HOW TO CHANGE YOUR NAME AFTER GETTING MARRIED
Changing the last name is still very common and most surveys
indicate that over 80% of newlyweds choose to change their last names. However,
writing your new last name in your marriage certificate is only the beginning of
different other legal procedures that you will undergo to change to fully your
new name. Below is a helpful guide of different processes of changing your
name after getting married.
Get your Marriage License/Certificate Copies
These are the most important documents that will enable you
to move on to the next step. You can easily find them in the Registry of
Births, Deaths, and Marriages in your state. Always keep them safe to avoid
inconveniences when you need them.
Update your Social Security Card by Changing your Name
Changing the name on your social security card, you can
either visit your local or the nearest office of the social security
administrators or apply mail or through their website. Your name will change
but the social security number remain the same. If you decide to apply it
in person you will need the following documents:
- A Valid certificate of birth or passport
- Current social security card
- Certified copy of your marriage license
- Passport-sized photo. You can use the one in your driver’s license or passport
Change your Driver’s license at DMV
You will need to visit your local DMV (Department of Motor
Vehicle) offices to get a new driving license with a new name. You will need
to bring all documents as those carried while seeking another social security
card. Additionally, you will need to bring the social security card itself or
its receipt if you have not yet received the actual card. Because most states
consider this process as part of renewing your license, you will need to take a
new photo as well as pay the cost of the renewal fee.
Change the name in your Bank Accounts and Credit Cards
To change the name on your bank accounts and credit cards
easily and fast, you will need to personally visit the local branch of your
bank. The banks will actually need you to visit them in person for such major
changes and you should bring with you the copies of marriage license, new
social security number, and your new driver’s license. You can also carry your
mortgage documents if you need to change your address. If you have multiple
bank accounts, remember to change all of them and also remember to request a
new set of checkbooks and cards.
How to change your name in other Documents
With copies of your social security card and driver’s
license in place, you will easily be able to change to your new name in other
documents or places of interest. In other places, a simple phone call can also
work in changing names. The change of name should be notified to:
- Mortgage company/Landlord
- Insurance companies
- Utility or electric companies
- Attorney (for example updating your will)
- Passport office
- Post office
- Employer/payroll
- Voter registration office
- Doctor’s office
- Associations such as alumni or local or career
associations
Seek more information from Experts and Experienced Couples
You can also share or seek more information from experts or
new couples that have already done it.
The website has everything you need to know about marriages from how to prepare
for your marriage, conduct a wedding and any other thing you need to know about
marriages. You can learn a lot about the subject of different ways towards changing to your new name
after marriage and even how long it might take and the experiences of using a
new name as a married person.