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How to Change Your Last Name After Marriage in Charleston County

Getting married is an exciting chapter in life, and many newlyweds opt to change their last name after tying the knot. In Charleston County, South Carolina, the process to change your last name is relatively straightforward, but it requires some important steps. Whether you're adopting your spouse's surname or simply updating your name, here’s a guide to help you navigate the process in Charleston County.

Step 1: Change Your Name with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

The next step in the name change process is updating your records with the Social Security Administration (SSA). This is important because your Social Security number is tied to your identity and financial history.

How to Update Your Name with SSA:

Complete the Form: Fill out the SS-5 form, which is the application for a Social Security card. You can download this form from the SSA website.
Provide Required Documents: Submit your completed form along with your marriage certificate (original copy), proof of identity (like a driver’s license or passport), and proof of U.S. citizenship (if applicable).
Mail or Visit the SSA Office: You can either mail the documents to the SSA or visit your local office. For Charleston residents, you can find the nearest SSA office at 6325 Rivers Avenue, Suite 104, North Charleston, SC.

The SSA will process your request and send you a new Social Security card with your updated name, usually within 2-4 weeks.

Step 2: Update Your Driver’s License or State ID

Once your name is updated with the SSA, you can move on to updating your driver’s license or state ID with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

How to Change Your Name with the DMV:

Visit the DMV: Go to your nearest South Carolina DMV branch. It’s recommended to make an appointment to avoid long wait times.
Bring Required Documents: You’ll need to bring your marriage certificate, Social Security card, proof of identity, and proof of South Carolina residency (like a utility bill or lease).
Pay the Fee: Be prepared to pay a fee for your updated driver’s license or ID card. The DMV will issue you a new card with your updated last name.

Step 3: Notify Other Agencies and Organizations

Once you’ve updated your name with the SSA and DMV, it's time to notify other agencies and organizations, including:

Banks and Credit Unions: Update your name on bank accounts, credit cards, and checks. You may need to bring your marriage certificate and a government-issued ID.
Employer: Inform your employer’s HR department of your name change so your paychecks and tax records reflect your new last name.
Post Office: Update your name with the U.S. Postal Service to ensure your mail is correctly addressed.
Insurance Providers: Notify your health, car, and life insurance companies to make sure your records are up to date.
Utility Companies: Contact utility providers (electricity, water, etc.) to update your name on the accounts.
Voter Registration: Change your name with the South Carolina Election Commission to ensure you’re voting under your new name.

Step 4: Update Your Passport (If Applicable)

If you have a passport, you’ll also want to update it with your new name. This can be done through the U.S. Department of State. (Remember if you are traveling outside the USA directly following your wedding, do not change any legal documents until after you return.)

Complete Form DS-82 (if your passport was issued less than 1 year ago) or Form DS-5504 (if issued more than 1 year ago).
Submit Your Marriage Certificate and a recent passport-style photo.
Pay the fee for a passport update.

Photography by: East End Photography

Conclusion

Changing your last name after marriage in Charleston County is a relatively simple process, but it does require a few key steps to ensure that your name is updated with the proper authorities. By following these steps and ensuring you’ve got all the required documents, you can easily make the transition to your new name. Be patient, as some processes, like updating your Social Security card or passport, may take a few weeks.