Name Change for Minnesota Weddings

Minneapolis wedding officiant Rev Coleman, for a chapel with a Minnesota wedding

Changing Your Name
How to change your name after your wedding

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Changing your documents after your wedding:

81% of of brides change their name when they get married. 19% don't. Either choice works!

If you do decide to change your name, it changes on your wedding day - but you don't get proof of the name change until you received your stamped and certified marriage license back from the county, about a month after your wedding. So if you're going on a plane trip, like a honeymoon, right after your wedding, use your old name for the tickets. Yes, you'll have a new name, but you won't have proof of that name change yet!

So, about a month after your wedding, once you have that proof of your name change, then you just need to change your documents. Click here for a free new bride name change kit, or follow the directions below:

Here's how:

1. Do first: Drivers license and titles. Must do in person, with original of marriage license. Bring your old license and titles down in person to the DMV (click link for the location nearest you). Bring along with your original (not photocopied) certified marriage license. Once you've received your driver's license, the other steps are much easier.

2. Do next: Use the following forms plus original of marriage license Use this Social Security Name Change form plus your original (not photocopied) certified marriage certificate. Send in the actual marriage license - they will return your marriage license to you in the mail when they send you your new social security card. Use this Passport Name Change form and enclose your current passport, $55, two passport photos, and your original (not photocopied) certified marriage certificate – they will return your marriage license to you in the mail when they send you your new passport.

3. No change needed US Post Office: Don’t do anything. If a letter mailed to you has the right address, it will be delivered – whether the letter is addressed to your old or new name. IRS: Minnesota weddings don't affect anything with the IRS. Just start using your new name (the IRS tracks you by your unchanging Social Security number).

4. Next to last step. Use this name change form/letter plus a photocopy of marriage license to notify banks, utilities, etc. Bank, credit cards, life insurance, retirement plan, etc.: Use the above form and enclose a photocopy of your marriage license. Clubs and associations: Use the enclosed form and a photocopy of your marriage license. Utility company: Use the enclosed form and a photocopy of your marriage license. Medical plan, dental, physician, etc.: Use the enclosed form and a photocopy of your marriage license.

5. Last step. Re-draft legal documents Legal documents. You might not have a will, but now that you're married, it's a good idea. If you have a will, health care proxy, living will, trust, power of attorney, or contracts, you'll need to change the name on these documents. These legal documents require more than just a form. You will have to re-actually draft or amend these legal documents.

Can both the Bride and Groom change their names?

It depends on the county. The wording of Minnesota Statute 517.08 subd. 1a. (9) has been interpreted differently by the different Minnesota counties. Some counties are very strict and only allow the bride to change her middle and last name. Some counties, including Anoka, Ramsey, and Washington County, allow both the bride and groom to choose an completely different name. Before you buy your marriage license, be sure that your exact choice of names is acceptable to the county. Call around until your proposed name change is acceptable, then purchase your license in that county. Contact phone numbers and addresses of the county offices are listed here.

If you are changing your name outside of marriage, the process is much more difficult. Here are the forms for that procedure, which are good for any county in Minnesota.

Note: All the information above is true and correct according to the best of my knowledge, but it is not a substitute for legal advice.

Dear Rev.Coleman,

We were married last Sat, but I just wanted express my thanks for posting the valuable name change information. I was getting tired of looking at all of the sites that wanted to charge you to do this and I appreciate you providing this information. Thanks!

Answer:

You're very welcome!

Sincerely,

Rev. Tomkin Coleman

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Rev. Tomkin Coleman, 197 Griggs St N, St Paul, MN 55104 612-986-5528