Those who are newly married often are asked the question, “Will you be changing your last name?”
Some newlyweds opt to keep their last name for different reasons, such as a desire to maintain their personal identity or their reputation in a well-established career, or perhaps because they feel a strong connection to their family lineage. Some choose not to change their name because it seems easier not to.
For those choosing to change their last name after marriage, the process may seem (and actually can be) daunting to say the least. However, a little knowledge and preparation ahead of time can help make the process a little less of a hassle.
The process starts with three key steps: obtaining your marriage certificate, updating your Social Security card, and updating your driver’s license.
This process varies from state to state, but before you can change your name, you need legal documentation of your marriage. Most marriage licenses have a “ceremonial certificate”, but this is not a legal document. If you show up to the Social Security Administration Office with the ceremonial certificate, they will deny your application. You will need to request a certified copy of your marriage license (marriage certificate) from the Clerk’s Office where you got your marriage license. This document should have a raised seal on it. It’s smart to have a few copies.
You must wait 30 days after getting married to update your name (Social Security card) with the SSA. Updating your Social Security card is how you inform the government of your name change. This is a crucial step because once the SSA has your updated name, they will notify the IRS which ensures your tax return is filed under your new married name. The process can be done online in some states, but in most cases, you will need to go to the physical SSA building for a name change or apply for the change by mail. Visit “My Social Security” to verify the rules in your state. Regardless, you will need to fill out an online application and gather your old Social Security card, marriage certificate, and a valid proof of identity such as a current driver’s license or passport. If you need to go in person, scheduling an appointment can help make the process easier and you will need bring all these documents with you. If applying for the change by mail, these documents will need to be included with the application and will be returned to you. Note: If you do not have a current driver’s license or passport, visit SSA.gov to see the list of other acceptable forms of identification.
When the process is complete, you will receive your updated card within 14 days. Once you have your name legally updated, contact your Human Resources department at your company so they can update your records to ensure your payroll and benefits are correctly processed.
To update your driver’s license, first check your state’s DMV website for the required documentation. In addition to your marriage certificate and Social Security card, other forms of identification may be necessary. You can update your car registration at the same time. However, be sure to review the DMV website for the specific documentation needed for that as well. It is recommended that you wait at least two days after updating your Social Security information before visiting the DMV.
With your new marriage certificate and updated driver’s license in hand, you can now start the process of updating other accounts, registrations and documents. It is best practice to call the specific company or organization to ascertain their procedures for updating your name with them. Below are some documents and places you will need to consider updating your name.
Passport
The rules for updating your passport are determined by when you got married relative to when you got your passport. If you got married less than one year after getting your passport, you can update it for free. If you got married more than one year after getting your passport, you will have to renew your passport for a fee. You can find the correct forms to fill out based on your circumstance on travel.state.gov. You will have to present your marriage certificate in both cases. Important: You can keep your passport under your maiden name and carry your marriage certificate with you for most international travel (verify first with whatever country/port you are entering). You do need to make sure your ticket is booked in the name that matches your passport. If you have Global Entry/TSA Precheck®, the name on your membership must match your passport and ticket.
In most cases, you will need to go to your local branch with your marriage certificate and updated driver’s license. Make sure to get your debit card updated at this time. If you and your spouse are listed jointly on an account, make sure you both go to the appointment. Regarding checks – you can still use checks that have your maiden name on them, just sign them with your new name after updating your signature at the bank. For those who haven’t changed their name yet after marriage, if you receive a check with your married name, just sign the back twice – once with your maiden name, once with your married name.
To update a name at an online bank, you can log into your account, navigate to your profile, and make the change. You may need to provide supporting documents.
Most credit cards can be updated by filling out a form online and providing a copy of your marriage certificate and updated driver’s license. Some will require you to go into a branch. You do not need to update credit bureaus as the information will automatically get updated from your lenders.
Your voter registration can be easily updated by going to vote.gov and providing the necessary information for your state.
It is not mandatory to notify the United States Postal Service of a name change, but if you are moving, updating your address will save you some headaches. You can fill out the forwarding form on usps.com. To avoid any confusion, you should file this form twice – once for your maiden name and once for your married name.
If you rent, simply notify your landlord and present any requested documentation. If you own a home, work with your lender and county clerk to update your name on the mortgage statement and deed. Consult an attorney if necessary.
Presenting your marriage certificate and updated driver’s license along with filling out the correct paperwork from your provider will update most policies. If you have employer-sponsored health insurance, check with your HR department to see if you should contact your provider directly or if your HR department will assist on your behalf.
Contact your healthcare providers and alert them of your name change. Verify that the name on your account with them matches the name on your insurance. Otherwise, there may be delay or refusal from the insurance company to pay claims.
Consult with an attorney to help you determine if there are any adjustments that need to be made to legal documents, such as a will or trust.
There many nuances in the process of updating your last name. Always double and triple check that you have the correct forms and identification before going to an appointment or submitting any name change request via the mail or online. I always carry a copy of my marriage certificate with me just in case I ever get any questions. Congratulations and best of luck – not only for changing your last name, but also for a happy future with your new spouse!
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