Legally, if you are a woman, you may take your husband's last name as soon as you marry. However, getting documentation of your name change may take a little bit of time. 

 

Here is how to change your name on all of your important legal documents within the Commonwealth of Virginia.  I suspect that most states follow similar guidelines.

 

The first stop is back at the circuit court where your marriage license is filed.  Give the clerk a few days after your marriage to get the license filed and you can then ask for an official copy.  There is generally a minimal charge for this.  For example, in Charlottesville, VA there is a $2.50 fee for an official copy of your marriage license.

 

The next stop you make should be to your local Social Security office.  Here you will need a form of identification under your previous name (preferably your old Social Security card) and your offical copy of your marriage license.  At this office your new name will be registered but it does not show up online for other agencies to access until the next day.  Most offices will send your card to you in the mail which takes approximately 7-10 days.

 

The next stop should be at the DMV.  Here, at least one day after you have changed your name with the Social Security Administration, with your old drivers license and an official copy of your marriage license you can get your  new name on your drivers license.

 

The next stop will be your bank.  You'll want to change your name on your bank account but consider the fact that all of your new ID will be under your new name and your old checks will have your old name.  You'll want to order new checks, get a new bank card, new credit card, etc.

 

After you've changed your name at the bank you'll want to go to your human resources or payroll department at work.  Here again you can use your new driver's license and an official copy of your marriage license in order to change your name on all of your benefits, payroll, etc. 

 

It's a good idea to carry a copy of your official marriage license around for a few weeks until all of your ID, etc. gets updated.

 

And Lord only knows how long it will take you to remember to sign your new name.  It feels strange at first but most people get used to it after a few weeks.

 

After that you're on your own!