How to Change a Surname After Marriage

Women have been legally obligated to take the surname of their husbands since as early as the mid-1500s and the rein of King Henry VIII. The intent was, at least partially, to track the inheritance of real property. This legal requirement came to the United States along with the English colonists. What was law in England was law in the colonies. This did not change when the United States gained its independence. The law was in full force in some states until the 1970s. The law has been altered so that name changing is no longer mandatory in any of the 50 states. The custom, however, is still alive and well. It is a complicated process only because there are so many business and governmental relationships that must be included in the process. Some documents bearing the new name are required earlier in the process than others. Proceed in the right order to save time and frustration. The steps are the same regardless of whether its the bride or the groom or both going through the name changing process.

Instructions

1. Keep a copy of your marriage license with you at times during the process. You must update your driver's license with your married name within ten days of the change in most states. This is tricky when the honeymoon may last longer than that, so get started right after receiving your marriage license. Often more than one copy of the license is executed just after the ceremony so you and the court have an original. This person officiating your marriage should either get both originals file-stamped by the county clerk's office and send you one, or he should have the clerk's office make, certify and send a copy to you. If you receive a plain or unstamped copy of your license, visit the county clerk's office and ask for a certified copy or ask to have your copy certified. There is a small fee for copies.

2. Change your name on your driver's license first. The Social Security Administration and your bank require you to present your updated driver's license before allowing you to change your name for their records. You need to present an original or certified copy of your marriage license.

3. Tackle your social security card next. Be prepared to present your driver's license reflecting your married name and your original or certified marriage license. Generally it takes seven to ten days to receive your new social security card by mail.

4. Present your new driver's license and social security card to the individual in charge of accounting and payroll at your place of employment. Do this before you visit your bank because the change of name in your bank records is immediate while it may take a while for your employer's accounting function to reflect your new name. To avoid any payroll mishaps, you want the name on your next pay check to match the name on your bank account, especially if you have direct deposit.

5. Take your marriage license, new driver's license and social security card to your bank and change your name on your accounts. Remember to include any debit cards or checks when changing your name with your financial institution.

6. Visit your local post office and apply for a name change on your passport. This process requires all three documents showing your married name.

7. Call your credit card companies and ask what they require to change your name on your account and receive a new card with your married name. Each company might require a different combination of documentation and even a written request. This step is often cumbersome and time consuming especially if you have a lot of cards. Complete the process or expect problems proving your identity to merchants when one card has your maiden name and another form of identity has your married name.

8. Gather together all of your insurance policies and call each company to find out what documentation they require in order to change your name on your policies.