How to Change Your Name After Marriage in New Jersey

The winning sequence in New Jersey is: certified marriage certificate → Social Security (free, first) → wait 24–48 hours → New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC) → passport → notify everyone. Each step verifies against the one before it, so order matters.

Order 3–5 certified copies from the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. Photocopies aren't accepted.

Good to know for New Jersey: Certified copies cost $25 for the initial search plus one certified copy ($2 for each additional copy ordered at the same time). Can be ordered online/by phone via VitalChek, by mail, or in person at the Trenton state office or local municipal registrar; requires valid photo ID copy and proof of relationship to the person named on the record.

File the free SS-5 with Social Security first, wait 24–48 hours, then update your license at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC) (typically $11 (duplicate license fee)). Bring:

• Certified marriage certificate (or civil union certificate) showing the name change
• Current NJ driver's license/ID card
• "6 points" of identification documents (e.g., certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, Social Security card) per NJ MVC point system
• Proof of Social Security Administration name update recommended before visiting MVC
• Certified English translation if any document is in a foreign language

Update your passport, then your New Jersey voter registration (Voter registration (including name changes) must be submitted at least 21 days before an election to be effective for that election.), and finally your bank, employer, and insurers.