marriage license

[Deleted User]

After the wedding ceremony do I sign the marriage license with my maiden name or married name?

Sharpschruter22

I think it varies by state? Most people I have asked say sign your maiden name, but a few signed their married name. I would ask your officiant.

kmmssg

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-recap-withdrawal_marriage-license-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:12Discussion:86e8f448-79e1-4366-a884-ca14d8f125c0Post:832a0f23-eff9-4197-8069-6b235cbfb037">marriage license</a>:
[QUOTE]After the wedding ceremony do I sign the marriage license with my maiden name or married name?
Posted by stephdi7971[/QUOTE]

<div>In many states, the couple does not sign the marriage license  - only the officient and witnesses do.</div>

HobokensFury

You name doesn't magically change once you get married. Your legal name will still be your maiden name.

vexie

I had to sign my maiden name.  Ask your officiant...they'll know.

shanliann

iowa  is the married name, it even states that on the certificte!

HobokensFury

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-recap-withdrawal_marriage-license-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:12Discussion:86e8f448-79e1-4366-a884-ca14d8f125c0Post:5944e513-9859-4998-ae62-48e1f6196ea5">Re: marriage license</a>:
[QUOTE]iowa  is the married name, it even states that on the certificte!
Posted by shanliann[/QUOTE]
What happens if you are not changing your name?

coopsbaby

Hoboken- You would sign whatever you plan on going by after marriage. It's the same in Wisconsin.

emichele87

In South Carolina it said bride's signature, not wife so I signed with my maiden name. Technically I think it should be your maiden name because there has been no offical change at that point. When you apply for your new social security card it becomes offical. 

unchatenfrance

Do your names appear printed on the marriage certificate? I would sign as your name appears on it (so maiden name, most likely.)

cerenatee

There's no "official" moment when your name is changed. You can start using your married name as soon as you please. I know I changed my name with my job and the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicle) long before I changed it on my social security card. I just showed them my marriage license.

I would just ask the officiant if it doesn't specify on the form.