Changing Your Name

You should make sure to change your name on your driver’s license, vehicle registration, car title, social security card, insurance, banks, credit cards, and passport.

For proof of your marriage or civil union, you will need to obtain certified copies of the record from the municipality where your ceremony took place or from the New Jersey State Department of Health and Vital Statistics, call 609-292-4087.

Name Change Due to Marriage: Women

Name changes after marriage for women are done by simply using your new name consistently. In most instances, you may be required to show proof of marriage.

Name Changes Due to Marriage: Men

In New Jersey, men are allowed to change their name by showing their certified marriage certificate as proof for New Jersey agencies and New Jersey companies. It should be noted that federal agencies may not recognize name changes for men after marriage, and will not accept a certified copy of a marriage certificate as proof of a name change. We recommend you contact the Federal Agency for the latest information.

You can obtain a legal name change authorized through a court. For information on legal name changes, please see the judiciary website.

Name Changes Due to Civil Unions (Both Men & Women)

In New Jersey, civil union partners are allowed to change their name by showing their certified civil union certificate as proof for New Jersey agencies and New Jersey companies. It should be noted that federal agencies may not recognize civil unions. You can obtain a legal name change authorized through a court.

For information on legal name changes, please see the judiciary website.

New Jersey Drivers License, Registration, Title & Other Motor Vehicle Documents

Name changes on licenses, non-driver ID corrections and/or permits must be handled in person. Changes must be made within 2 weeks of the change. Visit any local MVC Agency or Regional Service Center.

You must provide your original proof of name change and pay a fee. For more information visit the MVC website, or call 609-292-6500 or 888-486-3339 (Toll Free).

Passports

You will have the send the proper form in with a certified copy of your marriage certificate or your name change court decree, and your current valid passport. Photocopies and notarized copies are not acceptable for passport purposes. To download the form and for more information go the passport website.

Social Security Cards

To change the name shown on your card, you need to complete Form SS-5 and submit evidence of your identity and proof of name change. This can be done in person or by mail and it is free. Your card will have your new name but the same number as your old card. For additional information, locations, and to download the form, call 800-772-1213, or go to their website.

Page Credit

Thank you Michele Seigfried, Registrar of Robbinsville, New Jersey.