Marriage licenses are issued by the county or city. Check their website as they all have different ordering processes. Both parties are usually required to attend a county location in person with the following identification:

• State or federal photo ID
• Proof of SSN (SSA card, payslip, tax returns)

If either party does not have a SSN, they should provide a second ID, which can include a birth certificate or a second photo ID.

Once the wedding license is issued, it can be used anywhere in Pennsylvania from 3 days after issue, up to 60 days.

The person who has conducted the wedding has 10 days to return the completed license to the county.

The person conducting your ceremony has 10 days to file the completed marriage license with the county registrar.

Fees vary between counties, but expect to pay between $10 and $25 for a certified copy or your marriage certificate, which is suitable as proof when changing names.

Check your county website for their marriage certificate ordering process. Some have online ordering. Most have walk In services.

It may be easier to wait 60 days after your marriage license has been recorded by the county as you may be eligible to change names online with the SSA.

Start by answering some questions at https://www.ssa.gov/personal-record/change-name. Some applicants may have their identity and wedding details confirmed electronically and a new SSA card will be sent by mail.

If you can’t be electronically verified, the site will direct you to complete your name change in person at an SSA location. You will also be advised what original proof documents are needed. A replacement card with the same number, but a new name will be mailed to you.

Change names in person at a Driver License Center. It’s recommended you complete form DL-80 before attending (non-commercial driver’s license). Get this form online or we can include it in any name change kit.

Pennsylvania DMV allows the following changes when you show the original marriage certificate and your current driver’s license:

• Swap your surname with your spouse’s
• Add your spouse’s surname to yours. Names can appear in either order.

It is possible to move your pre-married name to become a middle name, but you will need to present additional original proof documents that reflect the new name. For example:

• Tax records
• voter registration card
• passport
• any federal or state photo ID
• bank records

Complete form MV-41, available online or in your Easy Name Change kit. Side A is for updating registration. Side B is for updating title.

File the completed form at Penn DOT location. There is a $58 duplicate title fee.

You should continue any international travel booked in your current name and hold of updating your passport until you have no pending international travel. 

If you were married in the past 12 months AND your US passport is less than 12 months old, you qualify for a free passport replacement by filing form  DS-5504.

For anyone else with a current passport, complete DS-82 and pay replacement fees ($130 for the passport book. $30 for the card). 

We recommend completing the online form at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html. This way you can be sure you are accessing the latest form and the site will provide prompts as you progress through the form.

There is some confusion over what married names are allowed in Pennsylvania. While the SSA will allow most of the common names, including moving your maiden name to become a middle name, you need to ensure the state DMV allows the same name, as these records must match.

Pennsylvania DMV allow for the following changes on presentation of the official marriage certificate:

• Swap your surname with your spouse’s surname
• Add your spouse’s surname to your current surname

The DMV allow other names, but you must present 2 official documents that show your new name. If you want your maiden name to become a middle name, the SSA must be in your chosen new name along with 2 other records. Acceptable documents include:

• Bank records
• Photo ID issued by any government agency, state or federal.
• Voter Registration Card