Michigan · Name change checklist
Michigan Name Change Checklist After Marriage
Everything you need to change your name in Michigan, in the exact order that keeps you from getting turned away. Build your personalized version free.
The correct order in Michigan
Follow this sequence in Michigan:
- 1. Certified marriage certificate: order copies from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), Vital Records.
- 2. Social Security (SS-5): free, and always first.
- 3. Wait 24–48 hours for the SSA record to sync.
- 4. Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State): update your license ($9 (operator license; $18 chauffeur)).
- 5. Passport: DS-82, DS-11, or DS-5504.
- 6. Voter registration & everyone else: bank, employer, insurers.
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Michigan documents to gather
- Certified copy of your marriage certificate
- Your current Michigan driver's license or state ID
- Proof your Social Security record is updated (wait 24–48h after SSA)
- Proof of Michigan residency for a REAL ID
What a name change costs in Michigan
- Certified marriage certificate (3 copies): $30–$90
- Social Security card (Form SS-5): Free
- Driver's license update (Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State)): $9 (operator license; $18 chauffeur)
- Passport (only if you update it): Free–$165
- Voter registration: Free
Most people spend roughly $39–$273 in Michigan: on the low end if you skip the passport, on the high end with a full passport renewal and extra certificate copies.
Michigan FAQs
Most people spend roughly $39–$273 in Michigan: on the low end if you skip the passport, on the high end with a full passport renewal and extra certificate copies. The government forms themselves are free or low-cost; there is no fee to update Social Security.
Most people finish the government steps (Social Security, license, passport) in about 4–6 weeks in Michigan, then the remaining accounts over 2–3 months.
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