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Why doesn't my new name show on my marriage certificate?

Please note that your last name does not automatically change when you wed which is why the certificate you purchased from us still shows your last name prior to your recent marriage. If you wish to have your name changed you must take your certificate to the Social Security Administration office near you and then to your local DMV. You do not need to purchase a new certificate after that because our certificate will NEVER reflect your new last name.

Why is it a Felony to Make a Photocopy of a Birth, Death, Marriage, or Domestic Partnership Certificate?

The Attorney General stated in 78 Op. Att'y Gen. 232,233 (1989), "Section 69.24(1)(a) was enacted in apparent response to a substantial increase in the practice of obtaining and using false identification documents by manipulating the existing system. For example, it was easy for a person to procure a photocopy of a birth certificate from a source other than discussed in chapter 69. This certificate, which might be accurate or already altered, could be altered to provide a new identity or other erroneous identifying information……. The Legislature obviously determined that this evil and its consequences could only be prevented by a strict measure which makes copying per se a criminal violation unless done under the authority of subchapter I of chapter 69."

How Do I Make Changes to an Existing Record?

  • Birth Records
    • Changes to existing Dane County birth records must be made through Wisconsin State Vital Records. Possible changes include: spelling and name changes, paternity judgments (adding the father), and numerical changes.
  • Marriage, Domestic Partnership, & Death Records
    • Changes to existing Dane County marriage, domestic partnership, or death records made within 365 days of the event may be made through our office. All changes will require a signed amendment letter. Please contact our office at 608-267-8810 for more information.

Changes to existing Dane County marriage, domestic partnership, or death records made 366 days or more after the event must be made through Wisconsin State Vital Records.

Information for Parents, Coaches, and Schools

Instead of photocopying a child's birth certificate (see above) please ask the child's coach to use the following form.