Rhode Island Name Change Checklist After Marriage

Follow this sequence in Rhode Island:

• 1. Certified marriage certificate: order copies from the Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Vital Records (Simpson Hall, 6 Harrington Rd., Cranston, RI 02920).
• 2. Social Security (SS-5): free, and always first.
• 3. Wait 24–48 hours for the SSA record to sync.
• 4. Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (RI DMV): update your license ($28.50 (duplicate/updated license)).
• 5. Passport: DS-82, DS-11, or DS-5504.
• 6. Voter registration & everyone else: bank, employer, insurers.

• Certified copy of marriage certificate (or court order) showing new name
• Current Rhode Island driver's license/ID
• Completed and signed LI-1 License/ID/Permit Application
• Proof that name was already updated with Social Security Administration (SSA change must be processed at least 24 hours prior)
• Proof of RI residency and identity documents if renewing as REAL ID

Good to know for Rhode Island: Certified copies of a marriage certificate can be ordered from the state Center for Vital Records (in person, by mail with the "Application for a Certified Copy of a Marriage or Civil Union Record," or online via VitalChek), or from the city/town clerk where the marriage was recorded. State fee is approximately $22 (walk-in) / $25 (mail), $18 for additional copies; processing by mail runs 6-8 weeks. Valid photo ID required.

• Certified marriage certificate (3 copies): $30–$90
• Social Security card (Form SS-5): Free
• Driver's license update (Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (RI DMV)): $28.50 (duplicate/updated license)
• Passport (only if you update it): Free–$165
• Voter registration: Free

Most people spend roughly $59–$284 in Rhode Island: on the low end if you skip the passport, on the high end with a full passport renewal and extra certificate copies.