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Name change after marriage in Maryland: checklist and DMV steps
The order to change your name after marriage in Maryland, and what the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) asks for, from its own pages. Each step links its source.
How to change your name after marriage in Maryland
Get certified copies of your marriage certificate first. Then change your name with Social Security, then at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) 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 Circuit Court License Department with the copy request form. A certified copy costs $5.50, a $5 certification fee plus 50 cents per page. (Source: montgomerycountymd.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 Maryland driver's license or ID. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA): 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 Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA)
From the agency’s own pages, last checked October 30, 2026. Open the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) page. Fees and rules change: confirm on that page before you go.
- What to do
- Update your name with SSA first, then make an MVA appointment and bring your license plus an original or certified legal name-change document. (Source: mva.maryland.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- Documents accepted as proof of the new name
- Original or certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order or passport with the new name. Photocopies are not accepted. (Source: mva.maryland.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- Fee
- Corrected driver's license: $30. The name-change page says a fee applies; the amount is on the fee page. (Source: mva.maryland.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- In person or online
- Name changes must be done in person at an MVA branch; book a correction appointment online first. (Source: mva.maryland.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- Social Security first
- Update your name with SSA at least 72 hours before your MVA appointment. (Source: mva.maryland.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 Maryland driver's license after marriage?
Update your name with SSA first, then make an MVA appointment and bring your license plus an original or certified legal name-change document.
How much does it cost to change the name on a Maryland license?
Corrected driver's license: $30. The name-change page says a fee applies; the amount is on the fee page.
What documents do I need to change my name at the Maryland DMV?
Original or certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order or passport with the new name. Photocopies are not accepted.
Do I need to update Social Security before the Maryland DMV?
Update your name with SSA at least 72 hours before your MVA appointment.
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