Did you just have a wedding or elopement in Oregon? Congratulations! Now that you’re married, you may be wondering how to change your last name in Oregon. Wonder no longer because we have you covered! Below we’re sharing all of the steps you need to take to change your last name after marriage in the state of Oregon.
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Do you have to change your last name after marriage?
First things first: Do you have to change your last name after marriage in Oregon? Nope! Changing your last name is completely optional.
And if you do decide to change your last name, you have options. If you’re in a cis-hetero marriage, the male partner’s last name doesn’t automatically have to be assumed. Why not assume the female partner’s last name? You could also hyphenate both last names, combine both last names, or choose a new last name together.
You could also opt for a social name change where you go by your married name in social situations, like on Facebook, but use your legal, given name for anything official, like travel and taxes. That way no paperwork has to be filed as you’re only using a different name socially, where you can call yourself whatever you want. Note that if you want to do the reverse (use your married name for official purposes and a different name socially), you will need to go through the name change process.
A name change after marriage can apply to one partner, both partners or neither. You have options!
How to change your last name in Oregon after marriage
To change your last name in Oregon after marriage, you need to follow these four steps in order:
- Step one: Order your marriage certificate
- Step two: Change your name with the SSA
- Step three: Visit the DMV to get your new ID
- Step four: Change your last name everywhere else!
How to order your marriage certificate in Oregon
The first step to changing your last name in Oregon after marriage is getting a certified copy of your marriage certificate, as many organizations will need this as proof of your new name.
You can order a certified copy of your marriage certificate through your local county (where your officiant filed your marriage license) or through the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. Both offer a number of ways for you to order your certificate online, by mail or in person.
Click here to learn how to order a certified copy of your marriage certificate through Oregon Vital Records or check the website of your local county for specific instructions if you prefer to order through them.
Note: We recommend ordering your marriage certificate through your county clerk office as fees are usually cheaper and they’re generally able to get your certificate faster. Mailed applications through Vital Records can take up to 12 weeks to receive.
How to change your name with the SSA
Once you have your marriage certificate, the next step is contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA) to update the name on your social security card.
To do this, you can begin your application online and then will need to provide documentation to their office:
“If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you must tell Social Security so you can get a corrected card. You cannot apply for a corrected card online.
You can start your Social Security number (SSN) card application online. Once you’ve submitted your request, visit your local SSA office for additional guidance for completing your application.”
Click here to start the application process online.
Click here to find the Social Security Office closest to you to complete your application in person.
When you go into the office, you’ll need to provide documentation to prove your identity and to show your change of name. Visit this webpage to find out what documents you’ll need to bring with you; search for “corrected” under card type.
Once you’ve made the change with the SSA, you’ll need to wait at least three working days for your name change to be visible to other US agencies. Alternatively, you can wait until you receive your new social security card in the mail, which will take up to 14 business days.
Ensure your new last name is legal in Oregon!
The name change you request at the DMV must be an exact match with the name on file with the SSA. Therefore, the name change application made to the SSA must be allowed by Oregon state law or else it will be refused at the DMV.
Here are your options for legal married names in Oregon:
“Oregon law limits the possible name change options when getting married. Please review the options below before selecting your name taken after marriage.
(a) Retain the party’s middle name, if any, and surname prior to the marriage;
(b) Retain the party’s middle name, if any, and change the party’s surname to the surname of the other party;
(c) Either retain or remove the party’s middle name, if any, and change the party’s surname to one surname or a combination of surnames, or names within the surnames, of either or both parties, with or without a hyphen;
(d) Change the party’s middle name, if any, to the party’s surname at birth or prior to the marriage; or
(e) Add to the party’s middle name, if any, the party’s surname at birth or prior to the marriage and change the party’s surname to the surname of the other party.”
How to change your last name in Oregon at the DMV
Now that you have changed your name with the SSA, and possibly have your corrected social security card in hand, you’re ready to change your name at the DMV. This will update your state ID/license and vehicle registration.
Step 1: Make an appointment online before visiting the DMV in person. Click here to make an appointment.
Step 2: Gather the required documents. What documents are required will depend on if you’re applying for a standard driver’s license or a federally recognized REAL ID. Find the list of documents here.
Note: “Beginning May 3, 2023 every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, for accessing federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial aircraft.”
Step 3: Attend your DMV appointment with your required documents and fee. As of October 2022, the fees are $26 for a standard license, add $30 for REAL ID.
Other places to change your last name in Oregon
After you’ve changed your last name with the SSA and DMV, you can move onto changing your name everywhere else!
How to change your last name with your bank & credit cards
Every bank and credit card company operates differently and will have their own protocols and procedures for changing your name and issuing your updated cards. For most banks, you can go into a branch with your marriage certificate and updated photo ID to request a change.
If your credit card, mortgage and/or insurance is held through your bank or another financial institution, don’t forget to update them with your new name too.
How to change your last name with the US Military
If you are a member of the United States Armed Forces, you will need to update them with your new last name. Note that every branch of the armed forces may have their own specific protocols; it’s best to speak with your commanding officer to ensure you’re following the correct protocols for your branch.
For example, to request a legal name change or correction with the Army, you’ll need to complete DA Form 4187 and have it signed by the company commander. Next, the approval authority will require official documents that contain your name change, such as your marriage certificate or updated social security card. After the documents have been sourced, the approval authority will upload the form and approval memorandum and ensure your name is changed in the HR system.
How to change your name on your US Passport
To change the name on your US Passport you can apply by mail using Form DS-82 (if you’re eligible) or in person using Form DS-11.
You are eligible to request your updated passport by mail using Form DS-82 if your most recent passport:
- Is submitted with your application
- Is undamaged (other than normal “wear and tear”)
- Was issued when you were age 16 or older
- Was issued within the last 15 years
- Was issued in your current name (or you can document your name change with an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order)
If you are eligible to apply by mail, you will need to submit the following documents via USPS:
- Form DS-82
- Your most recent U.S. passport
- Your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
- One color passport photo
- Adult Renewal Applicant fees
If instead you are applying in person, you will need to bring the following documents with you:
- Form DS-11
- Your evidence of U.S. citizenship and photocopy of that evidence
- Your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order (no photocopies or notarized copies)
- Valid ID and photocopy of that ID
- One color passport photo
- Adult First-Time Applicant fees
Note: If you are requesting the name change less than one year after your current passport was issued, you will not have to submit any fees for regular service.
For more information on the passport process and to access the forms, please click here.
Important travel note: If you are traveling internationally after your wedding, like on your honeymoon, it’s important that the name on your passport matches the name on your transportation tickets. While some airlines will make exceptions if you bring your marriage certificate with you, most require that the name on your passport perfectly match the name on your boarding pass, no exceptions.
If you are travelling right after your wedding and won’t have time to change your name and receive your new documents, it’s best to travel on your pre-marriage name (the name in your current passport). Ensure all of the bookings are made under the name in your current passport so you have no trouble boarding planes or trains.
Don’t forget to update your new name with these places!
Work:
Your workplace may need formal proof of your new name to update your payment and tax paperwork. This can usually be done by providing your marriage certificate or any of your updated identification, like your license or social security card.
You’ll want to make sure that the name on your pay stubs matches the name the SSA has on file come tax season, so be sure to contact HR as soon as your name change occurs. You may also want to have your new name used in your work email address or other places around the office, such as the name slot on your office door.
Phone, internet & utilities:
To change your name, log into the online accounts for your phone, internet and utility companies where most will allow you to update your personal information. Some companies may require you to phone or provide proof of name change by mail.
Social media:
Lucky for you there are no applications, fees, long lines or paperwork required to change your name online. Simply log into your favorite social media apps and have fun updating and using your new name!
No time to change your name yourself? Get everything you need to change your last name in Oregon for just $35!
Skip the hassle and headache of changing your name yourself and check out the Easy Name Change Kit. For just $35 (as of Oct 2022, check their website for the most up to date prices), you’ll gain access to forms from 750 government agencies and companies, receive ready to send emails and letters, and have everything you need to easily and quickly change your last name in Oregon.
