Wisconsin Name Change Checklist After Marriage

Follow this sequence in Wisconsin:

• 1. Certified marriage certificate: order copies from the Wisconsin Vital Records Office (Wisconsin Department of Health Services).
• 2. Social Security (SS-5): free, and always first.
• 3. Wait 24–48 hours for the SSA record to sync.
• 4. Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (WisDOT DMV): update your license ($14–$16 (varies; confirm with the agency)).
• 5. Passport: DS-82, DS-11, or DS-5504.
• 6. Voter registration & everyone else: bank, employer, insurers.

• Certified copy of marriage certificate (proof of name change)
• Updated Social Security card / confirmation SSA processed the name change
• Current Wisconsin driver's license or state ID (to surrender)
• Completed form MV3001 (license) or MV3004 (ID card)
• Proof of residency document if required (e.g., utility bill, lease)

Good to know for Wisconsin: Certified marriage certificates cost $20 for the first copy ($3 each additional copy of the same record). Order online/by phone via VitalChek (fee applies), by mail (10 business days) to Wisconsin Vital Records Office, PO Box 309, Madison, WI 53701, or through the county Register of Deeds where the marriage license was issued.

• Certified marriage certificate (3 copies): $30–$90
• Social Security card (Form SS-5): Free
• Driver's license update (Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (WisDOT DMV)): $14–$16 (varies; confirm with the agency)
• Passport (only if you update it): Free–$165
• Voter registration: Free

Most people spend roughly $44–$271 in Wisconsin: on the low end if you skip the passport, on the high end with a full passport renewal and extra certificate copies.