Marriage Name Change in Maryland

Agency: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Deadline: Update your MVA record promptly once your SSA record shows the new name, since MVA verification will fail against your old name in the interim.

The MVA electronically verifies your new name against Social Security Administration records, so update your name with the SSA first. Bring your documents to an MVA office or full-service kiosk to complete the license update.

Bring these documents:

• Updated Social Security card (reflecting your new name)
• Certified marriage certificate (original, raised seal)
• Current Maryland driver's license or ID card
• Proof of Maryland residency (if requested)

Open the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) →

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 Maryland driver license — Maryland 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.