Name Change After Marriage Abroad: Foreign Certificate
If you were married outside the United States, you can still change your name with Social Security, your state DMV, and the State Department — the order and agencies are the same as for a domestic marriage. The difference is your document: Social Security accepts foreign marriage records, but if the certificate is not in English, you must also provide a certified English translation. Start with Social Security first.
The steps for your situation
Obtain a certified English translation if your certificate is not in English
Social Security accepts foreign marriage records as evidence of a name change, but any foreign-language document must be accompanied by a certified English translation. A certified translation means a qualified translator signs a statement attesting to its accuracy. Bring both the original foreign-language document and the certified translation.
SourceChange your name with Social Security (free)
Bring your foreign marriage record (and certified translation if applicable) to your local Social Security office along with proof of your identity. Apply for a corrected card using Form SS-5 — there is no fee. Documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency, not photocopies.
SourceUpdate your driver's license or REAL ID
Take your updated Social Security record and your foreign marriage certificate (with translation if applicable) to your state DMV. Each state sets its own REAL ID document requirements, so check your state DMV's website for its specific list. Your marriage certificate is the document that traces your old name to your new name.
SourceChange your U.S. passport
U.S. passport holders update their name with the State Department the same way regardless of where the marriage occurred: Form DS-5504 if your passport was issued within the past year (no fee), or a paid renewal using a certified copy of your marriage record otherwise. You mail your current passport, so plan around any international travel.
Source
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
- Does Social Security accept a foreign marriage certificate?
- Yes. Social Security accepts foreign marriage records as evidence of a name change. If the document is not in English, you must also provide a certified English translation. Documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
- Does my foreign marriage certificate need an apostille for Social Security?
- Social Security's documentation page requires a certified English translation for foreign-language documents — it does not list an apostille as a requirement for SSA name-change purposes. An apostille may be needed for other legal uses of the document, but SSA's stated requirement is the certified translation.
- What counts as a certified English translation?
- A certified translation is one where a qualified translator signs a statement attesting that the translation is complete and accurate. This is different from a notarized copy of the original document — the translation itself must be certified.
Not legal advice · Not a government service · Not affiliated with any government agency.