TN 1 (02-10)

Accept same-sex marriage documents validly issued within the 50 U.S. States, Washington, D.C., Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands, which permits ceremonial same-sex marriage as evidence of a name change. The documents should comply with the criteria of the issuing State listed in RM 10212.035A, in this section.

For SSA purposes, applicant’s State of residence is not a factor in determining whether the same-sex marriage document is acceptable evidence for a name change.

A. Acceptable same-sex marriage documents for a name change

1. Alabama

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on February 09, 2015 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Alabama as evidence of a name change.

2. Alaska

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on October 17, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Alaska as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.002 Alaska.

3. American Samoa

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on June 26, 2015 or later by jurisdictions in the US Territory of American Samoa as evidence of a name change.

4. Arizona

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on October 17, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Arizona as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.004 Arizona

5. Arkansas

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on May 9, 2014 to May 16, 2014 and on June 26, 2015 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Arkansas as evidence of a name change.

6. California

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place 6/16/08 in the following five counties:

• Alameda,

• Los Angeles,

• San Francisco,

• Sonoma and

• Yolo counties

For all other jurisdictions (town, country or State) in the State of California, accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place between 06/17/08 and 11/04/08 and June 28, 2013 or later as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.006 California.

The following is a brief description of marriage documents issued by jurisdictions in the State of California beginning on June 17, 2008 at 5:01 p.m.:

• Each is titled License and Certificate of Marriage.

• On the title it may also indicate the marriage is Confidential, a Declaration, or Denominations Not Having Clergy.

• Documents show biographical data (date of birth and parents' names).

• The names of each party appear as Name of Party A and Name of Party B.

NOTE: As of November 5, 2008, the names of each party appear as First Person (box should be checked Groom or Bride) and Second Person (box should be checked as Groom or Bride).

Applicants requesting a name change based on a California same-sex marriage document who had also entered into a California Registered Domestic Partnership with the same party are not required to show evidence of dissolution of the domestic partnership before we process the name change.

7. Colorado

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place June 25, 2014 to July 18, 2014 and on October 06, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Colorado as evidence of a name change.

8. Connecticut

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on November 12, 2008 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in Connecticut as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.008 Connecticut.

Connecticut marriage documents display the names of each party as Bride/Groom/Spouse. Parties to the marriage are not required to specify by crossing out or circling a party to reduce it to one of the three.

Applicants requesting a name change based on a Connecticut same-sex marriage document who had also entered into a Connecticut civil union with the same party are not required to show evidence of dissolution of the civil union before we process the name change.

9. Delaware

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on July 01, 2013 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Delaware as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.009 Delaware.

10. District of Columbia

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on March 09, 2010 or later by the District of Columbia as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.010 District of Columbia .

11. Florida

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on January 05, 2015 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Florida as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.011 Florida.

12. Georgia

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on June 26, 2015 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Georgia as evidence of a name change.

13. Guam

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on June 09, 2015 or later by jurisdictions in the US Territory of Guam as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.013 Guam.

14. Hawaii

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on December 02, 2013 or later by Hawaii as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.014 Hawaii.

15. Idaho

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on October 15, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Idaho as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.015 Idaho

16. Illinois

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on December 16, 2013 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in Illinois as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.016 Illinois.

17. Indiana

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on June 25, 2014 to June 27, 2014, and on October 06, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Indiana as evidence of a name change.

18. Iowa

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on April 30, 2009 or later by jurisdictions (town, city or State) in Iowa as evidence of a name change.

On April 27, 2009 Iowa county recorders began accepting applications for marriage licenses from same-sex couples and beginning April 30, 2009 same-sex couples could marry. The same marriage documents will be used for all couples and will display the parties names as “Party A” and “Party B.” Parties may designate a title of bride, groom, or spouse, but this is not required. Parties are permitted to adopt a name change at the time of marriage. This includes a change to the first name. Both the old and new names will be listed on the marriage certificate. The marriage certificate will also contain biographical information including date of birth and parents’ names.

19. Kansas

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on November 12, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Kansas as evidence of a name change.

20. Kentucky

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on June 26, 2015 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Kentucky as evidence of a name change

21. Louisiana

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on June 26, 2015 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Louisiana as evidence of a name change.

22. Maine

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on December 29, 2012 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Maine as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.022 Maine.

23. Maryland

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on January 01, 2013 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Maryland as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.023 Maryland.

24. Massachusetts

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on May 17, 2004 or later by Massachusetts as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.024 Massachusetts.

25. Michigan

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on March 21, 2014 to March 22, 2014 and June 26, 2015 and later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Michigan as evidence of a name change.

26. Mississippi

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on June 26, 2015 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Mississippi as evidence of a name change.

27. Missouri

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on June 25, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Missouri as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.028 Missouri..

28. Minnesota

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on August 1, 2013 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Minnesota as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.026 Minnesota.

29. Montana

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on November 19, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Montana as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.029 Montana.

30. Nebraska

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on June 26, 2015 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Nebraska as evidence of a name change.

31. Nevada

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on October 9, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Nevada as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.031 Nevada.

32. New Hampshire

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on January 1, 2010 or later by New Hampshire as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.032 New Hampshire.

33. New Jersey

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on October 21, 2013 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in New Jersey as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.033 New Jersey.

34. New Mexico

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on August 21, 2013 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of New Mexico as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.034 New Mexico.

35. New York

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on July 24, 2011 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in New York as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.035 New York.

36. North Carolina

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on October 10, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of North Carolina as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.036 North Carolina.

37. North Dakota

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on June 26, 2015 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of North Dakota as evidence of a name change.

38. Northern Mariana Islands

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on June 26, 2015 or later by jurisdictions in the US Territory of Northern Mariana Islands as evidence of a name change.

39. Ohio

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on June 26, 2015 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Ohio as evidence of a name change.

40. Oklahoma

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on October 6, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Oklahoma as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.040 Oklahoma.

41. Oregon

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on May 19, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in Oregon as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.041 Oregon.

42. Pennsylvania

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on May 20, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in Pennsylvania as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.042 Pennsylvania.

43. Puerto Rico

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on June 26, 2015 or later by jurisdictions in the US Territory of Puerto Rico as evidence of a name change.

44. Rhode Island

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on August 01, 2013 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Rhode Island as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.044 Rhode Island.

45. South Carolina

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on November 19, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of South Carolina as evidence of a name change.

46. South Dakota

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on June 26, 2015 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of South Dakota as evidence of a name change.

47. Tennessee

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on June 26, 2015 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Tennessee as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.048 Texas.

48. Texas

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on June 26, 2015 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Texas as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.048 Texas.

49. Utah

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place between December 20, 2013 and January 6, 2014, and October 6, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Utah as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.049 Utah.

50. Vermont

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on September 01, 2009 or later by Vermont as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.050 Vermont.

51. Virginia

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on October 06, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Virginia as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.052 Virginia

52. Virgin Islands

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on June 26, 2015 or later by jurisdictions in the US Territory of Virgin Islands as evidence of a name change.

53. Washington

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on December 06, 2012 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Washington as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.053 Washington.

54. West Virginia

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on October 09, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of West Virginia as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.054 West Virginia

55. Wisconsin

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place June 06, 2014 to June 13, 2014, and on October 06, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Wisconsin as evidence of a name change.

56. Wyoming

Accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples for marriages that took place on October 21, 2014 or later by jurisdictions (town, county or State) in the State of Wyoming as evidence of a name change. See PR 02712.056 Wyoming.

B. Unacceptable same-sex marriage documents for a name change

The following marriage documents, listed by State, are invalid. Therefore, unacceptable evidence for a name change on the SSN card.

1. California

Marriage documents issued by San Francisco city and county

Do not accept marriage documents issued from February 12, 2004 through March 11, 2004 by San Francisco City and County. San Francisco City and County issued marriage certificates to same-sex couples and locally modified the marriage license applications and marriage certificates.

Because these locally modified same-sex marriage documents have been declared void, do not accept same-sex marriage documents issued by San Francisco City and County during the specified time period above.

The locally modified form, which is in the form of a marriage document labeled “License and Certificate of Marriage,” refers to members of the same-sex couple as “1st Applicant” and “2nd Applicant.” Do not accept marriage documents issued by San Francisco City and County with the terminology “1st Applicant” and “2nd Applicant.”

2. New York

Marriage documents issued in New Paltz, New York

Do not accept marriage affidavit documents issued to same-sex couples on February 27, 2004. The mayor of the Village of New Paltz, New York, and some clergy in the area issued affidavits for marriages performed for same-sex couples. Marriage licenses were not issued to these same-sex couples; therefore, the affidavits are not valid.

Do not accept these marriage affidavit documents issued to same-sex couples as evidence of a name change.

3. Oregon

Marriage documents issued by Multnomah County, Oregon

Do not accept marriage documents issued to same-sex couples from March 3, 2004 through April 20, 2004 by Multnomah County, Oregon. These same-sex marriage documents have been declared void. See PR 02712.041 Oregon.

Same-sex marriage documents issued by Multnomah County show the same sex for each member of the couple on the marriage document. For example, the marriage document shows “M” for male in the SEX line for both groom and bride; or “F” for female in the SEX line for both groom and bride.

C. Same-sex marriage documents from other States

See the Regional Chief Counsel Precedents, PR 02712.000 Name Change Due to Marriage based on State Law, for additional name change guidance on same-sex marriage documents issued by other States.

D. Procedure for the Regional Office for name change requests involving other same-sex marriage documents

If there is a request for a name change involving a same-sex marriage document not covered in the above sections A, B, or C, route the request to the Regional Office (RO) Enumeration Coordinator. The RO should then consult with the Social Security number evidence team in the Office of Income Security Programs (OISP) for guidance on how to proceed with the request.

If OISP staff instructs the RO to obtain a Regional Chief Counsel (RCC) precedent opinion, the RO should obtain a Regional Chief Counsel precedent opinion requesting the following information:

• whether the State permits parties to the same-sex marriage to change their names based on the marriage;

• the date the State will begin issuing marriage licenses and certificates to same-sex couples;

• any change to the status of prior or new civil union or domestic partnership entered into in the same State; and

• whether a prior entered civil union and domestic partnership must be dissolved before entering a same-sex marriage

E. References

• GN 01010.815, FOs Initial Request for a Legal Opinion

• RM 10212.055, Evidence Required to Process a Name Change on the SSN based on Marriage, Civil Union, or Domestic Partnership