While it's not mandatory to take your new husband's last name after your wedding, many women continue to do so as both a show of commitment and a reflection of their changed marital status. Whether you take your husband's name or opt for a hyphenated version of both your names, government entities and credit card issuers require you to submit the appropriate paperwork for your union to be legally recognized in future business transactions.
Proof of Marriage
In order to change your last name to that of your spouse, you'll have to provide proof that you're legally married. This is done by ordering certified copies of your marriage certificate from the county in which you were married. The number of copies needed depends on how many government and business entities require notification and whether you'll be requesting changes in person or by mail.
Identification
The two forms of ID most commonly used to verify your identity are your Social Security card and your driver's license or government-issued ID. Both of these must be updated before you can change anything else. Both the Social Security Administration and the Department of Motor Vehicles
require you to appear in person and provide certified copies of your marriage certificate. For SSA, you'll need to fill out an application for a new card. This application is available online and can be filled out in advance of your appointment. For the DMV, you'll need to retain your current license until the updated version is mailed to you. You should also keep a copy of your DMV paperwork in your glove compartment because it will reflect your change of address as well.
How to Notify Banks and Creditors
When you marry, you'll need to present a certified copy of your marriage certificate to your banking institutions and credit unions in order to change your name on checking, savings, CD and loan accounts. This can either be done in person or by mail but a live transaction will be handled much faster. Check with each of your credit card companies to see whether they need certified copies of your marriage certificate or if photocopies are acceptable. These are accompanied by individual letters requesting that new cards be issued under your married name.
Who Else to Notify
If you're working, you'll need to acquire the necessary paperwork from your employer's HR department to identify your new name, change your tax withholding instructions and provide beneficiary information. You'll also have to provide certified copies of your marriage certificate to your medical providers as well as your insurance company so their records will be current. When you and your new hubby merge households, you'll likely merge existing accounts for utility services, telephones and cable television. Although they're less formal than government agencies and banks about name changes, it's best to either call in advance and ask each one what they require or appear in person with a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you have membership privileges in a gym, alumni association or social club, you'll generally only have to show your new driver's license the next time you're there and the update can be made on the spot in their computer system.
Misconceptions
Your name cannot be legally changed until after you have provided proof that the marriage indeed took place. If you're going abroad on your honeymoon, for example, don't make the mistake of thinking that you can get a passport issued in your married name prior to the wedding. If you're applying for one for the first time, it has to be issued under the name you're presently using and then reissued upon your return by surrendering the current one and submitting a DS-5504 or DS-82 form and a certified copy of your marriage certificate by mail.
References
- "Everybody's Guide to the Law: All The Legal Information You Need in One Comprehensive Volume"; Allen Wilkinson, Melvin M. Belli; 2003
- "The Wedding Sourcebook Planner"; Madeline Barillo; 2000
