How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Oregon

The winning sequence in Oregon is: certified marriage certificate → Social Security (free, first) → wait 24–48 hours → Oregon Department of Transportation, Driver & Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) → passport → notify everyone. Each step verifies against the one before it, so order matters.

Order 3–5 certified copies from the Oregon Health Authority, Center for Health Statistics (Oregon Vital Records); certified copies are also obtainable from the county clerk where the marriage license was issued. Photocopies aren't accepted.

Good to know for Oregon: Order online/phone via VitalChek, by mail to Oregon Vital Records, PO Box 14050, Portland OR 97293, via drop box at 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland, or in person by appointment. Each additional copy ordered simultaneously is $25.

File the free SS-5 with Social Security first, wait 24–48 hours, then update your license at the Oregon Department of Transportation, Driver & Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) (typically $26–$40 (varies; confirm with the agency)). Bring:

• Certified Oregon marriage certificate (proof of legal name change)
• Updated Social Security card / confirmation of name change with SSA (must be done before DMV visit, since DMV verifies name against SSA records)
• Proof of identity (current driver license/ID or other acceptable ID document)
• Proof of Oregon residency/address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement) if required
• Current driver license or state ID card to surrender/replace

Update your passport, then your Oregon voter registration (Other registration updates (address, party, etc.) can be done fully online via the My Vote tool if you have an Oregon driver license/ID number, but a NAME change specifically requires completing a new paper voter registration form submitted to your county elections office - it cannot be done through My Vote. New registrations must be submitted by 11:59:59 p.m. Pacific Time on the 21st calendar day before an election; existing registered voters can update registration info up until 8 p.m. on Election Day and still cast a ballot, though updates typically take a few days to process.), and finally your bank, employer, and insurers.