S 2373 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Revises State marriage license application form to permit certain changes in middle name and surname.

This bill revises New Jersey's state marriage license application form to give couples more flexibility when changing their names after marriage. It requires the form to include five specific options for surname changes: adopting a spouse's surname, using a former surname, combining surnames, using a hyphenated name, or listing a pre-marriage surname as a middle name followed by a spouse's surname. The form must also clearly state that neither party is required to change their name and provide guidance on updating Social Security and state ID records. The bill mandates coordination between the Health Department and other state agencies to automatically update name changes on documents like driver's licenses without requiring additional steps from applicants. It directly affects anyone marrying in New Jersey who wishes to change their legal name through the marriage process.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Legislator
Party
State
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P
Photo of Tony Bucco
Tony Bucco
RRepublican
NJ
25