additional identity documents. Contact the SOS directly for more information about enhanced driver licenses. 

Michigan vehicle title & registration name change

It is not mandatory you update the name on your vehicle title, but it is encouraged. Attend any Secretary of State branch office with your current title and either an updated driver’s license or certified copy of your marriage certificate. You may choose to do this when you apply for a driver license name change.

If there are other owners on your title, all must appear together when you apply for a name change, otherwise the other owners may sign an ‘Appointment of an Agent’ form which can designate one of the owners to sign on their behalf. There is a $15 name correction fee and a new title will be issued. There is no fee to correct the registration. 

Passport name change

The process and fees to update passport books and cards depend on when your current passport was issued. For passports less than 12 months old, expect a free replacement and file form DS-5504.

If your passport is more than 12 months old, you will be due for full renewal fees and a new 10 year passport will be issued. No credit is given for any time remaining on your passport. File form DS-82 and pay renewal fees of $110 for passport books and/or $30 for passport cards. While fees were correct at the time of writing, they can change without notice.

Brides changing names from marriage may continue to use a passport issued in their maiden name, providing it matches the name used on international flights and bookings. Keep in mind you may run into issues should you need to prove your identity abroad, so you may want to take a copy of your marriage record when travelling.

Easy Name Change steps you through completing both form DS-5504 and DS-82 online. We also provide all the necessary name change forms for all Michigan and federal agencies, plus provide fully researched name change procedures and paperwork for hundreds more companies. Our kits start from just $19.95.

Document preparation

Easy Name Change provides ready to send forms, letters and faxes for any agencies or governments that allow name change in writing. But we’re more than just forms! There’s probably a whole bunch of companies that you need to change names with. We’ll let you know what the correct process is for your banks, loyalty clubs, credit cards and hundreds more companies. You can have ready to send name change notifications for virtually all your organizations in just 15 minutes.

What married name can I take in Michigan

Only brides married in Michigan can change names as name change rights are not extended to grooms. Same sex marriages are not recognized in Michigan. Here are the bride’s options;

• Take your husband’s surname on all ID and records
• Take your husband’s surname on all ID and records, but keep using your maiden name at work or in social situations
• Add your husband’s name to your own (in either order). This can be separated by a hyphen or space, however double surnames separated by a space are more likely to be incorrectly recorded by organizations.
• Leave your name as it currently is