The Family Code of the Philippines defines marriage as a special agreement between a man and a woman who enter into a marital union to establish a life together. Traditionally, brides use their husband’s last name upon marriage, symbolizing unity and family affiliation. However, it is a common misconception that brides are required to change their surname to their husband’s after marriage. In fact, it is the bride’s choice whether to change her last name or retain her maiden name.
What Surname Can I Use After Marriage?
According to Article 370 of Republic Act No. 386 or the New Civil Code of the Philippines, a married woman may use the following combinations for her name:
- Her maiden first name and surname and add her husband’s surname;
- Her maiden first name and her husband’s surname; or
- Her husband’s full name, but prefixing a word indicating that she is his wife. such as “Mrs.”
Alternatively, in the case of Remo vs Secretary of Foreign Affairs (G.R. No. 169202 March 5, 2010), the Supreme Court explained that a woman is “allowed to use not only any of the three names provided in Article 370, but also her maiden name upon marriage. She is not prohibited from continuously using her maiden name once she is married because when a woman marries, she does not change her name but only her civil status. Further, this interpretation is in consonance with the principle that surnames indicate descent.”
How to Change Your Surname After Marriage?
To change your last name after marriage, the first step you should do is to acquire a marriage certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). After doing so, you should visit the necessary government offices to update your personal information, specifically your marital status and name.
PhilHealth
Requirements:
- Original copy and photocopy of Marriage Certificate
- Old PhilHealth ID
- Valid ID
- Accomplished PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF)
Application Process:
- Step 1: Visit the nearest PhilHealth office.
- Step 2: Fill out the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF) and ensure to check the “Updating” box on the upper right corner of the form.
- Step 3: Submit the accomplished form and the necessary requirements.
- Step 4: Receive your newly issued PhilHealth ID.
Pag-Ibig
Requirements:
- Original copy and photocopy of Marriage Certificate
- Valid ID
- Pag-Ibig Membership number
- Accomplished Members Change of Information Form (MCIF)
Application Process:
- Step 1: Visit the nearest Pag-Ibig office.
- Step 2: Fill out the appropriate information that needed to be updated on the Members Change of Information Form (MCIF) and write in CAPITAL LETTER.
- Step 3: Submit the accomplished form and the required documents.
- Step 4: Update and print your new Member’s Data Form.
Social Security Service (SSS)
Requirements:
- Original copy and photocopy of Marriage Certificate
- Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) or Valid ID
- Accomplished Member’s Data Change Request (SS Form E-4)
- If you are employed, an authorization letter for your employer
Application Process (if employed):
- Step 1: Inform your employer about updating your SSS.
- Step 2: Fill out the Member’s Data Change Request (SS Form E-4) and submit the necessary requirements to your company’s Human Resources (HR) personnel as well as the authorization letter.
Application Process (if unemployed):
- Step 1: Visit the nearest SSS office.
- Step 2: Fill out the Member’s Data Change Request (SS Form E-4) and submit the necessary requirements.
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
Requirements:
- Original copy and photocopy of Marriage Certificate
- Valid ID
- Accomplished BIR Form
Application Process:
- Step 1: Visit any BIR branch or download the form from their official website, and fill out the form.
- Step 2: Submit the accomplished form and the documentary requirements to the Revenue District Office (RDO) where you are registered, or submit through emailing the RDO’s designated email address.
NBI Clearance
Requirements:
- Original copy and photocopy of Marriage Certificate
- Valid ID
- Proof of payment
Application Process:
- Step 1: Create a new account on the NBI clearance website.
- Step 2: Schedule an appointment and pay the necessary fee. The NBI clearance costs PHP130.00 and you will be charged an additional fee of PHP25.00 for using e-payment services.
- Step 3: Visit the NBI branch during your scheduled appointment and submit the necessary documents.
- Step 4: You may be able to claim your new NBI clearance if you do not have a “hit.”
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
Requirements:
- Original copy and photocopy of Marriage Certificate
- Two (2) passport size ID pictures in white background with a full name tag
- Photocopy of PRC ID
- Accomplished Petition for Change of Registered Name Due to Marriage Form
- Metered documentary stamp
- Proof of payment
Application Process:
- Step 1: Download the Petition for Change of Registered Name Due to Marriage Form on the official PRC website and have it notarized.
- Step 2: Visit the PRC office and submit all the documentary requirements.
- Step 3: Pay the necessary fee of PHP225.00.
- Step 4: Check the PRC website for verification of the status of your petition.
- Step 5: Once amended, you may claim your new PRC ID card.
Passport
Requirements:
- Original copy and photocopy of Marriage Certificate
- Current passport
- Photocopy of passport’s biodata page
- Valid ID
- Proof of payment
Application Process:
- Step 1: Book an appointment at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website.
- Step 2: Fill out a copy of the application form on the DFA website.
- Step 3: Pay the processing fee at a payment center. For regular transactions, you will be charged PHP950.00. For quicker processing time, you will be charged PHP1,2000.00. Additionally, some payment centers charge a convenience fee of PHP50.00 per transaction.
- Step 4: Visit the DFA office on the day of your appointment and submit the needed requirements.
- Step 5: After processing, you will be given a receipt. Ensure to keep the receipt since you will need this for claiming your passport.
Driver’s License
Requirements:
- Original copy and photocopy of Marriage Certificate
- Current Driver’s License
Application Process:
- Step 1: Fill out the application form on the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
- Step 2: Visit the LTO office near you and submit the form along with the needed documents.
Bank Records
Requirements:
- Original copy and photocopy of Marriage Certificate
- Valid ID with your married name
Application Process:
- Step 1: Visit your preferred bank.
- Step 2: Inform the teller that you would update your personal information.
When Can a Married Woman Revert to Her Maiden Name?
In the Philippines, a married woman who has taken her husband’s surname may revert to her maiden name after the occurrence of any of the following circumstances:
- Annulment of marriage
- Declaration of Nullity
- Recognition of a Foreign Divorce Decree
- Death of the husband
Furthermore, a married woman may continue to use her husband’s surname even if they are separated or if he is deceased.
Need further information and assistance regarding Change Surname After Marriage? Talk to our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law to know more about the requirements and process. Call us today at (+632) 8478 5826 or +63 917 194 0482, or send an email to info@duranschulze.com for more information.
