So you are getting married?  Congratulations!  Are either of you going to change your names?  His or Her last name?  Hyphenated?   You have some choices but the process of a name change isn’t the easiest to do.  Just because you are getting married doesn’t automatically change your name.  The best way is to go through Probate Court and have your name legally changed…

The basics are this:

• Get the form here
• Get a copy of your Driver’s License/Birth Certificate/Passport
• Filing Fee of $90.00
• File with your nearest Probate Court (find location here under Probate Courts)
• Wait to receive your notice of court appearance & go to that hearing.

The judge will approve or deny your application after discussion with you.

If approved you now have a LOT of work to do.  You need to get a new driver’s license within the next 10 days (bring a copy of your name change approval form).  You need to inform the following places and others.

• Social Security Office (go to your local office or do by mail)
• US Passport Agency if you have one
• The Internal Revenue Service
• Any NH agency for taxes or business information
• Insurance Policies & Retirement Plans
• Banks, Insurance, Credit Cards, Stocks
• Medical Records & Dr’s Offices
• Employer Records
• Schools
• Town/City Voter Registration & Property Tax Info
• Any Court documents for current cases

Enjoy the privilege of your new last name!

**I am not a lawyer and cannot be held responsible for any mis-information given above.  If you have any questions please contact the Probate Court office in Concord at the address or phone below!

Probate Court Administrative Office
107 Pleasant St. 2 nd floor
Concord, NH 03301

Phone: 603-271-7525