How to Change Your Name
You should make sure to change your name on your Drivers License, Vehicle Registration, Car Title,
Social Security Card, Insurance, Banks, Credit Cards, and Passport.
For proof of your marriage or civil union, you will need to obtain certified copies of the record from the
municipality where your ceremony took place or from the NJ State Department of Health and Vital
Statistics (609) 292-4087. You may also order certified copies online at www.vitalchek.com.
NAME CHANGE DUE TO MARRIAGE - WOMEN:
Name changes after marriage for women are done by simply using your new name consistently. In most
instances, you may be required to show proof of marriage.
NAME CHANGES DUE TO MARRIAGE - MEN:
In NJ, men are allowed to change their name by showing their certified marriage certificate as proof for NJ
agencies and NJ companies. It should be noted that federal agencies (social security, passport agencies, and
federal agency employers) do not recognize name changes for men after marriage, and will not accept a certified
copy of a marriage certificate as proof of a name change. We recommend you obtain a legal name change
authorized through a court. For information on legal name changes, please see the following website:
http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/prose/10551.pdf
NAME CHANGES DUE TO CIVIL UNIONS (BOTH MEN AND WOMEN):
In NJ, civil union partners are allowed to change their name by showing their certified civil union certificate as
proof for NJ agencies and NJ companies. It should be noted that federal agencies (social security, passport
agencies, and federal agency employers) do not recognize civil unions, and will not accept a certified copy of a
civil union certificate as proof of a name change. We recommend you obtain a legal name change authorized
through a court. For information on legal name changes, please see the following website:
http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/prose/10551.pdf
NJ Drivers License, Registration, Title, & Other Motor Vehicle Do