Step 1 of 6
Get certified copies of your marriage certificate
Most offices want an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, not a photocopy, so order a few.
- Where to order
To change your name after marriage in Rhode Island, update Social Security first and allow 24 hours, then visit any Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles branch in person to update your license. Then update your passport, voter registration and accounts, using the official links in each step below.
Last checked Oct 14, 2026. Content reviewed against official .gov pages. How we check sources.
Step 1 of 6
Most offices want an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, not a photocopy, so order a few.
Step 2 of 6
Do this before you update your Rhode Island license. Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles: Yes. Wait 24 hours after you update Social Security.
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
Step 3 of 6
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
In person at any DMV branch
dmv.ri.govchecked Oct 14, 2026
Yes. Wait 24 hours after you update Social Security.
dmv.ri.govchecked Oct 14, 2026
dmv.ri.govchecked Oct 14, 2026
License/ID/Permit Application (LI-1)
dmv.ri.govchecked Oct 14, 2026
Open the official page (dmv.ri.gov)
dmv.ri.govchecked Oct 14, 2026
Step 4 of 6
Which passport form you use depends on when your passport was issued and when your name changed.
Find your passport name change path (DS-5504, renewal by mail or DS-11)
Step 5 of 6
Step 6 of 6
These are general reminders. Each company has its own process.
Your ticks are saved only in this browser. Last checked Oct 14, 2026.
Start with certified copies of your marriage certificate, then update Social Security, then Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for your driver's license or state ID.
Not confirmed yet.
Please check the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles page for the current answer.
Source: dmv.ri.gov
Yes. Wait 24 hours after you update Social Security.
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles lists: your current Rhode Island license and one document showing your correct name (see page 3 of form LI-1).
Source: dmv.ri.gov
Not confirmed yet.
Please check the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles fee page for the current answer.
Source: dmv.ri.gov
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles page says to do it in person at any DMV branch.
Source: dmv.ri.gov
Not confirmed yet on the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles page we checked. See the official page linked in step 3.