Deborah Chan
When it comes to wedding applications, there is often confusion about whether to use one's maiden name or new name. This is because the laws vary by state, and both names have their own implications. Using your maiden name is important as it is your current legal name, and the application is a legal document. However, using your married name on the application can reflect your intention to change your name after the wedding. Ultimately, it is recommended to seek clarification from the relevant authorities, such as the county clerk, to ensure compliance with the specific requirements of your state or county.
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What You'll Learn
The marriage license is a legal document
In some states, you may also state what name you plan to use after the marriage on the marriage license. However, this is not always the case, and the marriage certificate, which confirms that you are married, can be used as proof of your new name. This certificate can be obtained after the wedding by contacting the town clerk.
It is worth noting that the marriage license is not the only document required for a legal name change. A certified copy of the marriage certificate, an updated Social Security card, and a new driver's license and/or passport are also needed to update your identification and notify other companies and services of your name change.
To avoid any confusion or delays in the name-changing process, it is recommended to ask the county clerk about any specific requirements or procedures for the relevant state and county.
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You sign with your current legal name
When it comes to filling out your wedding application, you should sign with your current legal name. This is because, at the time of the ceremony, you have not yet legally changed your name. Your name will only change once you have a certified copy of your marriage certificate and have updated your records with the relevant authorities.
The marriage license is a legal document that authorises you to get married, so it is important to sign with your current legal name. In some states, you may also state on the license what name you plan to use after the marriage. However, this is not always the case, and it is important to check the specific requirements of your state or county.
Some sources suggest that you should sign your marriage license with your maiden name, as this is your current legal name before the wedding. This is supported by the fact that some marriage licenses have the word "maiden" underneath the signature line. Additionally, as the marriage license is a legal document, it makes sense to use your current legal name.
After the wedding, you will receive a marriage certificate, which proves that you are married and provides evidence of your new last name. This document can be used to start the name change process, along with a certified copy of your marriage license. It is important to note that the process for changing your name may vary depending on your location.
Overall, when filling out your wedding application, it is important to sign with your current legal name, as this is the name that authorises you to get married. The process of changing your name can be completed after the wedding, and the marriage certificate provides the necessary proof of your new last name.
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The marriage certificate is proof of your new last name
When it comes to changing your name after marriage, you will need to use your marriage certificate as proof of your new name. This is the case in most states, though it is worth noting that laws vary depending on the state and county. For example, in California, if you do not specify a new name when applying for a marriage license, you will need a court order to change it later.
The marriage license authorizes you to get married, while the marriage certificate proves that you are married and provides evidence of your new last name. It is important to sign the marriage license with your current legal name, as your name has not yet been legally changed at the time of the ceremony. This is true even if you intend to change your name after the wedding. However, some states allow you to state your intended new name on the marriage license.
Once you have your marriage certificate, you can use it to update your name with Social Security and on your driver's license. These documents, along with your marriage certificate, can then be used as proof of your new name for other official purposes, such as changing your passport. It is recommended to order multiple copies of your marriage certificate, as you may need to mail certified copies when updating your name via mail.
If your marriage certificate does not include your new last name, don't panic. You can ask the clerk who recorded your marriage license to amend your certificate with your new name, and they will likely attach it to the original. If amending your marriage certificate is not possible, you can petition the court for a legal name change, which will then become your official proof of your name change.
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You can't change your name until you're married
When it comes to changing your name on your wedding application, you must use your current legal name, which is your maiden name. This is because, at the time of the ceremony, you have not yet legally changed your name. Your name can only be changed after you are married and have received your marriage certificate.
In some states, you can list your new name on your marriage license, and once you are married, you can use your marriage certificate to change your name on identity documents. However, in other states, the marriage license cannot be changed to your new married name, and only the marriage certificate can be used as proof of your new name.
To change your name after marriage, you will need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, along with other forms of ID such as your Social Security card, driver's license, birth certificate, or passport. The process varies by state, but generally, you will use these documents to update your name with the Social Security Administration and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
It is important to note that changing your name after marriage can take time and effort, and there are many steps involved. It is recommended to wait until you receive your new Social Security card before changing your name anywhere else. Additionally, if you have plane tickets booked under your maiden name, it is advisable to delay updating your passport until after your trip to avoid travel issues.
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Laws vary by state
The laws regarding what name to put on a wedding application vary by state. In some states, you must use your current legal name, which is your maiden name, as you have not yet legally changed it at the time of the ceremony. In these states, you will need to bring a certified copy of your marriage license to your local social security office to update your name.
However, in other states, you can indicate your intended married name on the wedding application. This can be helpful when you go to legally change your name at the Social Security office, as it will already reflect your chosen last name.
For example, in Florida, you must use your maiden name on your wedding application, as the marriage license cannot be changed to your new married name. In contrast, in Indiana, there seem to be conflicting rules, as some sources indicate using your maiden name, while others suggest using your new married name.
Therefore, it is essential to check with your specific county or state office to determine the correct procedure. The county clerk should be able to provide clarification on what name to use on the wedding application, as the laws do vary depending on the location.
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Frequently asked questions
You sign your current legal name, which is your maiden name, on your wedding application.
You use your maiden name because, at the time of the wedding, you have not yet legally changed your name.
Your marriage certificate will include your maiden name and your new last name.
After your wedding, you can change your name by obtaining a certified copy of your marriage certificate, updating your name on your Social Security card, and getting a new driver's license and/or passport.
