Where To Change Your Name After You Get Married

10:44 AM

Congratulations on getting married! But then, comes the not fun part. I have so many friends who have issues years after they get married because they forgot to change their name one place or another. It can be so difficult to know that you got all the places necessary!

Many people choose not to change their name, and that's great. For people who do want to change their last name, here's a list of things you need to know and places you need to go!

1. Get a copy of your marriage license from the county office. You usually get a certified copy with your original, but you can also purchase additional copies if needed. Make sure you keep it somewhere safe!

2. Take your marriage license and old photo ID to the DMV to get a new license. Some places will also require a form and reprint fee, others won't.

3. Take your marriage license and a photo ID to the Social Security Office. I also brought my old Social Security Card, and filled out the change of name forms beforehand (https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf).

4. Passport. This was HUGE and I almost had an issue. Some people suggest just booking travel tickets in your old name until your passport expires, but I don't recommend that. I flew in the US and then international on the same trip and had to book my tickets in the right name, or it wouldn't match my driver's license. This website has all the forms you have to fill out (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/change-correct.html)

5. Post office. I put my new name on my Change of Address form when I had my mail forwarded from USPS. If you don't need a Change of Address, just call your post office and see what they require.

6. Banks. I was able to go online and change my name for nearly all of my banks and credit cards, and they sent new cards to me. One bank required I go in and sign paperwork, which was easy. You just provide your new ID.

7. Insurance. Just hop online to make sure your insurance company has your correct name.

8. Work. I needed to let my work know that my name was changing so they could update payroll information.

9. Email. I got a new email address and have my old address forward to the new one. My old email address has become my "junk" email where I sign up for silly promotions or coupons or things, and I use my new one with my new name everywhere else.

Let me know if I've forgotten any important places for name changes, or if you have any tips or tricks!


You Might Also Like

2 comments

  1. There are a couple of other items to think about when getting married. Investment accounts (401k and IRA) names need to be updated. Additionally, investment accounts have a survivor's benefit that will need to change. Even if you explicitly exclude your spouse from survivor benefits, your spouse will need to sign an acknowledgement. You also should update medical records at your doctor's office, church records, immunization records held by the county or state. You will need to update your records at rewards programs such as airlines, hotel and car rental. Don't forget your Amazon account, Sam's Club and Costco accounts, internet payment sites such as PayPal and Venmo. You might need to change your name on your automobile and property titles. You do not need to change your name on credit reports from the credit reporting agencies Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. By changing your name on your regular accounts, the name change will roll into the credit reports. Of course you should also update your social media accounts (Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, LinkedIn,...)

    ReplyDelete
  2. SO many good thoughts - thank you for sharing, Dad!

    ReplyDelete

They like what they see

Featured On