How to legally change your name in georgia after marriage

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Traditionally, a woman changed her last name to her husband's name when they married. However, traditions are changing and many women no longer take their husband's names. In fact, an increasing number of men are taking their wives' last names. Georgia is one of the few states offering complete equality in its marriage name change laws. Both spouses are permitted to change their last names on the marriage license without having to file a name change petition or advertise the name change.

Marriage License

To obtain a marriage license, visit the state court in any Georgia county. The license application includes a space for both you and your fiancee to indicate your new, married names. Make sure the name is written clearly and legibly and check the license for any errors. If you are changing your name, you will need certified copies of the license to give to the Social Security Administration and Department of Motor Vehicles. There is a small fee for each certified copy. A blood test is no longer required to obtain a marriage license.

Read More: What Happens if a Marriage License is Never Turned In?

Unusual Name Changes

Some couples opt to take a completely new name, incorporate their spouse's last name as their middle name or hyphenate both names. If you are hyphenating your last name, you can put the hyphenated name on the license application. There is not, however, an option to take a new middle name on the marriage license. If you are adopting a completely new last name, one that is neither yours, your new spouse's or a combination of the two, you must file a formal petition for change of name.

Name Change Completion

For your name change to take full effect, you must give copies of your marriage license to the Social Security Administration, Department of Motor Vehicles and state office of vital records. After your wedding, visit the office in your county to ensure your records are changed. You will need a new copy of your driver's license. You must also change your name on financial accounts and utility bills to avoid confusion and to access these records.

Multiple Names

Some people opt to take their spouse's name legally and use their given name in social or professional situations. There are no laws in Georgia prohibiting this; you can introduce yourself however you wish. However, when signing legal documents such as contracts, checks or employment applications, you must use your legal name.

Name Change Petition

If you are already married and wish to change your name, you must complete a petition for name change. These petitions are available in the clerk's office at courthouses in each county, but you must file in the county where you currently reside. Fill out the application and then pay the fee. You must then advertise the name change in a local general circulation newspaper. After the change has been properly advertised, a judge will enter an order changing your name. You must then forward the order to the Social Security Administration and Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you recently got married in Georgia and filled out your marriage license using your husband’s last name, the name change is legally effective at the time your marriage license is issued. You’ll probably want to change your last name on your important documents, such as your driver’s license and Social Security card. As long as you have a copy of your marriage license and you submit the required paperwork to have your SS card updated, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send you a new card.

Obtain the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This document will provide the SSA with proof of your last name before and after the marriage. If you don’t have an original or certified copy of the marriage license, you can obtain one from the Georgia probate court that issued the license or by sending a written request to:

Read More: Documents Needed to Change the Name on a Social Security Card

Georgia Department of Vital Records 2600 Skyland Drive NE Atlanta, Georgia 30319

Gather documents that prove your identity and citizenship. To prove your identity, the SSA will accept a driver’s license, state-issued identity card or U.S. passport. For purposes of proving citizenship, you can use your U.S. passport, birth certificate or a certificate of citizenship or naturalization.

Fill out the application for a new Social Security card. You can obtain this form on the SSA website. You’ll need to enter some personal information, such as your date and location of birth, Social Security number and current citizenship status.

File the application and supporting documents with the SSA. You can mail your paperwork to any Social Security office, or you can hand-deliver the application if you live near a Social Security office.

Warnings

• The Georgia Department of Driver Services requires that you update your driver’s license within 60 days of a name change. To change your last name after a marriage, go in person to the local service center and present your old license along with the original or a certified copy of your marriage license. You don’t have to present your Social Security card so it doesn’t matter whether you update your driver’s license before or after submitting your application to the SSA.

Tips

• As you prepare the application for a new Social Security card, you’ll notice a question asking for your parents’ Social Security numbers. This information is only necessary for applicants who are under the age of 18.

  If you apply for a new Social Security card by mail, it will take some time for the SSA to review and return your documents. Therefore, if you expect to need your marriage certificate for other purposes, you may want to obtain an extra certified copy of the document.

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