[header] How to change your last name after marriage [title] List your new name on your marriage certificate. [step] When you go to the courthouse to get your marriage certificate, the clerk should ask you if you would like to change your name. Make sure your full new name is listed on the marriage certificate. 
[substeps] If you have already obtained your marriage certificate and it does not include your name change, you will need to use the court system to change your name. In some states, this method only permits you to change your middle and/or last name to the last name of either spouse, or combine your last names.