MA resident getting married in NH — question about changing my last name later
I’m getting married in NH but live in MA. I was originally planning to keep my last name for now and potentially change it in the future when we have kids. I’m just not emotionally ready to give up my last name yet, it means a lot to me.
I recently learned that changing my name later in Massachusetts may involve some additional steps, so now I’m wondering if I should put my fiancés last name as my married name on our NH marriage license now, just to make the process easier if/when I decide to change it.
My main question: If I put his last name on the NH marriage license, do I actually have to start using/changing my name right away?
Once NH files the marriage license and we receive our marriage certificate, can I continue using my current legal name everywhere, Social Security, driver’s license, passport, bank accounts, work, etc. until I’m ready to start the name-change process?
Basically, I’d like to have the option to change it more easily later without actually changing anything right now. Has anyone who lives in MA but got married in NH done this?
Posted Sep 10, 2026, 7:23 PM UTC