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Same-sex couples & a new shared surname · .gov-verified Last verified 2026-06-15

Name Change After Marriage: Same-Sex Couples

Taking your spouse's last name or hyphenating both last names usually works straight off your marriage record, with no court order. Social Security accepts your marriage document as proof of the new name when the new name can be derived from the names already on it. A brand-new combined surname that isn't simply one or both of your existing last names often needs a court-ordered legal name change first, which you'd start at your county court.

The steps for your situation

  1. Decide which surname change you want

    Social Security's rules let you use your marriage document to take your spouse's last name, have your spouse take yours, or hyphenate/combine the two existing last names. These changes can be derived directly from the names on your marriage document.

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  2. Update your name with Social Security

    Apply for a corrected card in your new name with Form SS-5, using your marriage document as evidence of the new name. There's no fee. Bring or mail your original identity and marriage documents to your local Social Security office.

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  3. If you want a brand-new combined surname, check whether a court order is needed

    If the surname you want can't be derived from the names already on your marriage document, the marriage record alone generally won't support it, and you may need a court-ordered legal name change. Rules vary by state, so start with your county court for the process where you live.

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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 we both hyphenate our last names after marriage?
Yes. Social Security's rules allow a surname change that combines or hyphenates the last names already shown on your marriage document, so you can usually do this off the marriage record without a court order.
What if we want a completely new last name that's neither of ours?
If the new surname can't be derived from the names on your marriage document, the marriage record generally won't support it and you may need a court-ordered name change. Start with your county court, since the process varies by state.

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