HitchSwitch is an online service that helps newlyweds with the tedious process of changing their names. The service provides users with the necessary paperwork and instructions to complete the name change. However, users have reported that HitchSwitch doesn't actually fill out the forms for you, and you still need to contact or visit various offices to finalise the process. While some users have found the service convenient, others have deemed it unnecessary and a waste of money. So, can you use HitchSwitch before your wedding date? The answer is yes, but it's important to note that you'll still need to put in some legwork, and there may be more cost-effective alternatives.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Cost | $25-50 for a new license, $110-200 for a new passport |
Time taken | 2 weeks to receive a new Social Security card, 6 weeks for a new driver's license |
Ease of use | Some users found it easy to use, others found it confusing |
Effectiveness | Some users found it helpful, others felt it was unnecessary |
Customer service | Some users reported issues with customer service |
What You'll Learn
Hitchswitch is a paid service that provides forms for name changes
Hitchswitch is marketed as a convenient solution for brides who want to change their last names after getting married. The service claims to simplify the process by providing all the necessary paperwork and reducing the need to visit multiple government offices. However, some users have reported issues with the service, including non-responsive customer support, incorrect forms, and missing instructions.
It is important to note that Hitchswitch does not complete the name change process for its customers. Users still need to fill out and submit the forms themselves, and even with Hitchswitch, changing your name can be a time-consuming process. Some sources suggest that the forms provided by Hitchswitch can be easily accessed for free online, rendering the service unnecessary.
Overall, while Hitchswitch may provide some convenience by compiling the necessary forms, it is not essential for completing a name change. Whether you decide to use Hitchswitch or not, it is recommended to do your research and understand the specific requirements for changing your name in your state, as the process may vary.
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The forms are available for free online
HitchSwitch is an online service that helps you gather all the necessary paperwork to change your name after getting married. While some people find it useful, others believe that the service is unnecessary and not worth the money. The forms that HitchSwitch provides are available for free online, and you will still need to fill out and mail the forms yourself. However, HitchSwitch does offer three different packages to choose from, with the most expensive one including a ready-to-ship passport photo and a personal concierge to help you through each step of the process.
If you decide to change your name yourself, the first step is to get a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the county clerk's office. Once you have that, you can change your name with the Social Security Administration and then the DMV. After that, you can change your name with your bank, credit card companies, and other services. Keep in mind that some of these steps may vary depending on your state. For example, in some states, you need to go to court to change your name, while in others, you can do it when applying for a marriage license. Additionally, some states require you to change your name with the Social Security Administration before going to the DMV, while others may not have this requirement. It's important to research the specific requirements for your state before beginning the name-change process.
Overall, while HitchSwitch can provide convenience and guidance, it is not necessary to use their service to change your name. The forms they provide are available for free online, and you will still need to do most of the legwork yourself. However, if you feel that having a pre-made package of forms and instructions is worth the money, then HitchSwitch might be a good option for you.
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Hitchswitch does not complete the name change process
HitchSwitch is a service that helps people to change their names. It is particularly marketed at newlyweds, although it can be used for any kind of name change. The service provides customers with the forms they need to change their name, as well as instructions on how to fill them in and where to send them. However, HitchSwitch does not complete the name change process for its customers.
HitchSwitch offers three packages: Print at Home, Full Service, and Platinum. The cheapest package, Print at Home, provides immediate access to name change applications that have been autofilled with the customer's basic information, as well as a set of corresponding instructions. The Full Service and Platinum packages include printed name change applications, a set of corresponding instructions, and pre-paid envelopes for any steps that can be submitted through the mail. The Platinum package also includes access to a name change concierge and a complimentary passport photo.
While HitchSwitch provides its customers with the forms and instructions they need to change their name, it does not complete the name change process for them. Customers still need to fill in the forms, sign them, and submit them to the relevant government agencies. In addition, there are certain steps in the name change process that cannot be completed through the mail and require an in-person visit, such as applying for a new driver's license. HitchSwitch does not submit any forms on behalf of its customers.
Overall, while HitchSwitch can provide valuable assistance and guidance to people going through the name change process, it does not complete the process for them. The customer is still responsible for filling in and submitting the necessary forms and completing any required in-person visits to government offices.
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The user must still go through the legwork of mailing or presenting the forms
HitchSwitch is an online service that provides users with the necessary paperwork and instructions to change their name after getting married. While the service does provide some convenience, it is important to note that the user must still do the legwork of mailing or presenting the forms to the relevant offices.
The user will need to visit the Social Security office in person to initiate the name change process and obtain a new Social Security card. This step is crucial as the new Social Security card will be required for subsequent steps, such as updating their driver's license and passport.
After receiving the new Social Security card, the user can then proceed to change their name with the DMV for their driver's license. It is recommended to bring the new Social Security card and a certified copy of the marriage certificate to ensure a smooth process.
Additionally, the user will need to contact their banks, credit card companies, and other services to inform them of the name change. Most of these entities will allow for a name change by simply sending or uploading a copy of the updated driver's license or marriage certificate. However, some may require a visit to a physical branch or additional documentation.
While HitchSwitch provides a convenient way to gather the necessary forms and instructions, it is important to note that the user must still go through the process of mailing or presenting the forms to the relevant offices. The service does not complete the name change process on behalf of the user. Therefore, it is essential for the user to allocate time and effort to ensure a successful name change.
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The service has mixed reviews
HitchSwitch is an online service that helps you gather the necessary information and paperwork to change your name after getting married. While some users have found the service convenient, reviews are mixed, with several people stating that the service is unnecessary and not worth the cost.
One of the main criticisms is that HitchSwitch doesn't actually do the work of changing your name for you. Instead, it provides you with forms and instructions that you could obtain for free yourself. Some users have also reported issues with customer service and incorrect or incomplete information in the forms and instructions.
On the other hand, some users have found HitchSwitch helpful in streamlining the name change process, particularly if they don't have much time to spare. The service offers three different packages based on need and price point, and it is partnered with popular wedding planner The Knot.
Overall, whether or not to use HitchSwitch is a personal decision. While it may save some time and hassle, it's important to note that you will still need to do most of the legwork yourself, and there are free alternatives available.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot use Hitchswitch before your wedding date as you will need your marriage certificate to start the name-changing process.
It can take at least two weeks to receive a new Social Security card after marriage, assuming you get an appointment right away.
It is recommended to change your name on your Social Security card first, then your driver's license, then your passport, and then everywhere else.
Hitchswitch has mixed reviews. Some people found it convenient and helpful, while others thought it was a waste of money as they provide forms that are freely available online, and you still have to do most of the work yourself.