How to Change Your Last Name After Marriage in California

California Marriage Name Change 101

California does one thing differently from most states: you choose your new name on the marriage license itself. That choice decides what your marriage certificate lets you change your name to.

After the wedding, the steps are straightforward. Get certified copies of your marriage certificate, then update Social Security, the California DMV, and your passport, in that order.

This guide walks you through each step with the current California fees. Or, if you'd rather skip the paperwork, our name change kits fill out every form for you.

You can also skip to the section you need with the links below.

1. The California Process at a Glance
2. How to Change Your Name After Marriage in California
3. After Your Name Change
4. FAQ

The California Process at a Glance

Here's what changing your name after marriage in California costs and what you'll need.

• Proof of your new name: A certified copy of your marriage certificate showing the new name you chose on the license
• Social Security card: Free. Apply with Form SS-5.
• California driver license: $37 at a DMV field office (Form DL 44)
• Passport: Free if your passport is less than a year old; otherwise the standard renewal fee
• Total time: Most people finish the government steps in 4 to 8 weeks

Fees change from time to time, so confirm the current amount with each agency before you go.

How to Change Your Name After Marriage in California

Step 1: Choose your name on the license, then get certified copies

California marriage licenses have a space for each spouse to write a new middle and last name. Under the state's Name Equality Act, you can take your spouse's last name, hyphenate, combine names, or keep your own. Either spouse can change.

The name you write there is the name your marriage certificate supports. If you left it blank, or want a different name later, you'll usually need a court-ordered legal name change.

Your officiant returns the license to the county within 10 days of the ceremony. Then order two or three certified copies. For a public license, order from the county recorder. For a confidential license, order from the county clerk; only the spouses can request copies. Fees vary by county.

Step 2: Update your name with Social Security

Social Security comes first. The California DMV checks your name against Social Security records before it issues a new license.

Fill out Form SS-5. Then bring it to a Social Security office, or mail it, with a certified marriage certificate and proof of identity, like your current California license. Check ssa.gov first to see if you can start online.

There's no fee, and your number doesn't change. Your new card usually arrives by mail in about two weeks.

More detail: Social Security name change guide.

Step 3: Update your driver license at the California DMV

Start the driver license and ID card application (DL 44) online at dmv.ca.gov. Then visit a DMV field office in person to finish it. A name change can't be done entirely online.

Bring your original or certified marriage certificate. The fee is $37 for a Class C license. Book an appointment to save time. You'll leave with a paper interim license, and the new card comes by mail.

Have a REAL ID? Your marriage certificate links your old and new names, so you can keep REAL ID status on the new card.

More detail: driver's license name change guide.

Step 4: Update your passport

If you travel, the name on your ticket must match your ID. Update your passport before you book a trip in your new name.

If your passport was issued less than a year ago, use Form DS-5504; there's no fee. Otherwise, most people can renew by mail with Form DS-82. Include a certified copy of your marriage certificate either way.

More detail: passport name change guide.

Step 5: Update your vehicle registration and voter registration

Update the name on your vehicle title and registration with the DMV too. It's a separate record from your license.

Re-register to vote in your new name online at registertovote.ca.gov.

After Your Name Change

Once Social Security, the DMV and your passport show your new name, the government side is done. Next come all the private accounts and records that still have your old name:

• Your employer and payroll (and your W-4)
• Banks, credit unions and credit cards
• Insurance: health, auto, home, renters and life
• Your mortgage, lease or landlord
• The U.S. Postal Service and any mail forwarding
• Utilities, phone and internet providers
• Doctors, dentists and pharmacies
• TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and airline loyalty programs
• Retirement and investment accounts
• Professional licenses, unions and associations
• Your will, trust, beneficiary forms and property titles

It's easy to let one of these slip, and a mismatch can hold up a paycheck, a loan or a flight. Our name change kits include the forms and a checklist so nothing gets missed.

Not in California? See our guides for Texas and Florida, or the general marriage name change guide.

FAQ

Can I change my name after marriage in California if I didn't write it on the license?

Usually not with the marriage certificate alone. Agencies only accept the new name shown on the certificate. If the space was left blank, a court-ordered name change is the usual route.

How much does a name change after marriage cost in California?

Social Security is free. The DMV charges $37 to change the name on a Class C license. Certified marriage certificate copies cost a few dollars to about $20 each, depending on the county. A passport update is free within a year of issue.

Can my husband take my last name in California?

Yes. Under California's Name Equality Act, either spouse, or both, can change their last name on the marriage license.

Can I change my name on my California license online?

Partly. You can start the DL 44 application online, but you need to finish it in person at a DMV field office.