How to Change to Your Husband's Name After Marriage
More and more, women are taking a step once thought unthinkable in the post-feminist world. We're taking our husbands' names when we get married. For those who are happy to create a family with one name, without hyphens, these are steps that work.
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Things You'll Need
- Certified marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
- Social Security name change form
Instructions
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Gather your documents. After you're married, your county clerk's office should send you a marriage certificate. You'll need a certified copy -- not a photocopy -- of this certificate to make any changes. You may also need an official copy of your birth certificate and your passport.
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Print out your forms. Start with changing your Social Security card. Print out the form for changing your name on the Social Security website.
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Make an appointment at your local Social Security office, or go there and wait in line. The agent will take your form, check your documents, and make a change on your card to your last name. If you are changing your middle name to something other than your maiden name, you will need to change your name with the courts.
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Once you have filed to change your name with Social Security, a new card should arrive within about two weeks. Take that card to the motor vehicles department in your area to change your name on your driver's license. This is necessary to show proof of your name change to banks and credit card companies.
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Complete your name-change steps with your corrected Social Security card and driver's license. Change your name with payroll at work, with your insurance, with your banks, and with credit cards. Then change your passport and any other travel documents. Change your retirement fund and any investments. Change your social networking sites and your email, if you like.
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Let family and friends know about your name change, too.
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References
Resources
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