When a female gets married does her name automatically change?

Question

I just got married 1 week and a half ago, and i just wanted to know if anyone knew whether or not if my name would automatically change over, or would i have to go to my city hall and legally change it. We have our marriage license, and i go by my maden name, but im not sure if i have to go to my city hall to legally change it, or if it has automatically changed, once the judge signs our license and submittes the paper work. so for all of my married ladies out there, or anyone who may know, if you could help me, i would appreciate it.

Thanks!!

Answer 1

Your name will not automatically change.. You will have to submit paperwork...as far as credit cards.  You will have to apply for new social security card, driver license the only thing that will have your new name is your marriage certificate....You Will have to change everything else.......

Answer 2

yep! you have to go to the dmv, social security  and change it!!!

Answer 3

I think you have to change it yourself.

Answer 4

Nope, it isn't changed automatically. It really just a personal choice. If you do want to change it you just need to bring your marriage certificate to the social security office and to the DMV to get it changed.

Oh and congrats : )  

Answer 5

when you sign your marriage certificate and hand it into city hall then it will change in the city but for everything else like drivers license,social security,bank,credit cards you have to notify each company directly.

Answer 6

After you file your marriage license with the clerk of courts, you should receive your marriage license back in the mail within 10 days or so.  You will need to take the marriage license with you to the DMV to have your name changed on your drivers license.  Then get in contact with social security, banks, checks, anything else you can think of.

Best wishes to you and your new husband.

Answer 7

Not really.... if you dont want it too. You could do like.... for example:

Robinson (married)

Smith (maiden)

1. Mary Ann Robinson

2. Mary Ann Smith-Robinson

3. Mary Ann Robinson Smith

I choosed # 3 for me, but it is totally up to you, you really dont need to change your last name, you just gatta make sure you put married on everything.

By the Way, Congrats on your wedding!

~YOYO

Answer 8

No, the woman has the choice.

Answer 9

no you must choose to get it changed and then file a name change with your state

Answer 10

If you want his last name that yes you need to go have it changed. It you want to keep your name than no.  

Answer 11

I would go to the social security office and Department of Motor Vehicles first. You need a copy of your marriage certificate to get it done. It's a big pain in the butt, but you literally have to present that piece of paper to most banks and other legal institutions that have your old name on file if you want it changed. I went and got legal copies made so I'd have a few to send out. If you go back to City Hall, they likely have a list of places and phone numbers in your town/state that you need to call.

Your maiden name is completely legal still, by the way. There's nothing wrong with going by either last name (at least in my state). :) Congratulations on your marriage!

Answer 12

You take your marriage license, and you go to the social security office first.  They will give you a social security card with your new, married name.

Then you take the marriage license and your new social security card, and you go get a new drivers license.

And after that you can change your name at the bank, with your credit cards, your library card, your magazine subscriptions, etc.

But the order should be:

1.  Social Security card

2.  Drivers license

3.  Bank

Answer 13

you have the right to choose to change your name.  if you do so, you need to get EVERYTHING changed over, banking, social security, passport, driver's license.  try to do it all at once if you can.  you'll need a copy of your marriage certificate to change your name.  

Answer 14

No, your last name will not change automatically.  You need to fill up some forms to have it changed either to government or private institution and you have an option of which where you want your last name to be changed or not. But somehow all these government (like social security system office or department of motor vehicle) and private institution (like to your job, your bank. your life insurance) will have their way to know that you're already married and some of them especially government offices will send you a letter and will be asking you if you want to change your last name or not.

But one thing that you need to make sure..that your name will be added to your husband's life insurance as the main beneficiary..( :-) just kidding but will give you a thought about it)..

BEST WISHES TO BOTH OF YOU!!!

Answer 15

Yep. Don't you realise that by getting married, you are now officially a man's property??? Accept your fate silently and go wash some dishes!

Answer 16

It is all up to you It can change if you want.

Answer 17

you just have to bring a marriage license to the DVM to get a new driver's license with your married name if you want it, and you have to get a new social security card with your new name.  You don't have to change it at the court house.