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Is A Name Change On Marriage License Official

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  • 01-29-2008, 05:09 PM
    wg2008
    Is A Name Change On Marriage License Official
    I live in NY. Married last month. My marriage license reflects my husband's last name as my new surname. Do I have to proceed to file name changes with the social security office, passport agency, employer, etc...? Can I keep my maiden name officially and just socially use my married surname?

    Also, if I do change my name with the various government agencies, must it be exactly as it appears on the marriage license? I'd like to keep my birth surname to these official changes. Example, let's say my name is "Jane Doe", and my marriage license says "new surname Smith". Can my name be Jane Doe Smith or just Jane Smith? Can i fix all this when i fill out the social security paperwork??? Thank you.
  • 01-30-2008, 09:28 PM
    LawResearcherMissy
    Re: Is A Name Change On Marriage License Official
    Ah, the glorious patriarchy.

    No, you are not required to change your name with the SSA or passport administration or any of them unless you want to take your husband's name. If you would like to continue to be known legally as Jane Doe, you may do so.

    Similarly, if you'd like to change your name on official documents to Jane Doe Smith, you may do that as well.

    (Congratulations on your marriage. May you have every happiness!)
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