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Key Takeaways
Changing your name after marriage involves handling federal paperwork first, which includes getting a new Social Security card for free.
State-level name changes, like updating your driver’s license, usually cost between $25 to $50 depending on your location.
If you want a completely new last name, expect court filing fees ranging from $250 to $300.
You’ve said “I do,” danced the night away, and signed the marriage license. Next up: Changing your name. Whether you’ll be taking your spouse’s last name, combining your names, or creating something entirely new, understanding the components that go into getting a new name will help you navigate this (legal) situation as seamlessly as possible. For starters, you can expect to deal with a healthy amount of paperwork. “It’s still a bit of an antiquated process,” says Jake Wolff of HitchSwitch. “We found it takes the average newlywed about 15 hours of research to figure out what to do.”
Individuals should also expect to deal with both state and federal laws when attempting to change their name after marriage. Per Wolff, there are five major categories at the state and federal level that’ll require an update, and a few fees are involved with procuring new documents within these categories. With that in mind, we thought it would be helpful to put together a guide to help break down the various costs associated with changing your name at the state and federal levels. Read on for more.
Meet the Expert
Jake Wolff is the founder of HitchSwitch, a service that guides newlyweds through the name change process.
The Costs of Changing Your Name With the Federal Government
Changing your name at the federal level should be your first step in the name change process. Here are all the fees you’ll need to pay.
Social Security Card
You can apply for a new Social Security card by mail (find instructions here) or in person at a local Social Security office (click here for your nearest location). There is no fee for this service.
Passport
If your passport was issued less than a year ago, there’s no fee associated with changing your name. If you’ve had it for a year or more, however, visit Travel.State.Gov to use their fee chart and calculator to see how much it’ll cost for a new passport book. Per Wolff, if you’d also like a passport card, that’s an additional $30, and costs for expedited shipping and processing can range from $19 to $60.
If you’re traveling internationally for your honeymoon shortly after the wedding, do not change your passport ahead of the trip. The name on your passport will need to match the name you booked the ticket under, which is likely your maiden name. The same goes for any domestic trips and your driver’s license.
Alerting the IRS
Even if you’re not planning on filing taxes jointly, you’ll need to alert the IRS that you’re no longer going by your given last name. This will minimize the risk of any errors or bounce-back during tax season. There is no cost to do this.
The Costs of Changing Your Name With Your State Government
Ahead, here are the fees associated with changing your name at the state level.
Driver’s License or Photo ID
After you’ve got your new Social Security card, you can begin the process of acquiring a new driver’s license or state-issued identification card. Per Wolff, this cost varies from state to state but typically ranges between $25 to $50. Fees for new vehicle titles and registrations will be separate from this. Visit your state’s DMV website for the exact details and fees you’ll need to know.
Voter Registration
Many states allow you to update your voter registration when you apply for a new driver’s license, so take care of both at once. There is no cost associated with registering to vote.
Miscellaneous Name Change Fees
Looking to change your name to something entirely new or go back to your given name? Below, we break down what that will cost you.
Changing Your Name to Something Entirely New
Many states take care of the legal process of basic marriage-related, last-name changes—like taking your spouse’s last name or combining your last name with a hyphen—by referencing the marriage license and certificate. If you’re after something different—like, say, an intertwining of your last names or a new last name altogether—you’ll need a court order.
Per Wolff, this process involves visiting a county clerk, filling out a name-change petition, and securing a date with a judge for a name-change hearing. From there, between your filing date and the date of the hearing, you’ll be required to post notice of your new name and the hearing date in the classified section of a local newspaper (see, we told you—antiquated).
At the hearing, your judge will give you your name change order. This certificate is the one you’ll use in lieu of your marriage certificate when filing for a new Social Security card, passport, driver’s license, and so forth. Costs vary by state, but most range between $250 and $300. “Everything I’ve seen is under $500,” says Wolff.
Changing Your Name After a Divorce
The process for changing your last name back to your given name after a divorce is the same as it is for changing your last name to your spouse’s after your wedding. The only difference is you’ll use your divorce decree in lieu of your marriage certificate as proof of the name change. Just be sure to note your desired name change to your judge, otherwise, you’ll have to go through the court order system described above.
