How to Change Your Name After Marriage in New Jersey
Changing My Name After Marriage in New Jersey
According to an independent report published in 2021, the state of New Jersey ranked 18 out of 51 states in the number of weddings solemnized in 2020. While name changes are optional, most couples choose to adopt a similar surname for various cultural and legal reasons. When an individual decides to change their legal name, they must undergo a series of administrative processes to ensure that all relevant documents contain the new name. Otherwise, the adopted name may not be legally recognized, and said individual runs the risk of losing access to critical services on account of the discrepancies in identifying documents.
New Jersey marriage records are maintained and disseminated by local courthouses tasked with issuing marriage licenses. To process a name change request, interested persons must request these records from their custodians, provided they meet the state’s eligibility requirements for accessing the records.
How to Change Your Name After Marriage in New Jersey
In the state of New Jersey, name changes are legally recognized after a new social security card bearing the updated name is issued to the individual. Interested persons are required to apply for the name change with legal proof of their marriage; this may be a certified marriage certificate, or any document supporting their civil union. Name change requests are processed by the Social Security Administration Office, and the Office of Certification and Induction of the New Jersey Department of Education. However, before petitioning either institution, requestors must first obtain a verified marriage certificate from the State of New Jersey Department of Health or apply for a marriage license in the New Jersey municipality where the couple resides. Applicants will be required to provide the following supporting documents before their certificate or license is issued:
- Proof of identity: you can present your driver’s license, passport, or state/federal I.D.
- Proof of residency
- Social Security number
- A witness who is 18 years or older
- A $28 application fee
How to Update Your Social Security Card in New Jersey
Newlywed couples who have revised or adopted a new last name will be required to obtain an updated Social Security card containing the new information. Failure to do so may result in lowered social security benefits and possible tax delays.
To update a social security card in New Jersey, requestors must petition the local Social Security Office along with documents that prove their citizenship, name change, and identity. Applications can be made using the SSA Application for a Social Security Card. The form must detail the reason for the update and must be accompanied by a document that can identify the requesting party by both their old and new names. Requestors born outside the U.S may also need to include documents proving their U.S citizenship or work status in the country. Further information regarding this process may be obtained at www.socialsecurity.gov or queries may be made to the SSA office through local Social Security Card centers or at 1-(800) 772-1213. New Jersey name change requests may be submitted in person or via mail to
Suite 200
550 Jersey Avenue
New Brunswick
NJ, 08901
How to Get a New Driver’s License in New Jersey
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission is tasked with processing name change requests for driver licenses in New Jersey. In New Jersey, name changes must be processed in person. Hence, interested and eligible persons are required to visit the Motor Vehicle Agency to request a new driver’s license following a name change. Requestors are typically required to submit supporting documentation to process their query - the documents required typically include:
- The Marriage certificate
- The old driver’s license (or any other government-issued ID)
- Proof of citizenship documents (such as a passport, birth certificate or citizenship documentation.
To obtain further information regarding the process, petitioners may visit www.njmvc.gov or call the commission at (609) 292-6500 on weekdays during working hours.
How to Update Your Insurance Information in New Jersey
In New Jersey, married couples have unique insurance needs based on their marital status. As such, newlyweds are usually advised to update their insurance information to reflect their new status, as well as any name changes that occurred as a result. Most health, car, travel, and life insurance providers have family plans which may prove to be the more economical option for couples. However, the legal and eligibility requirements for updating insurance information with various providers will vary depending on the nature of the insurance and the kind of coverage the individual had prior to the update. Notwithstanding, there are a few general requirements for processing insurance information updates across most providers in New Jersey. They include:
- A certified copy of their marriage certificate.
- Any new personal information
- Details or updates to beneficiaries
- A court order approving their name change (where applicable)
- Information regarding the new coverage to cover their spouse
Where Do I Go to Change My Last Name in New Jersey?
Name change requests in New Jersey are processed by the Superior Court in the various judicial districts across the state. To request a name change, interested and eligible persons are required to prepare a petition containing their personal information such as their name, date of birth, Social Security number, and relevant criminal history information. Upon petitioning the court, requestors are required to do the following:
- Publish a notice of the intended name change in the local paper
- Notify persons interested in, or who may be impacted by the name change (including creditors) and provide proof to the court
- Obtain a hearing date and appear before the judge on said date
If the name change is approved, the requesting party will be issued a court order to that effect which will authorize the name change to be reflected on various other documents. Requestors will also be required to send a copy of the final ruling to the Department of Treasury and the Registrar of Vital Statistics as well as pay a nominal fee to the court to facilitate the process.
What Documents Do I Need to Change My Name after Marriage?
In New Jersey, a variety of documents are required to process name change requests. These documents may vary depending on the institution processing the request. However, there are a few documents that are required across the board - they include a certified copy of the marriage certificate, I.D documents and proof of citizenship documents.
How to Get Certified Copies of Your Marriage License in New Jersey
Requests for New Jersey marriage licenses are processed by the municipal office in the judicial district where the couple is resident. To obtain certified copies of marriage licenses in New Jersey, interested and eligible persons may contact the municipality and request a copy. Alternatively, requestors may contact the New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Service - Vital Records at:
120 South Stockton St.
Trenton, NJ 08625
Phone: (609) 292-4087
How to Change Your Name After Marriage
A reliable alternative for obtaining vital records are third party websites. These are non-governmental aggregate sites that process record requests in a seamless, timely manner. While obtaining records from third-party sources is substantially easier than sourcing them from government-run repositories, the records and information contained in these sites may vary since they are privately-owned and independent of government sources.
How to Get a New Passport in New Jersey
When an individual opts to change or revise their name in New Jersey, this name change must be reflected on essential identifying documents like their international passport. To request a new passport following a name change in New Jersey, interested and eligible persons may query any of the designated passport processing centers in the state. This may include libraries, post offices or other municipal-run institutions in various judicial districts.
Typically, the requesting party will be provided with a passport application form suited to their unique situation/request. After completing the application, the petitioner will be required to attach a variety of supporting documents including their verified marriage certificate and the most recent international passport issued to them. The application and documents must be enclosed in a self-addressed, stamped envelope and submitted to the passport office which then transmits said documents to the U.S Department of State
How to Change your Name on Bank Accounts in New Jersey
In New Jersey the procedure for effecting a name change is typically unique to the institution involved. This is the same for banks. Given the unique nature of institutional methods and criteria, persons seeking to change the name on their bank account must query their banking service for details on the process.
Generally, requestors will be required to provide supporting documents authorizing their name change. This may include the marriage certificate, social security card/information or a court order to that effect. However, one application is sufficient for updating all banking-related or financial information such as credit card information, retirement funds and others like them.
To make changes to tax information, the requesting party will also be required to download and complete a W-9 form (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification Form).
How Long Does it Take to Change Your Name in New Jersey After Marriage?
The length of time it takes to process a name change request in New Jersey generally varies. Requesters can expect to wait a few days to a couple of months before their new name reflects on all state and national databases. However, newlyweds are free to adopt and use their new name as soon as they receive a court order authorizing the name change.
