There is a process so I thought I would dedicate a blog to it.
Here are the "to do's":
1. Get your marriage license
You will need to get a copy of the original certificate that you, your husband, witnesses and officient signed. You should probably get this in the mail but if not call the office where you filed to get copies. You may ask for more than one because you might need to send a few in to different places.
2. Social Security Card
You will need to change the last name on this right away. I would google the social security administration website and fill out the application. Your number will stay the same. Either you can mail in the application with a copy of your marriage certificate or you can go to a local office and provide your certificate and most likely your ID.
3. Driver's License
Go to your local DMV and show them your marriage certificate and current ID to get a new one. This most likely will be a small charge and will come in the mail.
4. Passport (if applicable)
You can obtain a complete passport amendment/validation application at your local DMV. You will have to fill this out and send it in with your current passport, and a marriage certificate. Unfortunately they will charge you a fee to do this. If you plan on traveling out of the country any time soon I would make this a priority because it can take a while.
4. Bank Accounts
Call your local bank and see what they need. Some may ask you to again bring in a copy of your marriage certificate and ID. They will update all your information then.
Once you have your new driver's license and social security card the rest should be easy.. Here is a list of some places to change your name:
- Employer: Email, 401K plan, dental and medical policy, business cards
- Post Office
- Utility Companies such as gas and electric
- Credit Cards
- Mortgage/Landlord/Bank
- Doctor's Offices
- Dental Office
- Car Registration/Insurance
- Memberships: health clubs, etc.
- Voters Registration
Good Luck!
Love, Kristin
When changing your drivers license, ask if you are up for renewal later that year - you can then get the name change and renewal done at the same time.
ReplyDeleteWe learned the best thing is to get 2 licenses so you always retain 1. Send in for your SSN nam change. Within a week, the marriage cert and your passport comes back - go to the DMV, do your license. Then mail in your marriage cert with your passport to change that name. You'll still have 1 marriage license to go around town with to change your name. Don't forget to change your name on your airline miles - Delta can be faxed or emailed in if you contact their customer care online. PayPal requires a copy of your marriage cert.
Thanks Melissa! I remember what a pain the passport was, so your advice helps a lot!
ReplyDelete