Ohio
Name change
after marriage
How to change names after marriage, Ohio
Congratulations! You’re married and have decided to take your spouse’s surname! The not-so-great news… it can take weeks to get all your accounts and records changed over to your new name yourself.Â
Our service saves the hassle of contacting each company to verify their process! Our ready-to-send forms, letters and emails means you save hours of tedious administration! Â
Even better – you only need your marriage certificate to get started! Simply attach it to our personalized notifications and send! You’ll still need to visit the DMV and most banks in person, but our instructions and hacks will save hours!
Parties should appear together at the county probate court where either party resides. If both parties live out of state, then apply in the county where you will be married. Check your county probate court for the exact process, as some require online pre-registration, advance bookings or at other courts you can just walk in.
If this is the first wedding for both parties, take the following documents:
- State photo ID showing your current address
- proof of SSN
- Payment for the license fee, typically around $60-$80
Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days. After the ceremony is conducted, the officiant will file the completed license with the county probate court, then you can order official marriage certificates.
The officiant will file the signed wedding license with the probate court where it was issued. Allow a few days for the record to be updated.
Check your county website for the certificate ordering process. Most have in person, online and mail services. Most counties charge $2 for a certified marriage certificate, which can be used as proof of name change.
Once you have the official marriage certificate, you can start by updating your details with the SSA. If enough time has passed, your county court may have uploaded marriage records, allowing you to complete your name change entirely online with the SSA. Start by visiting the SSA website and answering some questions: https://www.ssa.gov/personal-record/change-name
If your personal details cannot be verified online, you will be directed to attend an SSA location to complete your name change. The site will explain what documents are needed based on your situation.
You can also visit a SSA location with the completed SS-5 form, however full evidence of identity and citizenship documents are required.
Once the name change has been processed you will receive an updated card with the same number and updated name. Next, update your Ohio driver’s license.
Attend a Deputy Registrar’s office. For locations visit https://publicsafety.ohio.gov/local-office. Take the following original documents with you:
- current license/ID card
- marriage certificate
- Proof of updated SSN
- $26 license duplicate fee Â
You may choose to upgrade to a REAL ID, in which case a number of additional identification documents are needed. Check the flyer in your Easy Name Change pack or visit the Ohio BMV website.
Ohio vehicle titles are not updated when your name changes. When you dispose of the vehicle, you can account for the difference between your photo ID and title by showing the official marriage certificate.
Only update your passport when any booked travel in your current name has finished.
If your passport is more than 12 months old, complete form DS-82 online or use the paper form in your Easy Name Change kit. A new passport costs $130 ($30 for a passport card).
If both your wedding and your passport are less than 12 months old, you qualify for a free passport replacement using form DS-5504
Ohio BMV will match any married name on your SSA record. The following options are available:
- Swap your surname with your spouse
- Add your spouse’s surname to your current surname. Names may appear in either order
- Move your maiden name to become a middle name. This can be in addition to your current middle name or in place of your middle name.
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INFORMATION HUB
Marriage Name Change
All you need is your marriage certificate. Some places must be updated in person, some need you to send a request in writing. We explain what to send where.
If you have the legal right to permanently reside in the USA you can change names here too. There’s no special ‘registration’ of your new name, just start using it! Use our ready to send notifications to update your records.
You can take your spouse’s surname even if you were married overseas. Apply for your official foreign marriage certificate, then attach to our notifications and send.
There are different forms to use depending on when your passport was issued. Follow the links to download the form you need.
Make the SSA your first priority! Start the process online. You may be directed to complete the name change in person at an SSA location. Once your name change is confirmed send off all other notifications.
It’s not always as black and white as your surname or your spouse’s surname. You have a few more options. The same name change options are available to either spouse.
Even if you’re planning to change names, we recommend using your existing name and signature. While you can use your new name immediately, it’s best to keep your name and signature consistent with the wedding license application.
Religious vs government marriage certificate? You may need to order your official certificate from the county clerk as not all organizations accept a religious certificate.
It is possible to keep your maiden name as a middle name but you should first be aware of your state’s law. You may need to state your preferred name when filing for your wedding license.
Follow our three married name change tips for the fastest and smoothest name change possible! We provide the low down on checklists, proof documents and planning.
Want to do your own name change research and paperwork? Create your beautiful & personalized checklist with all the companies you may need to notify from our extensive database!
