Not changing name.

[Shipstabber]

I am getting married in a couple of weeks but do not intend to change my name (I'm a woman obviously!).

 

Are there any organisations I need to inform of my change of marital status - passport, DVLA, etc. - even though my name will not change?

[Ouisch]

I'm in the US, and I kept my name when I got married.  The only organization I needed to inform was Blue Cross (my health insurance carrier).  That was almost 11 years ago, and I haven't had any problems with my passport, driver's license or anything else.

[smudge]

Shipstabber - A friend of ours kept her maiden name when she got married. Just out of interest, why do you wish to do this? If it's too personal to answer, apologies for asking.

[Kev_UK]

I know a guy who changed HIS name to the same as his girlfriend prior to them getting married. This was because he and his girlfriend had a baby and that way her name wouldn't change and he would have the same name as the baby. He did his through deed poll and it didn't cost a lot.

[nicola_red]

I changed my name by Deed Poll a few years ago.  I'm getting married next year and I too want to keep my name, in my case mainly cos I paid good money for a name of my choosing and don't want to give it up, but in answer to smudge's comment, it's also cos I think taking the man's name is kind of sexist and signals ownership.  I'm not criticising women who choose to do it at all, but I think a fair few women see it that way and feel that retaining their own name somehow retains some of their independence.  Obviously I can't speak for Shipstabber though...

[Shipstabber]

smudge - I like my name and I feel it's part of my identity. I'm getting married - not becoming a different person. And I agree with nicola_red that taking the man's name implies ownership. Oh, and my boyfriend is called Smith!

[Hgrove]

I did not change my name when I got married and did not tell anyone at all.  I did however, change my name to my husband's several years later.  Should you ever decide to change your name later you need to be careful about your driving licence.  You may have to point out to the DVLA that although your marriage certificate is dated from years earlier, you did not change your name at the time, and have only just done so.  This is because omitting to change your name on your licence is supposed to be illegal.

[smudge]

Thank for the info, I love my maiden name too, but way back in the sixties, you just took on the man's name. I must admit, it took me a long time to get used to it.

[londondave]

I changed my name by statutory declaration as my birth name was so embarrasing! My Mother said that she nearly did not marry my dad because of his name and didnt blame me. My dad however was upset.

I think the only people you need to inform that you are married is the tax office.

[stoo_pid]

My wife kept her name too.  We both felt exactly the same as nicola_red & Shipstabber.  As far as I'm aware, the only organisation she has informed is the tax office.  Be prepared to have to patiently explain things occasionally though (like when you check into hotels as Mr X & Mrs Y... : - )

 

[stoo_pid]

p.s. Many best wishes for the big day!

[Model1]

So I just really want to make sure... I live in the US and plan to get married soon, jut before I leave for a trip to Europe. I don't plan to change my name to his for a few years, so I don't have to do anything to my passport?