North Dakota § 14-03-20.1 - Surname options
Full text of North Dakota North Dakota Century Code § 14-03-20.1 — Surname options, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 14-03-20.1. Surname options
1. Every person has the right to adopt any surname by which that person wishes to be known by using that surname consistently and without intent to defraud. 2. A person's surname does not automatically change upon marriage. Neither party to the marriage must change the party's surname. Parties to a marriage need not have the same surname. 3. One party or both parties to a marriage may elect to change the surname by which that party wishes to be known after the solemnization of the marriage by entering the new surname in the space provided on the marriage license application. The entry on the application must consist of one of the following surnames: a. The surname of the other spouse; b. Any former surname of either spouse; c. A name combining into a single surname all or a segment of the premarriage surname or any former surname of either spouse; or d. A combination name separated by a hyphen or space, provided that each part of the combination surname is the premarriage surname or former surname of either spouse. 4. Use of the option under subsection 3 has the effect of providing a record of the surname change. The marriage certificate containing the new surname, if any, constitutes proof that the use of the new surname, or the retention of the former surname, is lawful. 5. Neither the use of nor the failure to use the option of selecting a new surname by means of a marriage license application, as provided in subsection 3, abrogates the right of either party to adopt a different surname through usage at a future date. 6. Compliance with the surname provisions of this section is sufficient to meet the satisfactory evidence requirements of section 39-06-07.1.
Source: official North Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota § 14-03-20.1
What does North Dakota Century Code § 14-03-20.1 cover?
Section 14-03-20.1 ("Surname options") is part of the North Dakota Century Code, the codified statutory law of North Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Dakota § 14-03-20.1?
A common citation format is "North Dakota Century Code § 14-03-20.1" (North Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Dakota attorney.
How does North Dakota § 14-03-20.1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Dakota.