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Name change after marriage in Connecticut: checklist and DMV steps

The order to change your name after marriage in Connecticut, and what the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) asks for, from its own pages. Each step links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished October 30, 2026

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How to change your name after marriage in Connecticut

Get certified copies of your marriage certificate first. Then change your name with Social Security, then at the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for your license or ID, then on your passport, then with your bank, employer and everything else.

The steps, in order

Certified copies of your marriage certificate. Request from the town where the marriage occurred, a town where either spouse lived, or State Vital Records. The DPH request form lists $20 per copy. (Source: portal.ct.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Social Security. You change your name with Social Security by requesting a replacement card. Depending on your situation you may be able to request it online; if not, you make an appointment at a local office. (Source: ssa.gov, checked October 26, 2026)
Your Connecticut driver's license or ID. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): what its pages say is below.
Your passport. The U.S. Department of State handles passports. Its site did not let us read it automatically when we checked, so open its passport pages for the form that fits your passport.
Everything else. Bank and credit accounts, your employer, insurance, voter registration and the rest: the name change after marriage checklist lists them in order.

USAGov lists the agencies to tell after a name change, including Social Security, your state driver license office and the U.S. passport office, and says to use certified copies of documents such as a marriage certificate as proof. (Source: usa.gov, checked October 26, 2026)

Changing your name at the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

From the agency’s own pages, last checked October 30, 2026. Open the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) page. Fees and rules change: confirm on that page before you go.

What to do: File the change with SSA first, then bring Form E-78, your current license or ID, certified name change proof and payment to a DMV appointment. Your old card is surrendered. (Source: portal.ct.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Documents accepted as proof of the new name: Original certified proof of the name change such as a marriage license, civil union certificate, divorce decree or probate court documents. Photocopies and religious marriage certificates are not accepted. (Source: portal.ct.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Fee: $30 to change your name on a driver's license or non-driver ID. DMV express locations may add a convenience fee of up to $8. (Source: portal.ct.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
In person or online: Name updates are by appointment only at DMV hub or express offices. (Source: portal.ct.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Social Security first: Visit SSA first; it can take up to 48 hours to process and must be done before updating your license or ID. (Source: portal.ct.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Deadline: No deadline for a name change is stated on the pages we read. Official page

Common questions

How do I change my name on my Connecticut driver's license after marriage?

File the change with SSA first, then bring Form E-78, your current license or ID, certified name change proof and payment to a DMV appointment. Your old card is surrendered.

How much does it cost to change the name on a Connecticut license?

$30 to change your name on a driver's license or non-driver ID. DMV express locations may add a convenience fee of up to $8.

What documents do I need to change my name at the Connecticut DMV?

Original certified proof of the name change such as a marriage license, civil union certificate, divorce decree or probate court documents. Photocopies and religious marriage certificates are not accepted.

Do I need to update Social Security before the Connecticut DMV?

Visit SSA first; it can take up to 48 hours to process and must be done before updating your license or ID.

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