Couples should appear together at any Florida local court to apply for their marriage license. Parties must be ready to prove their Social Security number or other identifying records, such as driver’s license details, when applying for the license. 

A Florida marriage license costs between $60 and $95. Licenses are valid 3 days after being issued and can be used throughout Florida for up to 60 days.

The person who conducts the wedding ceremony files the signed wedding license with the Clerk in the country where is was issued. Once it is recorded, the county clerk will send the official copy to the couple. This can be used everywhere as proof of married name.

A replacement Florida marriage certificate can be ordered from the clerk of court in the county where your marriage took place. Fees vary by county, but expect to pay under $10. 

We recommend checking your county website for information on how to order certificates. Counties have a range of ordering processes, including walk in service, online, phone and mail.

If your wedding was recorded more than 60 days ago, you may also order from Florida Vital Statistics or VitalCheck, but expect to pay more in fees.

Start your name change with SSA online at https://www.ssa.gov/personal-record/change-name.  If your filed marriage license was recorded more than 60 days ago then the SSA may be able to verify your marriage and identity online, saving you a trip in person.

Where your name change cannot be electronically verified, you will be instructed to complete the name change request in person at an SSA location. The site will also step you through the original documents to bring.

Before you attend an SSA location, check ahead online as some branches have pre-booked appointments available.

Once the SSA has updated your name, attend a Florida HSMV location in person. The HSMV does not accept church-issued marriage certificates, so ensure you have a certificate issued by the clerk or court or Vital Statistics, in addition to the documents below.

If you are a US citizen applying for REAL ID, you are required to resubmit all evidence of identity documents. For the full list of proof documents visit FLHSMV. Examples of documents include:

• Primary US birth certificate or equivalent (eg: US citizenship certificate)
• Proof of SSN. Updated social security card or SA-1099 (not handwritten)
• 2 x Address documents. Utility bill, monthly mortgage statement, voter registration card, home or car insurance policy or bill.

Once your Florida driver’s license has been updated in your new name, your updated details will automatically be pulled through onto the vehicle title. However an updated paper title is not automatically issued.

You do not need to apply for a new title as your updated details will be on the department vehicle record ownership. Should you choose to apply for a new title (if subject to a lien, the lienholder must also agree), then complete the Application for Certificate of Title. File in person at your local county tax collector’s office.

If your passport was issued within the past 12 months you can apply for a free replacement with form DS-5504. Passports more than a year old should use form DS-82 and full renewal fees are payable (Passport books $130. Passport cards $30, fees subject to change without notice). No credit is given for unused time remaining in your passport.

If you have a large amount of time remaining in your passport, you may choose to leave your passport in your prior name while still updating all other records. It’s advisable to take proof of your name change should you need to prove your identity when travelling abroad.