Love Stories and other things

1. Determine If a Legal Name Change is Required
   In Ohio, if you are taking your spouse’s last name after marriage, you typically do not need to file for a separate legal name change through the court. The choice to keep your last name or change it is yours.
   (Pro-Tip: If you don’t like the spelling of your name, your middle name or anything like that, now is your chance because you can change anything).
   
2. Obtain a Certified Copy of the Marriage Abstract
   After your marriage ceremony the officiant will return the license to the probate court. The probate court will then process your license and mail you a certified copy of your “certified marriage abstract”. You will need this certified copy to begin the name change process with government agencies.
   
3. Update Your Name with the Social Security Administration
   Fill out the application for your name change and new social security card at https://www.ssa.gov/personal-record/change-name
   Once you completed and printed the form, take it and your certified marriage abstract to your local Social Security office. Bring identification such as your current Social Security card, driver’s license or state ID, and your birth certificate or passport if requested.
   (Pro-tip: take all the documentation you have available just in case. Better to have more than you need.)
   
4. Wait to Receive Your New Social Security Card
   Once processed, your new Social Security card will be mailed to you. This takes 6-8 weeks. It will show your new name. Your Social Security number will stay the same.
   
5. Update Your Name with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)
   After you receive your new Social Security card, visit an Ohio BMV office to update your driver’s license or state ID. Bring your new Social Security card, your certified marriage abstract, and your current driver’s license or ID. The BMV may ask for additional documentation depending on your situation.
   (Pro-Tip: While you are there, ask them to update your voter registration because voting is important!)
   
6. Update Your Name with Other Institutions
   Once your Social Security and BMV records are updated, you can begin updating your name with banks, employers, insurance companies, utility providers, voter registration, and any other institutions. Keep in mind some professional licenses like nursing or selling insurance require all names to match. Bring your new identification and certified marriage abstract when making these changes.

If you have any questions, it is best to call the office of the agency you have questions about. For example, if you have questions about processing the marriage license, call your probate court.
Please DO NOT ask ChatGPT or Facebook. The answers there are often wrong causing couples to waste time and money when they trust bad sources.