Rhiannon Hendricks
Changing your name after getting married is a personal choice. While it is not a must-do, if you decide to go for it, there are a few processes you will need to go through. The process varies by state, but generally, you will need to start by contacting a few government agencies and changing your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). This is because all government agencies link to the SSA database. After that, you will need to head to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to update your driver's license or state-issued identification card. You will also need to update your passport, especially if you are planning to travel outside the country for your honeymoon.
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What You'll Learn
Marriage certificate and other documents
The marriage certificate is a crucial document when it comes to changing your name after a wedding. It is a legal document that verifies your marriage and serves as proof that you are married. While the process of changing your name varies by state, generally, you will need a certified copy of your marriage certificate to update your name on other documents. The original version of your marriage certificate will typically be kept by the county where you got married, but you can obtain government-issued duplicates from them, which will be accepted by other government entities and financial institutions. It is recommended to get multiple copies of your marriage certificate, as you will need to provide it to various organisations.
Once you have your marriage certificate, you can start the process of changing your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). You will need to submit Form SS-5 to your local SSA office, along with your marriage certificate and a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. Updating your name with the SSA is crucial, as other government offices will not allow you to change your name without this step.
After your name has been updated with the SSA, you can proceed to change your name with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or your state's equivalent. Here, you will need to provide your new Social Security card, your current driver's license or state-issued ID, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, and proof of address. It is recommended to apply for a federally compliant REAL ID, which offers added travel benefits at a nominal cost.
If you hold a passport, you will need to report your name change to the State Department as soon as possible to get it updated. If you have travel booked under your previous name, it is best to wait until after your trip to change your name on your passport, as the ID you travel with must match your boarding pass. A name change on a passport is considered a correction and must be applied for by mail.
In addition to these primary documents, you will also need to update your name with various other organisations, such as banks, credit card companies, and social media accounts. These institutions will typically require legal proof of your name change, such as a certified copy of your marriage certificate, your new Social Security card, and your updated driver's license or state-issued ID.
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Social Security Administration
Changing your name after getting married is a personal choice. If you decide to change your name, you will need to start by contacting a few government agencies. The name change process varies by state, but you will generally need to have a few documents on hand, including your marriage certificate, Social Security card, driver's license, birth certificate, or passport.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the issuing agency for your new Social Security card. You need to start your name change here because all other government agencies link to the SSA database. If your name change isn't registered with the SSA, other government offices will not allow you to change your name.
To change your name with the SSA, you will need to request a replacement Social Security card. You can do this by filling out Form SS-5, the Application for a Social Security Card, and submitting it to your local SSA office. You will also need to provide evidence of your identity, your new legal name, and name change event. This can include your original or certified copy of your marriage certificate and a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, state-issued identity card, or U.S. passport. In some states, you can use your personal my Social Security account to request a corrected card online. Otherwise, you can start your application online and possibly self-schedule an appointment to visit a local office to show your marriage certificate.
It is recommended that you wait until you receive your new Social Security card before changing your name anywhere else. Additionally, be sure to let your employer know about your name change so they can update their payroll records, and the SSA can accurately keep track of your earnings.
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Driver's license
Changing your name on your driver's license after getting married is a straightforward process, but it can be time-consuming. The process varies depending on the state you are in, but there are some general steps to follow.
Firstly, you will need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. It is recommended to get multiple copies to help with the name-change process, as you will need to present this document to various agencies. You can get this from the office of the county clerk who originally issued it. If you are in Texas, you can get a marriage license from any county in the state.
Next, you will need to update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can do this online or in person at your local SSA office. You will need to fill out the SS-5 form and sign it with your new married name. After submitting your application, you should receive your new Social Security card within 2-4 weeks.
Once you have your new Social Security card, you can proceed to update your driver's license. In Texas, you will need to complete the Department of Public Safety's (DPS) Form DL-14A, which can be found online. You will also need to present your certified marriage license, new Social Security card, passport, and current driver's license or state ID. Additionally, you will need to provide two documents that prove your residency in Texas, such as a utility bill or bank statement. You will be asked to retake your photo and sign the document.
After receiving your new driver's license, you will need to update your car registration and title. Visit your local DMV office and bring your current car registration, new driver's license, marriage certificate, and completed Title and Registration application. You will need to pay a small title fee to reissue the car title and standard registration renewal fees. The DMV will then issue new documents with your updated married name.
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Passport
If you are planning to change your name after your wedding, you will need to ensure that your new name is reflected on your passport. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to change your name on your passport after getting married:
Firstly, you will need to gather the necessary documents. This includes your current passport, a You may want to see also Once you have your marriage certificate, updated Social Security card, and new driver's license and/or passport, you can start notifying other companies and services of your name change. Here are some important ones to consider: Postal Services It is important to report your name change to your local post office to ensure that your mail is delivered correctly. Financial Institutions Update your name with your bank, credit card companies, and any other financial institutions you deal with. You may need to provide them with a copy of your marriage certificate and other identification documents. Utilities and Services Inform your utility providers, such as electricity, water, gas, phone, internet, and cable/satellite TV, of your new name. You may need to update your address with them as well if you are moving to a new home. Insurance Companies Notify your health, life, car, and any other insurance providers of your name change. This will ensure that your policies are updated and that you continue to receive coverage under your new name. Subscriptions and Memberships If you have any subscriptions or memberships, such as gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, or online streaming services, update your name with them. This will help ensure that you continue to receive the services without interruption. Remember to also update your name with any other companies or services you regularly deal with, such as your doctor's office, dentist, and any loyalty programs you are enrolled in. It is better to be thorough and ensure that all relevant parties are notified of your name change to avoid any complications in the future. You may want to see also To change your name after marriage, you'll need to start by contacting a few government agencies and providing them with a few important documents. The name change process varies by state, but generally, you'll need the following pieces of ID: your marriage certificate, Social Security card, driver's license, birth certificate or passport. Before you can change your name anywhere else, you'll need to apply for a new Social Security card. You can make changes to your name on your Social Security card online or in person at your local Social Security Administration office. After updating your Social Security card, you'll need to head to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to update your driver's license or state-issued identification card. You may also need to update your passport, especially if you're planning to travel internationally soon after your wedding.Planning a Wedding: Table Numbers and Their Importance
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Notify other companies and services
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Frequently asked questions
