How to change your name after marriage in Montana

Step 1: Order certified copies of your marriage certificate

Agencies want an original or certified copy, not a photocopy. Ordering more than one lets you mail one while you keep another for office visits.

• In Montana: Clerk of District Court in the county where your license was purchased. Source (official page, opens in a new tab)
• The state office does not issue marriage certificates. The record is kept where the license was bought, which may not be where the ceremony took place. Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

Step 2: Update Social Security first

Request a replacement card with your new name. Depending on your situation you may be able to finish online, or start online and bring your documents to a Social Security office or Card Center within 45 calendar days. Otherwise, fill out Form SS-5 and visit an office. Many state licensing offices check your new name against Social Security’s records, so this comes before your license.

• Bring proof of the name change (your marriage document), proof of identity such as your current driver’s license, and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate or passport. Social Security accepts originals or copies certified by the issuing agency, never photocopies or notarized copies. Source (official page, opens in a new tab)
• The new card arrives by mail 5 to 10 business days after Social Security completes your request. Source (official page, opens in a new tab)
• Change your name with Social Security at least 24 hours before you change it on your license. Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

Step 3: Update your driver’s license or state ID

Your license comes from Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Bring your current license and a certified marriage certificate.

• Schedule an in-person appointment at an MVD Driver Exam Station. Source (official page, opens in a new tab)
• Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the issuing government jurisdiction. Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

Not stated on the official pages we read. Check with Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) for the fee (official page, opens in a new tab).

Step 4: Update your passport

The form depends on how recently your passport was issued and when your name changed.

• Passport issued less than a year ago, and your name changed within that year: mail Form DS-5504 with the passport, an original or certified marriage certificate, and one photo. There is no fee, apart from $60 if you want it expedited. Source (official page, opens in a new tab)
• More than a year since the passport was issued or since your name changed: if you can renew by mail (Form DS-82), include a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Source (official page, opens in a new tab)
• Not eligible to renew by mail: apply in person with Form DS-11, using a valid ID in your new name and the marriage details section on page 2. Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

Step 5: Banks, payroll and cards

Each bank, card issuer and employer has its own process. Ask what they need, and have your new ID and a certified copy of your marriage certificate ready.

Step 6: Everything else

Vehicle title and registration, insurance, voter registration, utilities, your lease or mortgage, subscriptions, and travel and loyalty programs.