There is no legal requirement for name change after getting married. It is a right a couple may choose to exercise. All marriage license documents are signed with one's current legal name, never the intended new name.

Washington State law does not impose a time limit after the wedding by which a name change must be accomplished. However, if you are making the change more than a year after your wedding, check with each agency to determine if a certified copy of your certificate of marriage will suffice to change your name with them. If an agency requires more than a certified copy of your certificate of marriage, check with Clark County District Court for details on a court-ordered name change.

To assume your new last name, you should first obtain certified copies of your certificate of marriage. Then work with each agency to change its record of your name. These may include:

• Social Security: www.ssa.gov or (800) 772-1213
• State Driver's License/Identification Card: www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/ or Vancouver East: (360) 260-6288 / Vancouver North: (360) 576-6060
• Immigration Services: www.uscis.gov or (206) 553-5956
• Passport: www.travel.state.gov or (877) 487-2778
• Banks, Insurance, Employer, Military, Voter Registration

Is there an error on your marriage certificate?

Once a certificate is submitted to the State, you must complete the affidavit of correction form and submit to the State.