Changing Your Name After Marriage
Although wives have traditionally assumed the husband’s name, this practice is a social custom, not a legal requirement. If the wife chooses to assume her husband’s name, she will still sign the marriage documents in her present legal name (same name as it appears on the marriage license).
After the marriage, the couple may wish to notify employers, and certain government or financial agencies of the change in marital status. Some agencies will accept the souvenir marriage certificate retained by the couple. However, some agencies may require a certified copy of the official marriage record.
You may also need a certified copy of your marriage record to change your name for the following purposes: driver’s licenses, social security, immigration, passport, military.