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Name change after marriage in South Carolina: checklist and DMV steps

The order to change your name after marriage in South Carolina, and what the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) 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 South Carolina

Get certified copies of your marriage certificate first. Then change your name with Social Security, then at the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) 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 copies of an issued license through the Probate Court's online Marriage License Search. (Source: greenvillecountysc.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 South Carolina driver's license or ID. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV): 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 South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV)

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

What to do: Change your name at an SCDMV branch: complete Form 4057 and Form 447-NC, present documentation, and buy a new license or ID. (Source: dmv.sc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Documents accepted as proof of the new name: Marriage license, divorce decree, or court order from your county's family court (or documents supporting a preferred name). (Source: dmv.sc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Fee: $10 for a new license reflecting the updated name; a first REAL ID is $25. (Source: dmv.sc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
In person or online: Name changes are done at an SCDMV branch; the online option described is for address changes. (Source: dmv.sc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Social Security first: You must change your name with the Social Security Administration at least 48 hours before visiting the SCDMV. (Source: dmv.sc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Deadline: The page says to change your name or address within 10 days of the move. (Source: dmv.sc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

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

Change your name at an SCDMV branch: complete Form 4057 and Form 447-NC, present documentation, and buy a new license or ID.

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

$10 for a new license reflecting the updated name; a first REAL ID is $25.

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

Marriage license, divorce decree, or court order from your county's family court (or documents supporting a preferred name).

Do I need to update Social Security before the South Carolina DMV?

You must change your name with the Social Security Administration at least 48 hours before visiting the SCDMV.

Is there a deadline to change my name on my South Carolina license?

The page says to change your name or address within 10 days of the move.

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