The most important document in the name change process is your marriage certificate. You will need several certified true copies, which you can request from the clerk of the county where you were married. Make a list of all the places where your maiden name appears and gather important documents. It`s time to officially change your last name! When should I start my name change? It`s up to you. You can start your name change at the Social Security Administration immediately after receiving your marriage certificate or wait for a more convenient time. Spend more time researching the documents you need before you go to the appropriate office. Many people are turned away because they do not have the necessary identity papers or vehicle information when they arrive. I didn`t know how or where to start my name change, and I ended up making a lot of mistakes. Since each step of the name change process can take a few weeks, it`s best to start as early as possible, especially if you need a new form of identification for an upcoming or similar trip. Don`t get caught up in the cold on election day! Google “Change name when registering voters [state]” to find out the requirements for name change in your state.
4. Change your bank accounts. This is a big deal, especially if you`re creating a joint bank account or have already opened one. The quickest way to change your name at your bank is to go to a branch and bring your new driver`s license and marriage certificate. You must apply for new cheques, debit and credit cards, in addition to changing the name associated with your accounts. Something to note: You might face a fee to apply for a new debit card. Once you have your new Social Security card, you`ll need to show it to your employer and ask them to change your last name on their payroll accounts. This ensures that the SSA counts exactly how much you have contributed to Social Security. Your employer will also need to update your name on your health, dentistry, and other benefits accounts to avoid gaps in coverage. If you have a TSA PreCheck card (but not through Global Entry), call 855-347-8371 and follow the instructions to speak to someone about PreCheck requests. You will receive an email address where you can send a scanned copy of your marriage certificate so they can start processing the change.
You`ll likely need to present your marriage certificate and new Social Security card to update your loan documents. Call your creditors and ask them exactly what to do, where to go, and if you can change your name by mail or phone. The process of changing the name on your Social Security card is quite simple. You must: Provide proof of your identity Complete and print a Social Security card application Send or personally deliver the application and supporting documents to your local social security office Once the application is processed, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue you a new Social Security card under your new name. Please note that your Social Security number will not change. You can choose to create a new email address after you change your name after you get married, depending on whether or not the actual email address includes your maiden name. If you`ve changed your name, be sure to customize the name that appears when you send an email. Are you considering combining your coverages? Make these changes all at once. Marriage is considered an important life event, so you also have the option to change your health insurance, even if it`s not a registration deadline. For home and auto insurance, adding an additional vehicle or a new home to your policy can result in significant savings if you combine multiple policies with the same company. The first step on the journey on how to change your name after marriage should be the Office of Social Security Administration (SSA).
In some states, the DMV and other offices require you to present a Social Security card in your married name to move forward, which is why it`s a good first step in the post-marriage name change. Here are some basic guidelines on how to change your name after marriage. You can do this as soon as possible. Well, once you have certified copies of your marriage certificate in your hand (see below). But keep in mind that the name change takes time after the marriage process — for many people, it can take a year or more to complete a full transition — so don`t get frustrated if it looks like it will take forever. (Another great option is HitchSwitch, a service that literally takes care of all the hassle of name changes.) Our goal is to help you change your name right after the wedding. And it starts with these ten steps! 5. Once you have a Social Security card and driver`s license in your married name, other changes should be pretty straightforward. Some places only require a phone call; Others may ask for a copy of your marriage certificate or Social Security card. Be sure to advise: To change the name on your bank account, most banks require you to visit a branch with photo identification (driver`s license or passport) and your up-to-date marriage certificate. All passport changes must be requested by mail.
The U.S. Department of State has developed a handy tool to help you complete the change form, which you can find here. Once you`ve filled it out, send the following to the National Passport Processing Center: The requirements for changing your name after marriage in your passport vary depending on the date your passport was issued, so check here which category you belong to. Be prepared to provide proof of citizenship, your marriage certificate (see? We told you they would be useful), a color passport photo and possibly your photo ID. Now it`s time to change your name to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA is the issuer of your new social security card. We`ve created this handy guide to help anyone who takes the DIY approach to changing their name after marriage. As you`ll see, this is a comprehensive checklist, so fasten your seatbelt. Of course, if you are on your honeymoon outside the country, you will need your passport, and your passport must match your tickets.
If you have your new passport when you travel, book the ticket under your new name. If you do not have your new passport at the moment, respect your maiden name when booking the ticket. If you rely on your internet browser`s autofill feature, seeing your old name regularly could drive you crazy! Here`s how to update Chrome and Safari. There are a few more details to consider before formalizing your new name. From the details of hyphenated surnames to how to treat a new surname in the workplace, you need to remember the following important details if they apply to your situation. For all major credit cards, the best place to start your name change after marriage is to call the number on the back of the card. Every card issuer is different, so don`t expect the same process for every card. If you mix up or create a new name, you have to go to court. The exact logistics vary from state to state, but you`ll seek a court order, likely from the county clerk. Each airline has a different policy when it comes to changing your name for their frequent flyer programs, so call the individual airlines you have accounts with. You may need to send a copy of your marriage certificate by mail or fax. And if you`re traveling on your honeymoon immediately after your wedding day, don`t forget to book the ticket under your maiden name.
Figuring out how to change after you marry your bank or credit union may require an in-person visit, but you may also be able to switch phones.