How To Change Your Name After Marriage in Georgia

There’s something undeniably special about embracing a new last name after you say “I do,” whether you’re taking your spouse’s surname or blending your names into something new. In Georgia, the name-change process is manageable as long as you follow the correct steps and have the right documents ready.

This guide walks you through exactly how to change your name after marriage—from obtaining your marriage certificate to updating your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and more. Once your marriage certificate arrives, HitchSwitch can help simplify the remaining paperwork, so you can spend less time juggling forms and more time celebrating newlywed life.

💍 Marriage License & Marriage Certificate in Georgia

Your marriage license is what grants you legal permission to marry, and your marriage certificate is the document that authorizes your name change.

Before the wedding: Apply for a marriage license

You and your partner must visit a Georgia Probate Court in person to apply. If one of you is a resident of Georgia, a marriage license can be issued at a probate court in any county. If neither is a resident of Georgia, the license must be issued in the county where the ceremony is taking place. Both parties must be present to obtain a marriage license, and you will need to bring:

1. Valid photo identification (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
2. Required personal details as instructed by the court
3. Payment for the marriage license fee (varies by county)

After the ceremony: Obtain your marriage certificate

Your officiant must complete their portion of the marriage license and return it to the Probate Court for recording within 30 days of the ceremony. Once recorded, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate, which you’ll need for all federal and state name-change steps.

Tip: Order at least 2 certified copies to speed up updates with different agencies.

🧾 How to Change Your Name with Social Security (Georgia)

Your first official name-change step should always be updating your records with the Social Security Administration (SSA) after marriage. This ensures your new name is reflected in federal databases and prevents issues with employment, taxes, and DMV updates.

To update your Social Security card, you will need:

1. Form SS-5
2. Certified Georgia marriage certificate
3. Proof of identity (current driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
4. Proof of U.S. citizenship, if required

Submit your application online, by mail, or in person at your local SSA office. There is no fee to update your Social Security card. Your new card—with the same number but updated name—usually arrives within 2–3 weeks.

Helpful tip: Notify your employer or HR team that your name change is in progress so they can adjust payroll and benefits records.

🪪 How to change your name on your Georgia Driver’s License / State ID Name Change (DDS)

Once the SSA has updated your name, your next step is updating your Georgia driver’s license or state ID through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).

This step must be completed in person at a DDS Customer Service Center.

 Bring the following with you:

1. Your current Georgia driver’s license or ID
2. Certified marriage certificate
3. Proof that your Social Security update is complete
4. Two proofs of Georgia residency
5. Valid Passport

You will complete an online application and have a new photo taken. Georgia typically issues a temporary license immediately, and your permanent card will arrive by mail in about two weeks.

Timing note: DDS cannot update your name until the SSA update is complete, so always complete Social Security first.

🛂 How to Change Your Name on Your Passport After Marriage (Georgia)

Changing your name on your U.S. passport follows federal procedures, so the same rules apply in Georgia. After completing your SSA and DDS updates, the final major government step is updating your U.S. passport.

Your form depends on when your passport was issued:

If your passport was issued less than one year ago:

Use Form DS-5504 (free update), and submit by mail:

• • Current passport
  • Certified marriage certificate
  • New passport photo
  • Mail-in application

If your passport was issued more than one year ago (but within 15 years):

Use Form DS-82 and submit by mail:

• Current passport
• Certified marriage certificate
• New passport photo
• Renewal fee

If you don’t meet DS-5504 or DS-82 criteria:

You’ll need to use Form DS-11 and apply in person at a passport acceptance facility (often a post office).

If you’re traveling soon, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee or make an appointment at a regional passport agency, such as the one in Atlanta.

✨ Final Tips for a Smooth Georgia Name Change

Once your major government updates are complete, remember to change your name everywhere else:

• Employer & payroll systems
• Banks & credit cards
• Insurance policies
• Voter registration
• Vehicle registration
• Lease or mortgage
• Utilities
• Travel programs & loyalty accounts

Once you have your Georgia marriage certificate, HitchSwitch can guide you through the rest—with pre-filled forms, personalized instructions, and an easy-to-follow process. From Social Security to your passport and beyond, HitchSwitch makes your name change simple so you can focus on enjoying newlywed life—not tackling paperwork.

❓ FAQs: Changing Your Name After Marriage in Georgia

1. What documents do I need to change my name after marriage in Georgia? You’ll typically need: A certified Georgia marriage certificate, A valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport), Proof of identity and citizenship for SSA updates, and Proof of Georgia residency for DDS updates
2. Do I need to update my Social Security card before changing my name at the Georgia DDS? Yes. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) must verify your new name electronically with the Social Security Administration (SSA), so you must complete your SSA update first.
3. How long does it take to get a certified copy of my marriage certificate in Georgia? Processing times vary by Probate Court, but most couples receive certified copies within a couple of weeks. Many couples order 2–3 copies for multiple name-change updates.
4. Can I start changing my name before I receive my marriage certificate? No. You must wait for your certified marriage certificate, as this is the official document required to update your name with the SSA, DDS, and passport agencies.
5. How long does it take to update my Georgia driver’s license after marriage? You’ll receive a temporary paper license immediately, and your new REAL ID–compliant card typically arrives by mail within 10–14 business days.
6. Do I need to take a new passport photo for a name-change update? Yes. All passport name-change applications require a new, compliant passport photo.
7. How long does the whole Georgia name-change process take? Most people complete their SSA, DDS, and passport updates in 4–8 weeks, depending on processing times and how quickly your marriage certificate is issued.
8. Can HitchSwitch help with my Georgia name change? Yes! HitchSwitch provides pre-filled forms, step-by-step instructions, and personalized support to streamline your Georgia name-change process—from Social Security updates to passport forms and more.