Are there any restrictions for couples to change their last name?

In Florida, there are certain restrictions couples need to observe when changing their last name after marriage. In order to change your last name legally in Florida, you must have been a legal resident of the state for at least six months prior to the application for the new name. In addition, the process requires the marriage license to be recorded and a marriage certificate must be obtained from the county clerk’s office. The couple must also both sign a form to change their name. When changing the last name, couples are only allowed to select one of the following: the surname of the husband, the surname of the wife, a combination of both surnames, or a completely different last name. Hyphenated names are not allowed. Furthermore, those with previous marriages must use the last name that was in effect prior to the second marriage in order for them to be legally changed. Finally, after the process is complete, the couple must apply for new Social Security cards. In Florida, the fee for applying for the new name is $35 and couples are also responsible for any fees required in order to obtain any new documents such as a driver’s license or passport. Once the process is complete, the couple is legally allowed to use the new name.

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