SOS - which name should be on the marriage certificate?

[chinausa 7]

Hi guys,

I'm quite confused that which name should be on the marriage certificate.

so on the marriage certificate, should it be my own maiden name or my married name (my husband's last name)?

I'm taking my husband's last name, I filled out all the forms with my new married last name. However, my own maiden last name is on our marriage certificate.

Nobody in the city hall told us anything about which name will be on the marriage certificate.

Please be advise that I made any mistakes.

Appreciate all your input.

XH

[VanessaTony 3,567]

It depends ENTIRELY on your state requirements. Mine says both names, some say maiden, some say married. Depends on your state.

[DanTes 21]

In the Philippines it has the husband's name and the maiden name of the wife (at least mine does). I can't remember if we signed the marriage certificate before or after the ceremony (11 years ago), but, if before the ceremony, we were not married yet. so her maiden name would be correct. She didn't have my last name until the Priest pronounced us man and wife. I guess different countries have different regulations.

[xiaozhu 4]

Marriage cerficate is a proof of your marriage, whatever you take your husband's last name or not. So I think logically your maiden name should be on the certifcate. At least we did like this.

Edited March 5, 2011 by xiaozhu

[Haarp425 26]

Here in WA, the female has to put her maiden name on the marriage certificate and must sign with her maiden name. Once both parties sign and the officiant signs, the marriage certificate can be used to what ever name she wants to use after that but must be consistent with other documentations she wants to change her name to.