A Guide on How to Change a Name Legally After a Wedding
The wedding is finally over! All of the months of wedding preparation, pressure, and joyous moments have come to an end. So, now that you’re officially Mrs. are you the same as other newlyweds who are excited and want to change their last name quickly? And so, the question is whether you’re now ready to change your name legally. However, it takes time to figure out how to change your name legally after marriage, so don’t get discouraged if it feels like it’s taking forever. Because the last name does not change automatically, the couple should comply with all the legal documents and follow the proper steps in applying for their name change.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started with the process of changing your name after the wedding. After you’ve completed the first five steps, you can go through the rest of the checklist in whatever order makes the most sense for you, but you should stick to the order of steps we’ve outlined here.
The First Five Steps to Change Your Name After Marriage
#1 Get Your Marriage License and Certified Copies
You must obtain a printed copy of your marriage license as soon as possible to proceed to step two. Also, when you apply for your marriage license, inquire about getting certified copies in advance. In this case, requesting ahead of time or obtaining the certified copy is a wise decision because it will save you time rather than having to go back and forth once you receive your certificate. Keep the original certificate safe, but have certified copies on hand as well. Obtain two or three copies if, at all possible. It may save you money because you’ll only have to pay the processing charge once.
“The legal duplicate of a marriage certificate, issued by the county or courthouse where you received your marriage license, can be issued to the requesting party as a certified copy. It has specific seals that confirm its authenticity; no one should just copy it.”
#2 Get Your Social Security Card
Now that you have confirmation of your marriage, you must inform the authorities of your preferred name. Then, to update your Social Security card with your new name, you can apply for the new card either by mail or in person at a Social Security office near you. If you’re heading to the Social Security office in person, fill out the application in advance for a social security card. Remember, the Social Security Administration (SSA) should be your first stop on the road to changing your name after marriage because most offices are required to show your Social Security card.
Here are the documents needed:
Your valid passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate serves as proof of citizenship.
A verified copy of your marriage license serves as proof of name change.
Proof of identity: This document must include your name, date of birth or age, and a current photograph. A valid driver’s license, a valid passport, a valid state-issued identification card, or a U.S. military identification card are all examples of acceptable identification.
Present a copy of your most recent Social Security card. When replacing your card, you will keep the same card number.
After your completion, the social security office will mail you your new social security card with your new name within 2-3 weeks. It will be the same number, just with your new name!
#3 Update and Get a New Your Driver’s License
After getting a new Social Security card, you may update and apply for a new Driver’s license. But then, you just have to wait for at least 24 hours before heading to the DMV. Also, the requirements for changing a driver’s license name differ by state, so better yet to search first online. Then, visit your state’s official DMV website for further information.
It is necessary to update your driver’s license with a new name in person. Most states consider this update part of the renewal procedure, so you’ll have to take a new photo and pay the renewal cost. To print the renewal application form, go to your state’s DMV website. Filling this out ahead of time will save you time when you arrive. Some DMVs also take appointments, which helps to expedite the process. Bring the following documents to your schedule with the DMV:
Just in case, bring your Social Security office receipt. If you already have one, present your new Social Security card.
A copy of your present driver’s license must provide.
It depends on the state; if required, bring proof of address. For example, you may present documentation related to your lease or mortgage, insurance documents, or a bill or bank statement sent to your home address.
Certified copy of marriage license.
You can pay by credit card instead of cash or cheque, as most DMVs accept this payment method. However, there will be a minimal charge fee.
#4 Get a New Passport as well as Other Travel Documents
Changing your name on your passport after the marriage has different rules depending on when it was issued. You won’t have to pay a fee to have your passport details updated or corrected if given less than a year ago. The cost for a change and a new passport book is $110 if you’ve had your present passport for a year or more.
You must request for correction or update of your new name by requesting in writing. You can now fill out the form online with the help of a U.S. Department of State’s convenient tool. Then, once you’ve finished it, send the following documents to the National Passport Processing Center:
Newlywed should fill up an application form.
A copy of a marriage license that has been certified.
Your current passport is also required.
Make a check payable to the “U.S. Department of State” for the passport fee. Remember, on the front of your cheque, you must also type or print your full name and date of birth.
Your most recent colored photograph. The photo must match the passport photo criteria, measuring 2-by-2 inches in size.
Additional Info:
Application Form DS-82 if your passport was issued more than a year ago. Another type of form, the DS-5504, issued a passport less than a year ago—lastly, the DS-11 document for an expired passport with more than five years.
If you have a Global Entry card, you won’t change your name online because the department will provide a new passport number. However, you may simply take it to your nearest enrollment office, where they’ll update your account information.
Even if the physical card doesn’t match your passport, you should keep your current Global Entry card with your maiden name because the digital data associated with your card will reflect your new details and match your passport.
For a charge of $25, you can order a new card with your new name through your Global Entry account after correcting your passport details in person.
Keep in mind, if you already planned your honeymoon, ensure that the ticket name is the same as your passport name. If you purchased the airline ticket first, you might delay your application a little to change the name of your passport.
#5 Update Your Name in Your Bank Accounts
Your bank documents are essential; that is why as soon as you have confirmed your change of name with all your other government IDs, visit your drawee bank. If you don’t reside near your drawee bank and due to Covid19, most banks make adjustments. You may email your request to update and change your information with your marriage certificate and other valid IDs. Bring the following documents with you if you’re going in person:
A copy of your marriage license that has been certified
Your new Social Security card.
Your new driver’s license.
Bring proof of address if you’re changing your address at the same time.
Make sure that all your bank documents are updated, such as your new set of checkbooks and new credit cards. You may start your name change after marriage for all major credit cards by calling their hotline on the back of the card. However, because each card issuer is unique, don’t expect the same procedure for each card.
Other Personal Accounts
After completing these first five steps, you may also need to update your information with your accounts, such as:
Employer or work information – inform and provide a copy of your marriage license and other government valid ID to your HR department to update your payroll account and other benefits.
Professional licenses may be applicable for Nurse, Teachers, Doctors, Therapists, etc.
Home mortgage or lease contract
Insurance accounts - to ensure you are covered once you claim. These are health, life, term, disability, car, etc.
Investment accounts
Utilities - One of the documents required as proof of address is a utility bill. It is critical to keep your information up to date. Electricity, water, telephone, internet, and mobile phones are examples of these.
Loyalty programs - Airlines, hotels, and retail outlets all have loyalty programs.
Online subscriptions
Email accounts
SociaFacebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media accounts
Gyms/fitness studios
Alumni associations
Voter’s Registration
Remember to update all of your auto-payment information once you’ve changed your name with your bank and credit card issuers, as you’ll have a new card number and name.
Important Points to Consider
If you plan to blend or create a new name, you need to have a petition court. First, you will need to obtain a court order which is most likely get through the country clerk. Some new wives chose to keep their maiden then as their middle name. Keeping it that way may be a disadvantage for some, but it still depends on the person to maintain its maiden name as her middle name.
You may experience some discomfort while adjusting to your new name, but I know you are also looking forward to being addressed by your husband’s surname. You should choose a name so that people from your company or your colleagues can address you correctly. And so that dealing with it is as easy as possible.
And so that’s all for today’s blog! We hope we have enriched your knowledge about the process and importance of changing your name after your wedding. Continue to follow us on Instagram, and don’t forget to pin in our Pinterest board!