If you've changed your name because of your divorce, you need to make sure your take the time to notify all necessary parties of the change. Notifying these organizations of your name change isn't really difficult, but it can take time and require verification, such as copies of your marriage certificate. Keeping track of all the people and places you need to notify about the name change and keeping it all in one place can be a great help.
Social Security Office
You need to start the name change process by notifying the Social Security Administration of your change. Contact your local social security office or go to ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov for information on how to do this.
Driver's License Bureau
You need to change your driver's license or state identification card as soon as possible, but you can usually only do this after changing your social security information. Contact your state or local department of motor vehicles and ask what documentation you have to provide to get a new license.
Employer
You also want to notify your employer of your name change. Changing your name on your paycheck is important, but you also need to change your business card information, your name in your business directory and on your company website. If you have clients with whom you regularly interact, you should also notify them of the change.
Financial Institutions
You must inform your bank, credit card issuers, mortgage holders and anyone else with whom you have a financial relationship of your change in name. These institutions may require proof of the name change or ask you to fill out specific forms. Ask them what steps you need to take and make sure you follow-up and confirm that they change your name.
Educational Institutions
If you're enrolled in school, or have children in school, make sure you notify the appropriate office of the name change. Call the school and ask who you need to contact and what forms you need to fill out.
Post Office
Your mail will still come to your same address, but once you change your name, you'll also want to make sure your postal carrier knows about it. Contact your local post office to notify them of the change.
Other
You will also need to change your passport, voter registration information, membership club information and anything else that keeps track of your name and contact information.
