Most people believe that in a Marriage, one spouse must legally change their last name to match the other spouse’s last name. Nowadays, that is not the case. Everyone is free to keep their name, take their spouse name, hyphenate their name with a spouse’s name, or come up altogether with a completely different name. As far as the name change is not done fraudulently or criminally, any of these options would constitute a legal name change.

It is not usually difficult to change your last name after marriage. Still, it requires plenty of patience and organizational skills as you deal with paperwork and government offices.

Remember one thing before you consider changing your name after the marriage that it’s always essential first to make sure you are happy with whatever name you choose.

So if you are planning to change your name after the wedding legally, you must know some things first. So here’s the scoop on a name change after marriage and the multitude of options available today.

1. The first option is you can keep your given name.

The easiest option is to do nothing at all. You can keep your last name given to you at birth. Keeping your maiden name is a logical sense, if your profession is closely tied to your name and you want to maintain that “brand name” or if you are the last one of your family to carry your name.

Another benefit is that it’s also the choice that results in no paperwork!

Keep in mind: If you haven’t officially changed your name with the DMV or Social Security Office yet, it’s fair to update your name on social media and your email signature at work as you get married.

2. The second option is you can take your spouse’s name.

The most traditional name-game choice is for a newlywed wife to take her husband’s last name.

To follow this path, you must first request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from your state’s department. You have to pay a fee that varies by state for each copy that you request.

Then you’ll need to apply for a new Social Security card, which is free. To do so, you have to fill out Form SS-5 and head over to any social security office. Do not forget to carry certified copies of your ID and marriage certificate. You can also choose to mail them.

Make sure to notify your employer, clients, industry sources, and other professional contacts if you decide to change your name. 

Next up, you need to update your driving license and passport. But before you head to the DMV, check your state rules. Charges may vary accordingly. It would be best if you keep your travel plans in mind. If you have booked an upcoming trip under your maiden name, you’ll need a matching id to fly, so you have to wait until your return to change your passport.

3. Hyphenate.

Another option is to hyphenate your last name with your spouse’s last name. It offers a happy compromise and is increasingly common, though. This name change option will allow you to have both surnames, but you use them interchangeably. For this, you will need to sign all legal documents with both names. And then you can introduce yourself with one last name. 

Shoving both of your names jointly is kind of an excellent symbol of your future as a combined unit rather than two discrete ones. You can write all the different combinations of name choices on a piece of paper and decide which one feels good and which ones feel out of place.

4. You can make your given surname your middle name and can take your spouse’s last name.

This trend is very popular now. There are many benefits of using your original or maiden name as your middle name. 

It may be you have established a professional identity you want to remain associated with. It is excellent for professional reasons if you plan to continue using your last name in the business, as using just part of your name is still common. Or maybe for more sentimental reasons, you’d like your original family name close to you. So making it a middle name is an excellent way to keep it in your life.

As many people find a balance between tradition and more practical modern alternatives, it is very popular to change your maiden name to your middle name.

Whatever the case, HitchSwitch helps you by taking all the stress and confusion out of changing your name. You can check our online name change forms, which will help you in completing the process. 

5. Go for an entirely new surname for both of you.

Another option is to adopt an entirely new last name altogether, either from out of the blue or after an ancestor or other personal importance person. It is legal, though this can cause paper trail hassles until everything is all straightened out. 

So why not try something different, something unique to your pairing? You can pick the last names of your favorite literary characters, philosophers you admire, or the street or place you first met. This is romantic enough to make the paperwork of your name change worth it. 

Conclusion: 

There is no right or wrong way to decide upon your name change once you get married. The only thing matters are simply what feels best and most authentic to you. 

So if you are planning to legally change your name after your wedding, HitchSwitch will take care of the name change paperwork hassle for you.