Is a name change on a Minnesota marriage license restricted to just the bride or surnames?
By Alberto Gomez
View this fact brief on MinnPost
Copy link
Copy featured image
NO
Generally, in Minnesota a person can change more than just their surname with a marriage license, but only in specific counties. Some counties will offer more lenient name change options than others. For example, Hennepin County allows middle and surname changes but not a first name change. Meanwhile, Anoka County will allow a complete name change (surname, first and middle names).
However, should either spouse have a prior felony conviction, that person cannot change their name through marriage or may be subject to some restrictions, such as a 30-day waiting period, depending on which county they file in.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Minnesota Judicial Branch Name Change
DocumentCloud Hennepin County Name Change
DocumentCloud Anoka County Name Change
Ramsey County Marriage Licenses Ramsey County
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
MinnPost is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces thoughtful, in-depth journalism about civic and cultural affairs impacting Minnesota. Through our reporting, we take readers beyond the headlines and deep into the issues that matter through our public-service journalism, empowering them to engage in the politics and policy-making shaping Minnesota’s future.
