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 North Carolina

NC name change after marriage: here's the order in North Carolina (NC): get certified copies of your marriage certificate, update Social Security, then update your driver's license or state ID with the NC Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV), then your passport and accounts. On updating Social Security first, the NCDMV page says: Yes. Visit Social Security at least 24 to 36 hours before NCDMV. NCDMV asks you to update your license within 60 days and get a duplicate card in the new name. The fee is $16.75.

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

Steps
6
License deadline
Within 60 days
License fee
$16.75
Details confirmed
10 of 10

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

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

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

    Where to order

    NC Vital Records (marriages from 1962 on; $24 search fee includes one copy), or the Register of Deeds in the county where you married

    vitalrecords.nc.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 North Carolina license. NCDMV: Yes. Visit Social Security at least 24 to 36 hours before NCDMV.

    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

    NC Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV)

    • To do
    Deadline

    Within 60 days, and get a duplicate card in the new name

    ncdot.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

    How

    In person at a driver license office (not online)

    ncdot.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

    Social Security first?

    Yes. Visit Social Security at least 24 to 36 hours before NCDMV

    ncdot.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

    What to bring
    • Certified marriage license or certificate (or other official proof of the name change)
    • Notarized form DL-101 (available at a DMV office)

    ncdot.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

    Originals or copies

    Certified documents from the appropriate government agency

    ncdot.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

    Form

    DL-101, notarized (obtained at a DMV office)

    ncdot.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

    Fee

    $16.75

    NCDMV fee schedule (revised 5/9/2024): duplicate license, old fee $14.00, new fee $16.75. A name change requires a duplicate card (see the name-changes page).

    ncdot.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

    Official page

    Open the official page (ncdot.gov)

    ncdot.govchecked Oct 14, 2026

  5. Step 5 of 6

    Update your voter registration

    • To do
    How to update

    By mail: send a signed voter registration application (or the change form on your voter card) to your county board of elections. Name changes cannot be made online

    ncsbe.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.

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Common questions

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

Start with certified copies of your marriage certificate, then update Social Security, then NC Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) for your driver's license or state ID.

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

Yes. NCDMV says to update your license within 60 days, and get a duplicate card in the new name.

Source: ncdot.gov

Do I need to go to Social Security before NCDMV in North Carolina?

Yes. Visit Social Security at least 24 to 36 hours before NCDMV

What documents does NCDMV need to change my name after marriage?

NCDMV lists: certified marriage license or certificate (or other official proof of the name change) and notarized form DL-101 (available at a DMV office). Certified documents from the appropriate government agency.

Source: ncdot.gov

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

NCDMV lists a fee of $16.75 for this license change. The Social Security fee is not confirmed yet. Passport fees are in the passport guide.

Source: ncdot.gov

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

The NCDMV page says to do it in person at a driver license office (not online).

Source: ncdot.gov

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

NCDMV says within 60 days, and get a duplicate card in the new name.

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