How to change your name after marriage in Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin: Wisconsin Vital Records Office, or your county Register of Deeds. Source (official page, opens in a new tab)
• The state fee is $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record. 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)
• Allow 48 hours for Social Security to process your name change before going. Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

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

Your license comes from Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Bring your current license and a certified marriage certificate.

• Visit a DMV customer service center and surrender your current card. Your receipt works as ID until the new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Source (official page, opens in a new tab)

Not stated on the official pages we read. Check with Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) 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.