How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Vermont

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

Order 3–5 certified copies from the Vermont Department of Health, Vital Records Section (in partnership with Vermont.gov/VSARA online ordering service). Photocopies aren't accepted.

Good to know for Vermont: Certified marriage certificate costs $12.00 per copy when ordered online through Vermont.gov (optional $14.50 expedited shipping); standard mail delivery takes about 5-7 business days. Copies can also be ordered by mail from the Vital Records Section (P.O. Box 70, 108 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05402-0070) or in person at the Town/City Clerk where the marriage was recorded.

File the free SS-5 with Social Security first, wait 24–48 hours, then update your license at the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) (typically about $29 (confirm with the agency)). Bring:

• Original or certified copy of marriage license/certificate (or civil union certificate, or court order showing new name)
• Completed Name/Address Change Form (DMV form #VL-040)
• Updated Social Security Administration record reflecting new name (required before DMV can process a REAL ID-compliant license/ID)
• Current Vermont driver's license or ID card
• Valid photo ID or other proof of identity if also updating voter registration for the first time

Update your passport, then your Vermont voter registration (Vermont has same-day voter registration: eligible persons may register or update registration (including a name change) online, by mail, at the town/city clerk's office, or in person up to and including Election Day itself.), and finally your bank, employer, and insurers.