Can I add my husband's last name to mine?

Every state has its own rules on what you can and can't do regarding name changes after marriage. In most states, you have the option to take your spouse's last name, hyphenate your last names, use two last names without a hyphen, or move your maiden name to your middle name and take your spouse's last name.

Can a married couple combine their last names?

A hyphenated last name is when you and your spouse combine both of your last names with a hyphen. This is also called a double surname. In many states, when you fill out your application for your marriage license, you'll be writing your intended married name on that application.

Can I legally have 2 last names?

Option 3: Take two last names sans hyphen

This name change option allows you to have both surnames but use them interchangeably. You will need to sign all legal documents with both names, but you can introduce yourself with one last name, thus forgoing the mouthful that hyphenated last names can create.

How do you combine last names?

"The easiest and most common way to blend two surnames is to double-barrel, with or without a hyphen," says Cécile. "A couple has the right to assume or combine surnames with their marriage certificate, in whichever order, assuming they are not making any changes to the spelling.

Can I use both my married name and maiden name?

You are able to use two names if you want

You're legally allowed to keep your maiden (or current) name for work or professional reasons, and use your new married name socially or for family-related purposes. Even if you've changed your name by deed poll you're perfectly entitled to use a different one at work.

Steve Harvey - Should a wife take her husband's last name?

How do I add my husband's last name?

Can I make up a new last name?

It's certainly not as common as the more conventional solutions of combining names or taking on a new name at marriage, but inventing last names is definitely a thing. And it's totally legal, though it can cause paper trail hassles until everything is all straightened out.

Can I legally change my last name?

Changing a surname. As with your first name, there is nothing in the law stopping you from changing your surname at any time, so long as you don't have any fraudulent (or other criminal) intent. You can assume any surname you please in addition to, or substitution for, your existing surname.

What are the benefits of changing your name after marriage?

Should I take husband's last name?

For some, taking their husband's last name simply serves to solidify the commitment. It's a gesture that leaves no room for doubt—changing their surname after marriage shows they're all in. For others, taking their husbands' surname is more about the status of the family unit—when there is a family unit to speak of.

Can I hyphenate my last name on my Social Security card?

A. Acceptable characters

In the first name, spaces, apostrophes and hyphens are removed.

What should my last name be after marriage?

Make your given surname your middle name and take your spouse's last name.

Do I need to change my last name after marriage?

You don' t have to change your name right after you get married. You can if you want to, but it's not necessary. But another tip is that you can change it when you renew a certain document (e.g. passport, etc.).

Does a woman have to change her surname after marriage?

Contrary to popular belief, a woman's surname does not automatically change to her husband's surname upon marriage. Neither will your marriage certificate indicate in any way what surname you will be using following your marriage. A marriage certificate simply records the names of the couple who are marrying.

What if my name doesn't match my Social Security card?

Check to see if your information matches the name and Social Security number on the employee's Social Security card. If it does not match, ask your employee to provide you with the exact information as it is shown on the employee's Social Security card.

Does your passport name have to match your Social Security card?

Your passport and social security name do not need to match. An airline or TSA will never ask for your social security card. You may continue to travel internationally under your maiden or previous married name. Airline & resort reservations for international travel need to be in your passport name.

How do hyphenated last names work?

Generally, there are no set rules or etiquette when it comes to deciding exactly how your hyphenated last name will read. You can go the "traditional" route and list your "maiden" name first, or you could choose to list your new last name first, followed by your original last name.

Can you take the wife's last name?

A man is legally entitled to take his wife's surname upon marriage. Although it is still not considered to be the traditional approach, the number of men adopting their wives' surnames is reported to be on the rise.

In what states can a man take his wife's last name?

California is one of 44 states with unequal name change laws for people getting married. Right now, only six states -- Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Massachusetts, New York and North Dakota -- explicitly allow a man to change his name through marriage with the same ease as a woman can.

Why would a man hyphenate his last name?

People in Britain during the 15th century began hyphenating their last names in order to commemorate the combining of their family fortunes. Also, when there were no male heirs, the bride's name could be taken on by the husband.

Is it weird for the husband to take the wife's last name?

In some states, married women could not legally vote under their maiden name until the mid-1970s. The opposite—a man taking his wife's name—remains incredibly rare: In a recent study of 877 heterosexual married men, less than 3 percent took their wife's name when they got married.

Can I give my baby a hyphenated last name?

Go with a hyphenated last name

When contending with two last names, couples sometimes choose to hyphenate their child's name (e.g. Smith-Hawkins). Jessica, a tech worker from San Francisco whose parents weren't married when she was born, has lived with a hyphenated last name.

Do you have to change passport after marriage?

You can get a new passport in your new name either before or after the ceremony. The name on your passport must match the one you use when you book your travel.

Can I travel with old passport after name change?

It is not advisable to travel in your previous name. To change your name in the passport, you have to apply for "Re-issue" of passport.

Do you have to update your passport when you get married?

Answer: American citizens are required to travel with a passport that has their current legal name. If your name changed due to marriage then you need to apply for a passport name change before you travel. If your passport was issued less than a year ago, there is no fee.