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Husbands taking their wife's last name · .gov-verified Last verified 2026-08-01

Husband Taking Wife's Last Name After Marriage

A husband can take his wife's last name after marriage, and the process is exactly the same as any other name change after marriage. Social Security's rules allow either spouse to take the other's surname — there is no gender restriction. You present your marriage certificate as evidence, apply for a corrected Social Security card with Form SS-5 (no fee), then update your driver's license and REAL ID, then your passport. No court order is needed as long as the new surname is derived from the names already on your marriage document.

The steps for your situation

  1. Confirm the new surname can be derived from your marriage certificate

    Social Security allows a surname change for either spouse based on the marriage document — either spouse may take the other's surname, or both may combine their surnames. The new last name must be derivable from the names already on the marriage certificate. If the name you want cannot be derived from either spouse's name on the document, a court order would be needed instead.

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  2. Change your name with Social Security (free) — do this first

    Apply for a corrected Social Security card using Form SS-5. Your marriage certificate is the evidence for your new last name. There is no fee. Documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency — photocopies are not accepted. Bring them to your local Social Security office, or mail them according to SSA's instructions.

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  3. Update your driver's license or REAL ID

    Go to your state DMV with your updated Social Security record and your marriage certificate to update your driver's license or REAL ID. The DMV verifies your name against SSA's records, so doing SSA first prevents a mismatch rejection. Required documents vary by state.

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  4. Change your passport

    If your passport was issued within the past year, change the name at no charge using Form DS-5504 and a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If it was issued more than a year ago, renew using Form DS-82. You mail your current passport, so plan around any travel.

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Official sources

Every step is backed by an official government page — confirm the current rules on the source before you act.

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Frequently asked questions

Can a husband legally take his wife's last name after marriage?
Yes. Social Security's rules allow either spouse to take the other's surname — there is no gender restriction. You present your marriage certificate as evidence and apply for a corrected Social Security card with Form SS-5, the same process as any other marriage name change.
Does a husband need a court order to take his wife's last name?
No, as long as the new surname can be derived from either spouse's name on the marriage certificate. Social Security allows the change using the marriage document alone. A court order is only needed if the name cannot be derived from the names already shown on the certificate.
What documents does a husband need to change his last name after marriage?
The same documents as anyone changing their name after marriage: proof of identity (such as a current driver's license or passport), your marriage certificate as the name-change document, and a completed Form SS-5, which is free. All documents must be originals or agency-certified copies — photocopies are not accepted by SSA.

Not legal advice · Not a government service · Not affiliated with any government agency.