Can I keep my last name if I get married?
<p>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 <strong>MUST</strong> that I change or hyphenate it? </p>

<p>I am in New York City, New York.</p>

<p>You can keep your name; this is the default. <a href="http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/name_change.shtml">Source:</a></p>

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

new-york-state marriage civil-law