Congratulations! You’ve just married to the man of your dreams and ready to take on your new life with your new last name. Now what is the first step, to going about your official name change? Well, you are in luck as we have the answers right here!
Step 1: Get your marriage license
Before you can officially drop your maiden name and embrace your new one, you will need to obtain your marriage license. Be sure you have the original or certified document. Since you must file this prior to your actual marriage, you should have a copy on hand. Once you’ve acquired that, you need to make a list of all the places, where you conduct businesses to start the process of requesting a Name Change.
Step 2: Change your Social Security card
To do this you will need to go online or in person if your area requires it, and file a request for a new Social Security card. Do not worry, the number will be the same, the only thing that will change is your name. Typically this new card will arrive within 10 business days.
Step 3: Change your license at the DMV
In order to get a new license you will need both documents you obtained in steps 1 and 2. Who knows, you might even be able to sneak in an updated license photo!
Step 4: Update your bank accounts and cards
This is important because you will surely need all information on your accounts and cards to match your license. Some wont even let you use your card without your name matching what is on your license. The most efficient way to change this information is to go into your local bank and have your license and marriage certificate handy. Don’t forget to ask for updated checks if you use them.
Step 5: Fill in the blanks
Once you have finished steps 1-4 the rest will be easy. It is helpful to refer to that list of all of the things that you know your name is on and where you conduct business at so that you can check these off as you go; here are some of the common things:
- Post office
- Passport office
- Voter registration office
- Various Doctors’ offices
- Employers and payroll
- Electric and other utility companies
- Credit card companies
- Mortgage or landlord companies
- Insurance companies
- College or University (if you are a student, traditional or non-traditional)
As you can see, changing your name is a lengthy but not too difficult of a task, as a matter of fact, once you have all your required documents and checklist established, it is quite simple. Technology has changed the way we conduct business and the preference is submitting documents online through the county or state’s portal. Be sure you check with your local government for the process as it varies from state to state. If you live abroad, the process can take longer as they may have more requirements.
One note, consider obtaining digital copies of your documents so uploading can be a breeze. Congratulations on your marriage or future marriage, and we wish you a happy transition process!
Source: https://www.theknot.com/content/name-change-101
Tracy A. Pope
Owner/Lead Planner
Devoted to Your Event