The Intelligence Reform And Terrorism Act of 2005, which became effective 12/17/05, changed the documents required by Social Security to make a name change on a Social Security card.

* If the reason for the name change request is marriage, the individual must present a certified copy of the marriage certificate.  This document must also show either (1) a description or photograph of the person or (2) biographical information (Age, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, or Parent's Names); or

* When the marriage certificate does not show either a photograph of the person or biographical information, then, in addition to the marriage certificate, the applicant must also submit two identity documents.  One of the submitted identity documents must show the old name (the name on the latest SSN Card) AND the other submitted identity document must show the new name (the name to be shown on the corrected SSN Card).  The identity documents submitted must show either a photograph of the applicant or provide biographical information. 

Generally, Marriage Certificates issued in the majority of states do not show additional identifying information (for your protection from identity thief, dates of birth and mothers' maiden names are left off, etc.).  Therefore, a person will need to submit two additional identity documents.

* A certified copy of the marriage license application extract can serve as one of the two identity documents needed.  A driver's license, State issued I.D., or U.S. Passport (none of which can be expired) etc. can serve as the second document.

Now Given All This Legal Talk, This Is What You Need To Do In Nevada;

First of all, it is not a law that anyone needs to change their name, just because they are newly married.  But, if your choice is to change your last name, we offer the following easy to understand, information.

When you purchase your marriage license, ask for a data copy that will cost an additional $7.00.  This is a copy that is not normally given to you unless requested.  It will have an important part of the the information that Social Security will need (but not all of the information it needs).  Now, after your marriage, it will depend on the county you purchased your license from; some will automatically send you a certified copy (locally, South Tahoe's Minden County, also Carson City's recorder) and others you will have to request, one or more copies from (like North Tahoe's Incline Village, which is a satellite office to Reno).  With both of these copies and your driver's license you can change your name at Social Security, as well as other common places.

Easy Steps Version;

1. Purchase a marriage license, from the county clerk's office

2. Also, at the same time, purchase a data copy for an additional $7.00 (price may vary)

3. After your wedding ceremony; apply for one, or more certified copies of the completely filled-out marriage certificate, that your wedding officiant has sent into that particular county recorder's office.  They will send you back one, or more (as requested and paid for) stamped "certified" copy/s, from their recorder's office.   Some counties automatically send a certified copy, so ask your clerk, or wedding officiant.

4. (1) Bring data copy, (2) certified copy and (3) driver's license (or State issued I.D.) to various places to change last name, like; Social Security Department, Driver's License Bureau, Bank, etc.