Here are the basics -
you need to go to Social Security and DMV.
First step ... make a DMV appointment (https://mv.dmv.ca.gov/foAppt2/welcome.do)
Second Step ... go on errands
You need to bring
1) a Certified Copy of your marriage license (see below)
2) Passport or driver's license
3) DMV form DL 44 (don't sign it yet!)
4) Social Security form
On the errand day,
Goto Social Security first. They do not give appointments.
They will
1) copy your papers, and send you a new social security card in 7-10 days.
2) give you (if you ask) a proof of name change receipt to take to DMV
(you should ask, though you probably don't need it)
3) don't let them keep your Certified Marriage License
(the website says they will give them back to you)
Then goto DMV
1) give them your DL 44 form (sign it in front of them when they ask)
2) show them your certified marriage license
2) thumb print & photo & fee
All done!
more details below.
Basic considerations/alternatives:
You do need to go to SS before DMV because DMV will check with SS to verify your name and SS#. SS confirmed by phone that you can do both in the same day. SS believes you don't need anything from them to goto DMV, but the receipt/proof of name change should be enough in case you do need something.
An alternative is to Mail in the SS forms, wait a couple weeks to get them back, and then take them into DMV. That would guarantee that your SS# was changed before you went to DMV. It depends on whether the day you have available for the DMV appointment is within the next few weeks or if it's later.
All the Details You Need ... and links to the sources
SF Gov. info
Q. How do I get my personal name changed?A. If the change is on the last name due to a marriage, you will need to present a certified copy of your marriage license to DMV and the Social Security office. Any other type of name change is handled through the Superior Court at 400 McAllister St.
Q. How do I go about changing my name after marriage?
A. Your name does not automatically change to take on your spouse’s last name once the ceremony is performed. You would need to obtain a certified copy of the marriage license and then go to Social Security Office and DMV to request for a name change due to marriage. They will require you to present the certified copy of the marriage license at that time. Once you have changed it with those two agencies, you may change it with everyone else (i.e. passport agency, employer, banks, credit cards). It is important to note that the marriage record will not change as it must always remain with the name of the applicants at the time of the marriage license application.
(http://www.sfgov.org/site/countyclerk_index.asp?id=4472)
Q. How can I get a copy of my marriage certificate?
A. There are several ways you can obtain a copy of your marriage certificate. You can request it in person at our City Hall office, by mail, by telephone request or via the internet. In person you may fill out a request between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. By mail, please send your request and a check in the amount of $13.00 for each certificate requested, payable to the San Francisco Assessor-Recorder at 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, City Hall, Room 190, San Francisco, CA 94102. Your request must include the groom's first and last name, the bride's first name and maiden last name and date of marriage. Also, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope. By telephone, please call (415) 554-4580 and have your credit card ready (Visa, MasterCard or Discover). Please note there is a $5.00 convenience fee for any requests taken over the phone. Via the internet, you may go to http://www.vitalcheck.com/cainfo.asp and request a copy online with a $5.00 service fee to Vital Check.
Q. How soon after I am married can I obtain a copy of my marriage certificate?
A. You may order copies of your marriage license10 days after the marriage license has been received in the Assessor-Recorder's office.
Q. How long will it take to receive the copy of my marriage certificate, after my request?
A. Please allow 4-6 weeks after receipt of your request. The exceptions for this time period is when you can provide proof that you need the marriage certificate on an expedited basis. These exceptions are: immigration issues, travel outside of the U.S., or other issues that will create an undue hardship if the marriage certificate is not received on an expedited basis. The desire to have your name changed is not considered an undue hardship.
http://www.sfgov.org/site/assessor_index.asp?id=15241#HCIGACOMMC
Social Security Info
find your local office at (https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp)
in San Francisco, goto
SOCIAL SECURITY
90 7th St,
ANNEX 1ST FL
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103
(near 7th & Mission)
800-772-1213
hours - MONDAY - FRIDAY:09:00 AM - 04:30 PM
https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/Controller
To change (or correct) your name on your Social Security card:
Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5);
Show us proof of your:
- U.S. citizenship (if you have not previously established your citizenship with us) or immigration status;
- Legal name change; and
- Identity.
Take (or mail) your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office.
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Documents for a name change: If you need to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show us a recently issued document as proof of your legal name change. Documents Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change include:
Marriage document;
Divorce decree;
Certificate of Naturalization showing a new name; or
Court order for a name change.
If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give us enough information to identify you in our records or if you legally changed your name more than two years ago, you must provide Social Security with additional documentation. Marriage, divorce or annulment: In addition to showing us a legal document proving your marriage, divorce or annulment, you must provide an identity document. That document must show your old name, as well as other identifying information or a recent photograph. (We can accept an expired document as evidence of your old name.)
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ (on right, at "Frequently Asked Questions" select topic "Social Security Number & Card" and hit "GO". On the next page, use the pull down menu again to select the same topic, and then use the lower pull-down menu to select "Marriage/Divorce". Select "I need to change or correct the name on my social security card ..."
Finally, take or mail the SS-5 to the nearest Social Security office. Be sure to take or mail the originals or certified copies of your supporting documents along with the form. We will return your original documents right away. (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html)
DMV Info
appointments (https://mv.dmv.ca.gov/foAppt2/welcome.do)
How to change your name on your driver license and/or identification (ID) card
To apply for a name change you will need to:
Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)
Complete application form DL 44 with your new information. (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
Give a thumb print
Have your picture taken
Pay the application fee (No fee for a senior citizen ID card)
Acceptable evidence of your new name may be provided by showing an original or certified copy of a Birth Date/Legal Presence document or a true full name document. (see below)
Please contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to change your name on SSA records, if you have not already done so. DMV electronically verifies your name, birth date and social security number with the SSA. If your information does not verify, you will not receive your new California driver license or identification card. You will receive a Request for Verification of Information letter from DMV informing you that the information you provided (name, birth date, and/or SSN) does not match SSA's records.
You will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days and/or a receipt for your ID card until you receive your new photo license and/or photo ID card in the mail. Check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if your address is incorrect. Your new license and/or ID card will be mailed to you within 60 days. If you do not receive your license and/or ID card after 60 days, call 1 (800) 777-0133 to check on the status. Have your interim license and/or ID card receipt with you to provide information when requested.
Note: A name change on your driver license or identification card will not change your vehicle registration information. Follow this link to find out how to change or correct the name on your vehicle/vessel's DMV record.
(http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#two504)
True Full Name
Your true full name appears on your BD/LP document. If you change your name, then you must provide one of the following documents to verify your name change:
- Adoption documents that contain the legal name as a result of the adoption.
- A name change document that contains the legal name both before and after the name change.
- Marriage certificate (issued from a local or state Office of Vital Statistics).
- A certificate, declaration, or registration document verifying the formation of a domestic partnership.
- Dissolution of marriage document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action.
- A completed Medical Information Authorization form (DL 328) in conjunction with a gender change.
This document must be issued by a government agency within the United States or a foreign jurisdiction that is authorized to issue such documents. The document must be a legible and unaltered original or certified copy with a government seal, stamp or other official imprint. You will need to surrender your current driver license and/or ID card.
