Can I keep my last name if I get married?

Question

Can I keep my last name the same if I get married? I don't want to hyphenate it either. Is this possible? Is it a MUST that I change or hyphenate it?

I am in New York City, New York.

Answer 1

You can keep your name; this is the default. Source:

• Your surname does not change automatically upon marriage unless you elect to change it.
• Nothing in the law requires you to change your name when getting married; it is your personal choice.
• You are not required to have the same surname as your spouse.