Change your name — whatever the reason, in the right order
However you're changing your name, the steps are the same and the order is what matters: your name-change document → Social Security → driver's license / REAL ID → passport → everything else. Social Security goes first because state DMVs verify your name against its records. The only part that differs by reason is the document you start with — a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order.
Most of a name change is the same no matter why you're doing it. Get one document that proves the new name, update Social Security first, and each agency after that accepts the last one's work. Pick your reason below for the exact, .gov-verified steps — or read the shared spine first.
How do I change my name?
This is the spine every name change shares. The first step is the only one that changes by reason.
Get your name-change document
Every name change starts with one legal document that proves the new name. After marriage that's a certified marriage certificate; after divorce it's a certified copy of your divorce decree; for any other reason it's a county-court order. Order a certified copy from the office that issued it — agencies require an original or issuing-agency-certified copy, not a photocopy.
Change your name with Social Security first (free)
Update your Social Security card before anything else. It's free, and state DMVs verify your name and SSN against Social Security's records — so doing this first stops your license or REAL ID from being rejected on a mismatch.
Update your driver's license / REAL ID
Take your updated Social Security record and your name-change document to your state DMV. REAL ID has been enforced since May 7, 2025, so the DMV needs a document that traces your old name to your new one. Exact documents vary by state.
Change your passport (mind the 1-year window)
If your passport was issued less than a year ago, change the name for free with Form DS-5504 and your name-change document. Older than a year, it's a paid renewal. You mail in your current passport, so don't start right before international travel.
Update everything else
Then update banks, your employer or payroll, insurance, voter registration, and memberships. These don't gate the others, so they come last.
What's your reason?
The order above is the same for everyone. The document you start with — and a few of the details — depend on why you're changing your name. Start here:
See your exact steps free
Answer a few quick questions and we'll tell you what to do first, second, and third for your exact situation — each step linked to the real .gov page. No account, no card.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name?
- Start with your name-change document (a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order), then update Social Security first, then your driver's license / REAL ID, then your passport, then banks and everything else. The order matters: Social Security goes first because state DMVs check your name against its records.
- What's the difference between a marriage name change and a legal name change?
- A marriage or divorce gives you a built-in legal basis to change your name, so you usually don't need a separate court order — the marriage certificate or divorce decree is your document. A name change for any other reason (a brand-new name, a name not tied to marriage or divorce) generally needs a court-ordered name change first.
- Do I have to change my name?
- No. Changing your name is always optional. If you keep your name, no government name-change steps are required.
- What does a name change cost?
- The Social Security card is free. A passport name change is free within 1 year of issuance (Form DS-5504), otherwise a paid renewal. DMV / REAL ID fees vary by state, and a court-ordered name change has its own filing fee. The government forms themselves are always free.
Not legal advice · Not a government service · Not affiliated with any government agency.