How to Change Your Name After Marriage in West Virginia

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

Order 3–5 certified copies from the West Virginia Vital Registration Office (WV Department of Health), 350 Capitol Street, Room 165, Charleston, WV 25301; certified copies also available from the County Clerk in the county where the marriage license was issued. Photocopies aren't accepted.

File the free SS-5 with Social Security first, wait 24–48 hours, then update your license at the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV) (typically $0.50–$23.50 (varies; confirm with the agency)). Bring:

• Certified marriage certificate showing the new legal name
• Original or certified copy of birth certificate (or valid U.S. passport)
• Current/updated Social Security card reflecting the new name
• Current WV driver's license or ID card to be replaced
• Two documents proving current WV residency (utility bill, voter registration card, rental agreement, etc.)

Update your passport, then your West Virginia voter registration (West Virginia requires voter registration (including updates such as a legal name change) to be submitted at least 21 days before an election.), and finally your bank, employer, and insurers.