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How do I change my name after my wedding?
This is a question we’re asked frequently, especially during document signing at weddings. It is not required for either party to change their legal name after getting married. Washington state law does not impose a time limit after the wedding by which a name change must be accomplished. However, if you are making the change more than a year after your wedding, check with each agency to determine if a certified copy of your marriage license will suffice to change your name with them.
This information applies to Washington State and is current as of the time of publication. Sources are County Websites. Please note that this information does not apply to hyphenation, first, middle, or created surname name changes.
DISCLAIMER: THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN AS SUCH.
There is not a “one-stop-shop” location or way to change your name legally. You can use a service, but sometimes it’s easier (and cheaper) to do it on your own.
Pro Tip: Make sure you’re booking your honeymoon in your current legal name that matches your identification/passport at the time of your trip. Be realistic – it can take several weeks to get the legal documents of name change so most couples use their original names on their flights, reservations and other honeymoon related bookings.
First, you’ll want to confirm your marriage license was officially filed with your county (and properly filled out).
This is something that your professional officiant will normally take care of. Make sure you plan to cover the filing fee. If you had a friend, family member or non-professional perform your ceremony, you’ll likely need to file this yourself. It’s recommended to file this at your county of residence. This MUST be done within 30 days of the ceremony.
Next, you’ll want to order multiple copies of your Certificate of Marriage from the court/DOH.
Often, you can do this when you bring your marriage license in to be officially filed after your wedding. If you mailed in your completed license, or your officiant filed it in your stead, you’ll need to make sure that the filing has been completed before ordering copies of your license.
For legal name change purposes with entities, the copies must be the official CERTIFIED copies.
We usually recommend that couples order 10 copies – you may need more, or less, depending on your circumstances and how many institutions will need to be notified of the change. You can do this at the court house itself, or you can request them by mail.
As of today, these copies cost $3/ea. You can order them here (we are linking the counties we work in most often). Make sure you obtain the certified copies from the county where you (or your officiant) filed the official license.
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
KING COUNTY
WHATCOM COUNTY
PIERCE COUNTY
SKAGIT COUNTY
Next, it’s time to start the official name change process.
In WA, you don’t have to do this in a specific order. You will need to contact each of these offices individually. Some will require an appointment, others you can walk-in. First thing in the morning, mid-week is usually best for in office visits for most of these places.
Pro Tip: Make sure you practice your new signature before starting this process, as many of these documents will require you to sign with this new name.
You’ll want to bring your social security card, birth certificate, drivers license/state identification and copy of your certified marriage license with you.
Social Security (we recommend starting here)
Passport (this is a great second stop)
Driver’s License/State Identification
Voter Registration
Immigration Services
IRS
USPS
Your Bank
Your Employer
Your Insurance (Health and Life)
Stocks/Financials/Retirement Funds
Professional Licensing/Trade Organizations
Loyalty Programs
Flight/Travel Programs
TSA
Credit Cards/Lines of Credit
Child Support/Parenting Plans
DOWNLOAD THE NAME CHANGE CHECK LIST HERE
That’s it!
If you’d really like someone else to do the leg work for you, you can always pay for a service to take care of everything.
Changing Your Name After Marriage in Washington: FAQ
Do I have to change my name after getting married?
No. It is not required for either partner to change their legal name after getting married.
Is there a deadline to change my name after a wedding in Washington?
Washington state law does not impose a time limit after the wedding. If you make the change more than a year after the wedding, check with each agency to see whether a certified copy of your marriage license will be accepted.
How many certified copies of my marriage certificate should I order?
We usually recommend 10, though you may need more or fewer depending on how many institutions you need to notify. They must be official certified copies, ordered from the county where you or your officiant filed the license. Check your county’s website for the current fee.
What should I bring to change my name?
Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, driver’s license or state ID, and a certified copy of your marriage license. Requirements vary by agency, so confirm before you go.
What should I change first, and does the order matter?
In Washington you do not have to follow a specific order. We recommend starting with Social Security, then your passport, then your driver’s license or state ID, and then your remaining accounts.
How long do I have to file my marriage license?
The license must be filed within 30 days of the ceremony. A professional officiant normally files it for you. If a friend or family member performed the ceremony, you will likely need to file it yourself, ideally in your county of residence.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your county and each agency.
Planning a Snohomish or Seattle-area wedding? Check your wedding date to see if we are open, or see our packages and prices.
