So my fiance is starting a business and getting an LLC as soon as possible but he needs to have his new last name before he gets the LLC. We are getting married in May and it's currently January so I'm running around town to different offices asking questions (dmv and social security office). So far I have printed off a petition for name change off the internet and an application for a social security card from the SS office. I will be changing my name when its "easiest" (right after the wedding). We have chosen a brand new last name because my first name and his last name rhyme and the new last name means the same thing as his but its Jewish and comes from our shared faith in Christianity and we got together on a tour of Israel. His family ACTUALLY LOVES IT! We are way closer to his family than mine. I know I dont have to defend our decision, but I like sharing why. Does anyone from North Carolina (Charlotte/Mecklenburg County) know the steps to changing his last name before the wedding that does not require a marriage certificate? Has anyone else done this or chosen this route of both name changes, brand new invented name, name change without marriage/divorce?