Whether you are following tradition and taking your husband’s last name, hyphenating, or making any other change… just because you have a marriage license with your new last name, that does not mean you have officially changed your name. I have listed below the first steps you will need to take to change your name.
Get a marriage license. This is the most necessary step, because you won’t be able to change your name at all without this document!
Obtain a new driver’s license. You’ll have to take your marriage license and current drivers license to the DMV to get a new one issued to you with your new name.
Apply for a new social security card. The social security administration has specific requirements for issuing a new card. You will need a new application, proof of citizenship, proof of your legal name change, proof or your identity and proof of your old name.
Talk to your company’s human resource department. Your employer reports your social security payments, so you need to make sure to take this step as soon as possible after your social security name change.
Replace or renew your passport. The requirements vary depending on whether you received your passport within a year of marriage or more than a year.
Update miscellaneous accounts. Online accounts, credit cards, bank account, 401(k)…. basically anything you can think of that has your old name on it! Once you have your social security card and driver’s license in your married name, other changes should be fairly easy. Some places only require a phone call; others may ask for a copy of your marriage license/certificate or social security card.
Here’s a little checklist:
○ DMV: license, registration, title
○ Social Security Card
○ Post office
○ Passport
○ Bank accounts: checks, atm cards, credit cards, debit cards
○ All other credit cards
○ Any professional licensing you may have
○ Loans: student, mortgage, and personal
○ HR department: insurance, 401(k), payroll
○ Voter registration
○ Utilities: gas, electric, cable, etc.
○ Doctor’s offices
○ Memberships: gym, etc.
○ Subscription: magazines, newspapers, etc.
