How to Change Your Name in California After Marriage?

Changing your name after marriage is exciting—but it does come with a checklist. In California, the process is straightforward if you follow the right steps in the right order. This guide walks you through each stage, from your marriage certificate to your Social Security card, California driver’s license or state ID. Click here to check out the 11-step checklist on the HitchSwitch blog. Read the 11-step checklist

Step 1: Secure Your California Marriage Certificate

Your certified marriage certificate is the legal document that authorizes your new name. It is a legal name change document.

• Before the wedding: Both partners must appear together at the county clerk’s office with valid photo identification to obtain a marriage license. Some counties have additional requirements—check your county clerk’s site before you go.
• Name choice on the license: You’ll indicate your intended married name (taking your spouse’s surname, making your maiden name your new middle name, hyphenating, or combining names) on the marriage license application.
• After the wedding: The officiant returns the signed license to the clerk. Then you can order certified copies of your marriage certificate (get 2–3 copies to make updates easier).

Pro tip: Keep one certified copy in a safe place and use the others for updates.

Step 1A: Your California Name-Change Options (Marriage)

Under California’s Name Equality Act of 2007  each spouse can choose a new last and/or middle name on the marriage license application. You do not have to choose the same name as your spouse, and either spouse may change their name. Changes must be selected at the time you apply for the license.

Typically, after marriage in California:

• The surname of either spouse;
• Make your maiden name your middle name OR add your maiden name to your middle name;
• Hyphenate both surnames;
• Adopt a dual last name with no hyphen i.e. maiden married or married maiden.

Important limitations

• You cannot change your first name using the marriage license. A court order is usually required for first-name changes.
• If you don’t choose your new name(s) on the marriage license application, you’ll typically need a court-ordered name change

Step 2: Update Your Social Security Card (Social Security Administration, SSA)

Update your Social Security record first so other agencies (like the DMV and the State Department) can verify your new name.

What you’ll need:

• Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card)
• Certified marriage certificate
• Proof of identity (current driver’s license or U.S. passport)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport)

You can submit by mail or in person. There’s no fee. An updated Social Security card typically arrives within about 2–3 weeks. For our full SSA name-change guide, click here.

Skip the paperwork stress: HitchSwitch pre-fills forms, provides step-by-step instructions, and helps you track what to do next—so your updates everywhere else are fast and accurate.

Step 3: Update Your California Driver’s License or State ID (DMV)

Once your Social Security record is updated, head to the California DMV to update your license or ID. This must be done in person.

Start online to save time: Begin the DL/ID application (EDL 44)  and schedule a DMV appointment.

Bring:

1. Completed Driver License/Identification Card Application (if started online, bring the confirmation code)
2. Certified marriage certificate
3. Updated Social Security card (SSA update must be completed)
4. Your current California driver’s license/ID
5. Valid U.S. passport (updated or current)
6. Two proofs of California address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement)

You’ll take a new photo and receive a temporary paper license while you wait for your new card to arrive (typically within 1-2 weeks).

Bonus efficiencies at the DMV: You can update your voter registration and change the name on your vehicle title and registration during the same visit when you change your license/ID name.

Step 4: Update Your U.S. Passport

Which form you use depends on your current passport’s age and condition:

• Form DS-5504 – If your passport was issued less than 1 year ago: update is free. Submit your current passport, certified marriage certificate, and a new photo.
• Form DS-82 – For renewals by mail: passport in good condition, issued within the last 15 years, and you were at least 16 at issuance. Include your passport, marriage certificate, new photo, and the fee.
• Form DS-11 – If you don’t qualify for DS-82 (e.g., first-time applicant or expired more than 15 years): apply in person with proof of citizenship, photo ID, new photo, marriage certificate, and fees.

For our full passport name-change guide, click here.

Final Tips to Keep Everything Moving

• Handle voter registration and vehicle records at the same time: At the DMV, you can update your voter registration and your vehicle title/registration while changing your license/ID name.
• Carry multiple copies: Many agencies need to see a certified marriage certificate.
• Name consistency: Ensure your new name appears exactly the same across all records to avoid delays with payroll, taxes, and travel.

Let HitchSwitch do the heavy lifting: We’ll guide you step-by-step with pre-filled forms, checklists, and support so you can enjoy married life—not paperwork.

FAQs: Changing Your Name in California After Marriage

1. Do I need to decide on my new last name before the wedding? Yes. California requires you to select your new married name on the marriage license application. If you don’t choose it there, you may need a court order later to change it.

2. Can I hyphenate or combine last names in California? Yes. Hyphenation and certain combinations are allowed when selected on the marriage license. Make sure the exact format you want appears on the license application.

3. How many certified copies of my marriage certificate should I order? Order 2–3 certified copies. Many agencies require an original certified copy, and having extras prevents delays.

4. What do I update first—SSA or DMV? Update Social Security first so the DMV can verify your new name electronically. For our full SSA walkthrough, click here.

5. Do I need a REAL ID to change my name at the DMV? No, but if you plan to get REAL ID, bring the required identity and residency documents so you can update your name and upgrade to REAL ID in one visit.

6. Can I fly with my old name if my license is updated but my passport isn’t (or vice versa)? Yes—your ticket must match the ID you use at the airport. Until all updates are complete, book travel in the name on the ID you’ll present. Your ID must be valid. IF you are travleing domestically it must be a REAL ID or use your passport.

7. What if my county clerk didn’t print my new name on the marriage certificate? In CA, the marriage license application is where you designate the name. If the final certificate doesn’t reflect it, contact the county clerk immediately. You may need to correct records—or seek a court-ordered name change if the chosen name wasn’t selected on the license.

8.  Can I change my middle name using my marriage certificate? Often yes (e.g., adding your maiden surname as a middle name) if chosen on the marriage license. If not selected at license time, a court order may be required.

9. Do banks, payroll, and insurance come before or after IDs? After you’ve updated SSA, DMV, and passport (as needed). Many financial institutions verify against SSA and DMV, so updating those first prevents discrepancies.

10. How can HitchSwitch help? HitchSwitch provides pre-filled forms, checklists, and support for SSA, DMV, passport, and all your remaining updates—so you can finish faster with fewer headaches.