How do I change my name after marriage in Philadelphia County, PA?

Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Philadelphia County Clerk, then update your Social Security record, your PennDOT driver's license, and your passport — in that order.

Where is the Philadelphia County Clerk's office?

Phone: (215) 686-2234 (Marriage Records Dept., Clerk of the Orphans' Court). Confirm current hours before visiting.

Do I need to go to court to change my name in Philadelphia County?

No for a marriage or divorce name change — your certificate or decree is your legal document. A court-order name change requires filing a petition with the Prothonotary (Court of Common Pleas) and attending a hearing.

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How to Change Your Name in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

Changing your name in Philadelphia County (county seat: Philadelphia) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Philadelphia County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.

Step 1 — Get your certified copies

Every agency needs to see an original certified document. For a marriage name change, order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Philadelphia County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the Philadelphia County Prothonotary (Court of Common Pleas) (below).

Philadelphia County Clerk

Phone: (215) 686-2234 (Marriage Records Dept., Clerk of the Orphans' Court)

Certified copy fee: MAIL: $15 search + $25 certified copy = $40 (check/money order to 'Clerk of the Orphans' Court'), 7–10 business days. IN-PERSON same-day: $95 (money order/cashier's check to 'City of Philadelphia').

www.phila.gov/services/birth-marriage-life-events/marriage-and-divorce/find-and-request-a-marriage-record

Step 2 — Update Social Security

Update your Social Security record first — it must come before your driver's license. It's free, but bring your certified document and a current photo ID.

Local Social Security office

SSA field offices serving Philadelphia (multiple city locations) — confirm nearest and book an appointment at ssa.gov/locator.

Step 3 — Update your PennDOT license

Once your Social Security record is updated, visit the PennDOT to reissue your driver's license or state ID with your new name.

PennDOT office

PennDOT Driver License Center — name change IN PERSON only (not online/by mail). Update SSA FIRST, then bring completed Form DL-80 + the original/certified marriage certificate. $27.50 for a new-photo corrected license, or FREE no-photo 'update card' carried with the existing license.

Driver's license / ID fee: $27.50 corrected license with new photo; $0 for a no-photo 'update card'

Step 4 — Update your passport

Submit the correct passport form with a certified copy of your name-change document. Passport services are available in Philadelphia Passport Agency (US Custom House, 200 Chestnut St) for urgent travel by appointment only; routine applications/renewals via USPS, participating public libraries, and county Register of Wills/Clerk of Courts passport acceptance facilities (see iafdb.travel.state.gov)..

Fees at a glance

Item	Cost
Certified copies (Philadelphia County)	MAIL: $15 search + $25 certified copy = $40 (check/money order to 'Clerk of the Orphans' Court'), 7–10 business days. IN-PERSON same-day: $95 (money order/cashier's check to 'City of Philadelphia').
Social Security card update	Free
Driver's license reissue	$27.50 corrected license with new photo; $0 for a no-photo 'update card'
U.S. passport update	$0–$130 (depends on timing)

Local note: Pennsylvania marriage name change: NO court filing — the certified marriage certificate IS the legal name-change document. Order of operations: (1) certified marriage certificate from the county Register of Wills / Clerk of the Orphans' Court (the office that issued the marriage license); (2) SSA card update in person by appointment, free (appointments required since Jan 2025) — must be done BEFORE PennDOT; (3) PennDOT — change name on driver's license/ID IN PERSON at a Driver License Center using Form DL-80, presenting the certified marriage certificate ($27.50 if you want a new photo license; FREE if you accept a no-photo 'update card' carried with your existing license); (4) U.S. passport; (5) voter registration (vote.pa.gov) & vehicle registration (PennDOT). PHILADELPHIA-SPECIFIC TRAP: in-person same-day certified copy is $95 (payable to 'City of Philadelphia'), but a MAILED request is only $40 total ($15 search + $25 copy, payable to 'Clerk of the Orphans' Court') — advise mail unless the customer needs it same-day. Office: City Hall Room 415, open only 8:00 AM–2:30 PM.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I change my name after marriage in Philadelphia County, PA?: Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Philadelphia County Clerk, then update your Social Security record, your PennDOT driver's license, and your passport — in that order.
How much does a certified copy cost in Philadelphia County?: The Philadelphia County Clerk charges MAIL: $15 search + $25 certified copy = $40 (check/money order to 'Clerk of the Orphans' Court'), 7–10 business days. IN-PERSON same-day: $95 (money order/cashier's check to 'City of Philadelphia'). for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
Where is the Philadelphia County Clerk's office?: Phone: (215) 686-2234 (Marriage Records Dept., Clerk of the Orphans' Court). Confirm current hours before visiting.
Do I need to go to court to change my name in Philadelphia County?: No for a marriage or divorce name change — your certificate or decree is your legal document. A court-order name change requires filing a petition with the Prothonotary (Court of Common Pleas) and attending a hearing.