Changing your name after marriage should be an exciting update, not a headache. Between government forms, long wait times, and florescent-lit DMV offices, it can feel overwhelming. Our name change kits will walk you through the each part of the name change process step by step, ensuring your transition to your new name is as smooth as possible. Below is an overview of what is included in our luxury name change kits.

Marriage Certificate

Before you can legally change your name, you'll need an official copy of your marriage certificate. Our name change kit explains the required steps to securing certified copies.

Social Security Card

The required first step of the name change process (except updating your Instagram handle of course). Included in our kits are the required forms to complete, instructions for filling out the documents, along with postage, and correct mailing addresses. 

Driver’s License

Each state has different requirements, so this will vary by locale. When purchasing your kit, select the state where you will be applying for a driver's license. Each state's kit includes state-specific instructions

Passport

You should wait to update your passport until after any international travel plans booked in your maiden name. Your passport must match your airline information exactly. A post-honeymoon to-do.

Vehicle Title & Registration

This also varies by state. Purchase the state kit where you'll be applying for a driver's license and state-specific instructions are included for vehicle title & registration.

Personal Accounts & Social Media

We see your new IG handle. A comprehensive checklist of all personal accounts & social media to update with your new last name.

Pop the Champagne

You changed your last name with Née Name Change. 

The best of both worlds. 

Hyphenating your last name after marriage is a great way to keep your maiden name, but also showcase your husband's last name. The legal process for changing your name varies by state, so it’s essential to understand the specific laws and requirements where you live before making the switch.

Check Your State’s Name Change Laws

Each U.S. state has different rules for how you can change your name after marriage. Some states allow you to hyphenate your last name directly on your marriage certificate, making the process straightforward. Others require a court order if you wish to create a new hyphenated last name. Here’s how to determine what applies in your state:

• Visit Your State’s Marriage License Office Website
  Most state or county clerk websites have a section on marriage name changes. Look for any mention of whether hyphenation is allowed as part of the marriage certificate process. Pro tip: check this database to read more about your specific state marriage laws.

• Call or Visit Your Local Clerk’s Office
  If the website isn’t clear, speaking with a clerk in person or over the phone can clarify whether you need extra steps, such as filing a petition with the court.

• Review Your State’s DMV & Social Security Office Requirements
  Some states require that your marriage certificate explicitly shows your new hyphenated name before allowing updates to your driver’s license or Social Security records. Others may accept your marriage certificate as general proof of a name change, regardless of whether the new name appears on the document.

• Check If a Court Order is Necessary
  In states that do not allow automatic name changes through marriage, you may need to file a name change petition in court. This process usually involves:

  • Submitting a legal name change form
  • Publishing a public notice (in some cases)
  • Attending a brief court hearing for approval
    

Middle Names

If you're interested in changing your middle name or replacing your middle name with your maiden name, you'll still want to check with your state marriage laws to see what is allowed and if you'll need a court order.

Making Your Decision

Once you confirm your state’s requirements, you can confidently move forward with your name change. Whether your state allows a simple marriage certificate update or requires additional legal steps, understanding the process in advance will save you time and headaches.

Pop the champagne, let's hyphenate your last name.

How to Replace Essential Documents in California

Losing your important documents in a disaster is overwhelming, but replacing them shouldn't be. We've put together the below guide to help those who need to replace their essential documents after the LA fires:

A birth certificate is often needed to verify your identity and apply for other replacement documents.

Steps to Replace:

• Where to Apply: California Department of Public Health (CDPH) or the County Recorder’s Office where the birth occurred

• Documents Needed:

  • Completed application form (available at CDPH Vital Records).

  • A notarized sworn statement (required for authorized copies)

  • A government-issued photo ID (if available)

• Cost: $29 per certified copy

• How to Submit:

  • Online via a third-party service like VitalChek

  • By mail to CDPH Vital Records

  • In person at the County Recorder’s Office

Replacing a marriage certificate is important for legal and financial purposes.

Steps to Replace:

• Where to Apply: County Clerk’s Office where the marriage license was issued

  • *If you aren't sure which county your marriage license was issued, you can reach out to the Vital Records office - use the this link to search for the state where you were married.
    

• Documents Needed:

  • Completed application form (available on the County Clerk’s website)

  • A government-issued photo ID

• Cost: Varies by county (typically $15–25 per certified copy)

• How to Submit:

  • By mail or in person at the issuing County Clerk’s Office

Your Social Security card is essential for employment and accessing benefits.

Steps to Replace:

• Where to Apply: Social Security Administration (SSA)

• Documents Needed:

  • Completed Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card)Proof of identity (e.g., U.S. passport, driver’s license, or state-issued ID)

  • Proof of citizenship (e.g., birth certificate) if not previously verified

• Cost: Free

• How to Submit:

  • Online via your my Social Security account (if eligible)

  • By mail or in person at your local SSA office

• Processing Time: 10–14 business days

Replacing a lost or damaged passport is necessary for international travel and identification.

Steps to Replace:

• Where to Apply: U.S. Department of State

• Documents Needed:

  • Completed Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport)

  • Completed Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport)

  • Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license or previous passport if available)

  • Proof of citizenship (e.g., birth certificate)

  • Passport photo

• Cost: $130 for a passport book ($30 additional for a card) plus a $35 execution fee

• How to Submit:

  • In person at a Passport Acceptance Facility (e.g., post office or county clerk’s office)

Replacing a driver’s license or state ID is vital for identification and driving privileges.

Steps to Replace:

• Where to Apply: California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

• Documents Needed:

  • Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate or passport)

  • Proof of California residency (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement)

  • Social Security Number

• Cost: $38 for a replacement driver’s license; $33 for an ID card.

• How to Submit:

  • Online (if you have a DMV account and meet the criteria)

  • In person at a DMV office

1. Contact FEMA: If your area is declared a disaster zone, FEMA may assist with the cost of replacing documents. Apply at disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.

2. Keep Copies: Once you’ve replaced your documents, consider storing digital copies securely in the cloud or in a fireproof safe.

3. Reach Out for Help: Many organizations, including local government offices and nonprofits, offer resources to fire survivors. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.

Thinking of you all during this difficult time. 
- Alex & the NÉE team

You deserve nothing but the best. NÉE is a step above the other name change kits on the markets and here's why.

Pop the champagne, we're changing your last name. 

Pop the champagne, we're changing your last name.