Marriage Name Change in Michigan

Agency: Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State). Deadline: Schedule an in-person office visit to complete the name correction; it cannot be done online or by mail.

A name correction on a Michigan license or ID requires an office visit — it isn't available online, by mail, or at a self-service station. Update your name with the Social Security Administration first, since the Department of State verifies name changes against SSA records.

Bring these documents:

• Updated Social Security card (reflecting your new name)
• Certified marriage certificate (original)
• Current Michigan driver's license or ID card
• Proof of Michigan residency

Open the Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) →

The one order that matters is Social Security first, then your driver license — state offices verify your new name against SSA records. Your U.S. passport can be updated whenever it suits you; it is not required before your license.

Update Social Security first, then your Michigan driver license — Michigan agencies verify your new name against Social Security records, so going the other way causes rejections and wasted trips. Your U.S. passport is a separate, independent update: you do not need a new passport to get your license, and you can renew it whenever it suits your travel plans. Banks, employer, insurance, and the rest come after your license.