Planning a wedding isn't an easy task. However, it may be the process of changing your name after the wedding that presents the biggest challenge. Adopting your spouse's surname is one of the oldest traditions surrounding marriage. Traditionally, the bride takes the groom's name, but the groom may take the bride's surname or they may decide to hyphenate the two. Whichever option feels right for you, it is necessary to take the following steps to make it legally official.
Marriage Certificate Copies
Order extra certified copies of your marriage certificate from the state where you were married. Some agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles will require a certified copy before completing your name change.
Social Security Administration
First, you want to notify the Social Security Administration and request a new Social Security card. Complete a SS-5 form, which can be found on the Social Security website. Take or mail the completed SS-5 form, along with a certified copy of your marriage certificate, to any Social Security office.
Department of Motor Vehicles
Go to your local DMV to get a new driver's license. You will need to take a certified copy of your marriage certificate and your current driver's license. Call in advance to check if they require additional documentation. Change your vehicle registration information while at the DMV as well.
Passport
If you have a current, undamaged passport that you got when you were 18 years or older, you can apply for a new one that reflects your recent name change by mail. You will need to fill out a passport name change application and mail it along with your current passport, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, passport photos and a written intent to travel. If you do not have a passport, it has expired, or you were younger than 18 when you got it, you will need to go to your local passport office to apply for a new passport.
Employers and Educational Institutes
You need to inform your employers and any school that you are currently attending of your recent name change. Make sure your new Social Security card and driver's license on hand. Those two items should be sufficient but the proper documentation will vary greatly between employers and schools.
Banks and Credit Cards
You will need to visit your local bank and call your different credit card companies to change your name. If you have your new Social Security card and driver's license, they are usually considered sufficient documentation for an official name change.
Mortgage Companies or Landlord
Notify your home mortgage company or your landlord of your new name. The required documents will vary but to be safe, have on hand a certified copy of your marriage certificate and your new driver's license.
Insurance Agencies
Make sure to notify all insurance companies of your name change. This includes car, health, dental, homeowners and life insurance. Your new Social Security card and driver's license should be enough to complete the name change.
Post Office and General Utilities
Contact the post office and inform them of the name change. A driver's license should be sufficient for them to update your new name. Contact all utility companies including phone, internet, cable, electric, gas and trash. They should be able to complete the name change with your new driver's license.
Other Agencies, Companies and People
Once you have completed your name change with every necessary agency, company or person, think hard about where else your name is documented. Also, don't forget to tell both of your families and friends that the name change is official.
