How To change your name after marriage

You've decided to change your last name, now what? 

In the state of Michigan one partner getting married may change their name by signing their marriage license using their new last name, it must be the last name of the other person. If you wish to change your last name to anything else you are required to go through the court system. 

The steps to change your last name after marriage: 

1. Get your certified marriage license from the clerk's office. This is the legal copy of your marriage license - after your wedding your Officiant will file the license and you wait about a week and then you can request it from the clerk's office sometimes online or in person. 
2. Next visit is the Social Security office for a new social security card. Here is a link to instructions and forms SOCIAL SECURITY 
3. Now you can visit the Secretary of State, bank, employer, insurance, credit cards and any other entity your old name was on to request a name change - again you will usually need to provide your new social security card, ID and marriage license.