There’s no legal obligation for anyone to change their name after marriage—there's no law. Name changes after marriage is an option, a choice.
The choices include keeping your pre-marriage last name, taking your spouse’s last name (with one spouse changing their name while the other doesn't), or hyphenating (or not hyphenating) the two last names. Instead of hyphenating your last name, you could also opt to drop your middle name, replacing it with your maiden name, or you could keep your full name and add your spouse's name. You could even, for example, use your maiden name professionally and married name legally.
You have options! Discuss them with your partner and decide before applying for your marriage certificate.
What you'll need
Before you get married, you must apply for a marriage license, it's what gives you permission to legally move forward with the marriage. However, a marriage certificate is what you'll need afterwards. A marriage certificate is what essentially proves you're married and allows you to change your name.
Generally, the wedding officiant who performs the ceremony signs and returns the license to the city or county Register of Deeds for filing to be recorded. Once recorded, a certified marriage certificate will be issued. Depending on your city or county, receiving your marriage certificate varies and comes by mail within two to three weeks of being submitted. Be sure to check with your local Register of Deeds for more details on receiving your marriage certificate.
How do you legally change your name after marriage?
Changing your name doesn't have to be difficult. Beneficial steps include:
Make sure you have your marriage certificate. Sometime after the ceremony you’ll receive a certified marriage certificate by mail, it should have a raised seal. You can request additional certified copies of your marriage certificate. This may be a good idea because you'll need copies of your marriage certificate for your name change requests.
Change your driver's license. This can be done at your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Update your passport. You may be able to change your name on your passport by mail.
Update your Social Security card. Again, you’ll need your marriage certificate to change your name attached to your Social Security number. You may also need to provide ID. You can find out more about changing your name, and find the form required, on the Social Security Administration website.
Change your name on your financial accounts. Contact your banks, brokerages, credit unions, and credit card issuers to change your name. They will likely have a form to fill out and will ask for documentation proving your identification and the name change.
Change your name on your workplace savings plans. If you have a workplace savings plan, like a 401(k) or 403(b), your plan provider will likely have their own form and require documentation, but your employer may also need to be involved. If you have an equity award or stock purchase plan, consider checking with your plan administrator to find out what’s needed.