Arizona Name Change After Marriage Step-by-Step 2026 Guide with Costs
Arizona Name Change After Marriage Step-by-Step 2026 Guide with Costs
Getting married is a beautiful new beginning. Along with celebrating your big day, you may be thinking about changing your last name. If you recently tied the knot in Arizona and want to legally update your surname, this detailed 2026 guide will walk you through everything step-by-step — including documents, fees, processing times, and practical tips.
This guide is written in simple language, fully updated for 2026, and designed to help you complete your Arizona name change smoothly and confidently.
Do You Need a Court Order to Change Your Name After Marriage in Arizona?
In most cases, no court order is required.
Your certified marriage certificate serves as your legal proof to change your last name after marriage in Arizona.
You typically do not need to go to court if:
You are taking your spouse’s last name
You are hyphenating both last names
You are adding your spouse’s surname to yours
You may need a court petition if:
You want a completely new last name unrelated to either spouse
You want to change your first name
Your marriage certificate does not reflect your desired name format
For most newlyweds, the process is straightforward and administrative.
Step 1: Get Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
Your first and most important document is a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Marriage certificates are issued by the county where your marriage license was recorded. For example:
If you married in Phoenix, your certificate will be recorded with the Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court
If you married in Tucson, you will work with the Pima County Clerk of the Superior Court
Cost (2026 Estimate)
$10–$20 per certified copy (varies slightly by county)
Pro Tip: Order at least 2–3 certified copies so you can update multiple agencies without delays.
Step 2: Update Your Name with the Social Security Administration
Before updating your driver license, you must update your name with the Social Security Administration.
This step is crucial because Arizona verifies your name electronically through Social Security records.
How to Apply
Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card).
Provide:
Certified marriage certificate
Current government ID
Proof of citizenship (if required)
You can apply:
By mail
In person at a local Social Security office
Cost
Free
Processing Time
7–14 business days
You’ll receive a new Social Security card showing your new name (your number remains the same).
Step 3: Update Your Arizona Driver License or State ID
After waiting at least 48 hours for SSA records to update, visit the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT MVD).
What to Bring
Current Arizona driver license
Certified marriage certificate
Payment for replacement license
Fees (2026)
Replacement license: $12–$25
Real ID updates may vary depending on status
Arizona law generally requires you to update your name on your driver license within 10 days of the legal name change.
You will receive:
A temporary paper ID immediately
A new plastic license by mail within 2–3 weeks
Step 4: Update Your U.S. Passport
If you have a passport, update it through the U.S. Department of State.
Which Form to Use
Passport issued less than 1 year ago → Form DS-5504 (No fee)
Passport issued more than 1 year ago → Form DS-82 (Renewal fee applies)
First-time passport applicant → Form DS-11
Costs (2026 Estimates)
Passport book renewal: Around $130
Expedited service: Additional $60
Processing Times
Standard: 6–8 weeks
Expedited: 2–3 weeks
Avoid booking international travel under your old name if your ID has already been updated.
Step 5: Tax Records and the IRS
Once your Social Security record is updated, the Internal Revenue Service automatically receives the change.
You usually do not need to submit a separate name change form to the IRS. Just make sure your name matches Social Security records before filing your next tax return.
Step 6: Update Voter Registration
You can update your voter registration through the Arizona Secretary of State website or your county recorder’s office.
Cost:
Free
Keeping your voter record updated ensures there are no issues during elections.
Step 7: Notify Banks and Financial Institutions
After updating your government IDs, contact:
Banks
Credit card companies
Mortgage providers
Investment accounts
Retirement accounts
Bring your updated ID and marriage certificate. Most institutions update your name at no cost.
Step 8: Update Employment and Payroll Records
Inform your employer’s HR department so they can update:
Payroll records
Direct deposit information
Health insurance
Retirement accounts
Doing this promptly avoids paycheck delays or tax mismatches.
Step 9: Update Insurance Policies
Don’t forget to update:
Health insurance
Auto insurance
Homeowners or renters insurance
Life insurance
Consistent records help avoid claim complications in the future.
Step 10: Update Personal and Professional Accounts
Finally, update your name on:
Utilities
Phone plans
Professional licenses
Online subscriptions
Airline loyalty programs
While these are not legally urgent, updating them keeps everything consistent.
Total Estimated Cost of Arizona Name Change After Marriage (2026)
Item
Estimated Cost
Marriage Certificate Copies
$10–$60
Social Security Update
Free
Driver License Update
$12–$25
Passport Update
$0–$190
Miscellaneous Costs
$10–$40
Estimated Total:
$25 to $250, depending on whether you update your passport and how many certified copies you purchase.
How Long Does the Process Take?
If you complete each step in order:
Social Security: 1–2 weeks
Driver license: 2–3 weeks
Passport: 2–8 weeks
Most people finish the entire process within 30 to 45 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How soon after marriage can I change my name in Arizona?
You can begin the process as soon as you receive your certified marriage certificate. There is no mandatory waiting period.
2. Do I have to change my last name after marriage?
No. Arizona law does not require you to change your surname. It is completely optional.
3. Can my spouse take my last name instead?
Yes. Either spouse may adopt the other’s surname using the marriage certificate.
4. What if I want to create a brand-new last name?
If your desired name is not reflected on your marriage certificate, you must file a court petition with your county’s Superior Court. Filing fees typically range from $250–$350.
5. Is changing my Social Security card required?
Yes. Updating your name with the Social Security Administration should be your first step. Other agencies verify your identity through SSA records.
6. What happens if I travel before updating my passport?
Your airline ticket must match your passport name exactly. If you plan international travel, wait until your passport is updated or book tickets under your current legal name.
7. Can I keep my maiden name professionally?
Yes. Many individuals legally change their name but continue using their maiden name professionally. Just ensure legal documents match your official government ID.
8. What if I move to another state after marriage?
You can still use your Arizona marriage certificate to update your name in your new state.
Final Thoughts
Changing your name after marriage in Arizona is mostly administrative and relatively affordable. By following the correct order:
Marriage Certificate
Social Security
Driver License
Passport
Financial & Personal Records
You can complete your legal name change efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays.
