General information, not legal advice. Rules change. Always confirm with the official agency linked in each step. This site is not affiliated with any government agency.

How to change your name after marriage in California

Here's the order in California: get certified copies of your marriage certificate, update Social Security, then update your driver's license or state ID with the California DMV, then your passport and accounts. On updating Social Security first, the California DMV page says: Yes. DMV checks your new name with Social Security first. The California DMV fee for a replacement license is $37.

Last checked Oct 14, 2026. Content reviewed against official .gov pages. How we check sources.

Steps
6
License deadline
Not confirmed
License fee
$37
Details confirmed
7 of 10

What are the steps to change your name after marriage in California?

0 of 6 done

Recommended next

Step 1: Get certified copies of your marriage certificate

Go to step 1

  1. Step 1 of 6

    Get certified copies of your marriage certificate

    • To do
    • 1 detail not confirmed yet

    Most offices want an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, not a photocopy, so order a few.

    Where to order
    Not confirmed yet

    Check the official page linked below.

    cdph.ca.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

  2. Step 2 of 6

    Update your name with Social Security

    • To do
    • 1 detail not confirmed yet

    Do this before you update your California license. California DMV: Yes. DMV checks your new name with Social Security first.

    Online or office

    You may be able to do this online. If not, you'll need an appointment at a local Social Security office

    ssa.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

    Fee
    Not confirmed yet

    Check the official page linked below.

    ssa.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

    How to change your name with Social Security after marriage

  3. Step 3 of 6

    Update your driver's license or state ID

    California DMV

    • To do
    • 2 details not confirmed yet
    Deadline
    Not confirmed yet

    Check the official page linked below.

    dmv.ca.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

    How

    Start the application online, then finish in person at a DMV field office

    dmv.ca.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

    Social Security first?

    Yes. DMV checks your new name with Social Security first

    dmv.ca.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

    What to bring
    • Current DL/ID
    • Proof of your true full name (for example a certified marriage certificate)
    • For REAL ID: proof of identity, Social Security number and two proofs of California residency

    dmv.ca.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

    Originals or copies
    Not confirmed yet

    Check the official page linked below.

    dmv.ca.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

    Form

    Online DL/ID application

    dmv.ca.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

    Fee

    $37

    Class C driver license "Change DL/ID Information" fee from the DMV licensing fee table.

    dmv.ca.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

    Official page

    Open the official page (dmv.ca.gov)

    dmv.ca.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

  5. Step 5 of 6

    Update your voter registration

    • To do
    How to update

    Re-register to vote (online at RegisterToVote.ca.gov or on paper). The Secretary of State recommends updating your DMV record first

    sos.ca.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

  6. Step 6 of 6

    Banks, employer and other accounts

    • To do
    • Bank accounts and credit cards
    • Employer / HR and payroll
    • Health, car and home insurance
    • Doctors and pharmacy
    • Mortgage or lease, and utilities
    • Email, phone and online accounts
    • Loyalty and travel programs (match your passport name)

    These are general reminders. Each company has its own process.

Your ticks are saved only in this browser. Last checked Oct 14, 2026.

Common questions

What's the first step to change your name after marriage in California?

Start with certified copies of your marriage certificate, then update Social Security, then California DMV for your driver's license or state ID.

Is there a deadline to change your name after you get married in California?

Not confirmed yet.

Please check the California DMV page for the current answer.

Source: dmv.ca.gov

Do I need to go to Social Security before California DMV in California?

Yes. DMV checks your new name with Social Security first

What documents does California DMV need to change my name after marriage?

California DMV lists: current DL/ID, proof of your true full name (for example a certified marriage certificate) and for REAL ID: proof of identity, Social Security number and two proofs of California residency.

Source: dmv.ca.gov

How much does it cost to change your name on a California driver's license?

California DMV lists a fee of $37 for this license change. The Social Security fee is not confirmed yet. Passport fees are in the passport guide.

Source: dmv.ca.gov

Can I change my name on my California driver's license online?

The California DMV page says: start the application online, then finish in person at a DMV field office.

Source: dmv.ca.gov

How long do I have to update my California driver's license after a name change?

Not confirmed yet on the California DMV page we checked. See the official page linked in step 3.

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