After the honeymoon is over and you’re settling into your newlywed life, it’s time to think about changing your name with relevant organizations. Just because you’re hitched doesn’t mean that your name change is official just yet – first, you’ll have to contact everyone, from the passport office to Netflix.
To make the process easier, we’ve put together a list of the people you need to notify, how you need to notify them, and the order in which you need to do it.
What Are Your Options for Changing Your Name?
Brides sometimes think that they have to take their spouse’s name, but that’s not true. In fact, you have multiple options:
- Keeping your maiden name
- Taking your partner’s surname
- Double barrelling using a combination of both names
- Taking your husband’s surname and making your maiden name a middle name
- “Meshing” your surnames to make a new name, for example, Miss Johnson and Mr. Smith could mesh their surnames to become Mr. and Mrs. Smithson.
The decision is more emotional than anything. While some newlyweds love the idea of taking their husband’s name, others fear they are losing their identity. Perhaps you built a career using your maiden name or you have strong family attachments that you don’t want to lose.
Remember, this will be your new legal name and the name you pass to your children. You need to be comfortable with your decision, so take some time to consider your options.
Get Proof of Your New Identity
In virtually every state, anyone can change their name “at will” simply by using the new name consistently. Declaring that you’re now “Mrs. Taylor-Anderson” is enough to make it so.
Unfortunately, government agencies will not just take your word for it – they’ll want to see some paperwork before they will officially change your records. If you’re taking your husband’s surname, the proof you need is a certified copy of your marriage license. Don’t worry that you’ve signed the license using your maiden name since it’s usual practice to sign when you apply for the license, before you are actually married. You’ll still be able to change your name using the steps below.
Don’t worry that you’ve signed the license using your maiden name since it’s usual practice to sign when you apply for the license, before you are actually married. You’ll still be able to change your name using the steps below.
It’s a good idea to visit your local records office and order several certified copies of the license – you’ll need them!
For hyphenated or “meshed” names, you’ll need a court order to prove that you have legally changed your name. The process involves filing a “petition to change name” with the court clerk in the county where you live, and appearing before the judge for a few minutes while she reviews your application. The hearing is straightforward, since all the judge really wants to know is that you’re not changing your name to avoid criminal prosecution or to skip out on a debt.
If everything is in order, the judge will sign a court order authorizing the name change.
Changing Your Documents
Armed with proof of your new identity, you’re ready to tackle the grueling job of updating your official documents. We’ve listed the steps in order since having the big-ticket identification documents in your new name will make it easier to change your name with the other record holders on the list.
Official records
- Social Security Administration: Download social security form SS-5 and take it to any Social Security office along with proof of identity, proof of immigration status, your current Social Security card and a certified copy of your marriage license or court order. The Social Security website has more information.
- Driver’s License: Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles with a completed license renewal form, your current license, a certified copy of your marriage license or court order and your new Social Security card. The DMV will process your application while you wait. The DMV has specific information for your state.
- Passport: Complete form DS-82 online at the State Department’s website and mail it to the National Passport Processing Center. Include a certified copy of your marriage license, your current passport, a recent color photograph that meets passport photo requirements and the renewal fee (currently $110). It takes a minimum of six weeks to process your application so be sure to book your honeymoon in your maiden name.
- Bank accounts: Take a certified copy of your marriage license, court order, SSA card, and photo ID to your bank or credit union. Be sure to request a set of cards and check books in your new name.
- Credit cards, loans, and investments: Finance companies have their procedures so call your record holders and request the forms you need to change your name. Some companies allow you to do this online by uploading a copy of your marriage license. Remember to change your credit cards, mortgage, loans (car, student, personal), investments and retirement funds (401(k) and IRA).
Other companies
For every other company that holds your details, call the customer service department and ask if there’s a special process for changing your name. In most cases, the change can be made over the phone. Be sure to notify:
- Employer, school or university
- Voter registration (see Election Assistance Commission website)
- Utility companies
- Medical services
- Post office
- Business and professional licenses
- Your attorney (ask if you need to update your will)
- Frequent flier programs, membership programs, club cards
- Library card
- Subscriptions e.g. web hosting, Netflix, HBO.
Start the name change process as soon as you can – you’re going to spend a lot of time waiting in lines, and in some cases, waiting for confirmation.
Keep Your Old ID
Changing your name after marriage isn’t a hard process, it’s just a matter of getting your ducks in a row and working your way down a list. As a final tip, we recommend that you stash your old identification documents somewhere safe. You never know when you might need to prove who you once were!
