How do Certified Marriage Certificates relate to name change?

Many state and U.S. government offices require a certified marriage certificate to be provided as proof of marriage before they will legally change a person's name.  Examples of the offices needing certified marriage certificates include: all state DMVs, the Social Security Administration, and the State Department (to issue a name change on a U.S. passport).  In addition to government offices many banks and creditors must be sent a certified marriage certificate to allow their customers to change their names on accounts.