Marriage Name Change

In the state of Utah, the same document is used for both. A couple applies for and is issued a marriage license showing their names and ages. This "license" allows an authorized officiant to perform the wedding ceremony and solemnize the marriage. Once the officiant has recorded the date and place of the marriage and it is signed by the officiant, the "license" has become a "certificate" proving that the couple has been married.

To clear up confusion, in 2020 the Utah County Clerk has clearly labeled the top portion of the document "Marriage License" and the bottom portion "Certificate of Marriage." Older documents will still say "Marriage License"

The Utah County Clerk is required by law to keep a record of your marriage. The document in their custody is technically the "original" of your license/certificate. A copy that is issued to you is a “certified copy” if on the back there is statement of certification signed by a deputy clerk in blue ink and the seal of the county embossed over their signature (you can feel it on the paper). If a government office asks for an "original" they will be looking for the ink signature and an embossed stamp.

Your marriage license shows your legal name at the time of your marriage. It matches the Government-Issued ID you presented during your application.

In some jurisdictions the marriage license includes the names that the applicants intend to use following their marriage. Marriage licenses in Utah do not. The marriage license/certificate on its own provides documentation of a name change for either applicant to take the last name of their spouse, use a hyphenated version of the names, and/or use a previous last name as a middle name.

Instructions for ordering a corrected Social Security Card (including name change).

Application Form

Social Security Office in Utah County:
88 West 100 North
Provo, Utah 84601
1-866-366-9549

Find other Social Security Office locations.

Instructions for getting a replacement Utah Driver License.

Driver License Application Form

Driver License Offices in Utah County:

759 North 1370 West
Orem, Utah 84057
801-965-4437


2277 West 700 South, Suite 1
Springville, Utah 84663
801-965-4437

Find other Utah Driver License Division Office locations.

Instructions for changing a name on a US Passport from the US Department of State website.

Online form generator (print a completed form)

For passports issued less than one year ago (print a blank form)

For adult passports issued more than one year, but less than 15 years ago (print a blank form)

If you do not have time to get a new passport prior to international travel (particularly for a honeymoon) you can continue to use a valid passport in your name prior to your marriage. Make sure that your tickets and other travel documents show your name as it appears on your passport.

There are no passport agency offices in Utah, but the Utah County Marriage License office is also a Passport Acceptance Facility. We can take passport photos for $10 and answer any questions about the process.

Check with the government office that issues the ID or document to find out exactly what is required and follow their instructions. Most government offices will probably need a paper certified copy of your marriage license/certificate. Governments outside of the United States will probably want an Apostille or other certifications for your marriage license/certificate. You can order those from our website.

Check with the organization where you need to change your name to find out exactly what is required and follow their instructions. Some may require a paper certified copy of your marriage license/certificate. Many others may accept a government-issued ID with your married name (such as an updated drivers license), an uncertified copy (photocopy) of your marriage license/certificate, or your digital (PDF) marriage license/certificate.

A typical part of a divorce settlement is either an explicit right to continue to use the married name, or a statement of returning to a prior name. Use the same processes and form to change ID and other documents back to a prior name. Instead of using a marriage license/certificate as evidence of name change, you will use the divorce decree or other court order. Most government offices will insist on seeing a document with the colored stamp of the court.