How to Change your name after getting married

As soon as you legally change your name, you're officially newlyweds.

After you've hung up the dress and opened the presents, it's time to address the real business of being married. Even though you've tied the knot, you haven't changed your name yet. This momentous step will officially make you a part of a new family, but you also need to make sure you make it legal first.

Things You'll Need

• Certified copy of marriage license

Instructions

1. Call the office that issued your marriage certificate to request several certified copies. Certified copies have a raised seal for authenticity. You need these in order to provide legal proof of your name change. Some agencies require a certified copy, while others only ask for a photocopy. Check with each agency to see which type it requires.

2. Contact Social Security. You need to change your name here first before going to other agencies. Call the Social Security Administration for an automated system that will walk you through the name-change process. Alternatively, you can visit your closest Social Security office. Bring the certified copy of your marriage certificate and the application for a Social Security Card (you can find the application in the Resources section).

3. Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to receive a new driver's license. Bring your certified marriage license. You should hang on to your old driver's license so you can show the transition between names before the process is completed with all agencies.

4. Change your name with financial institutions and credit card companies. Bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate to your bank. You may also want to do this if you're adding your name to your spouse's accounts. For credit card companies, send a certified copy with a letter explaining your name change, and asking for cards in your new name. They may accept a photocopy instead of an original.

5. Notify your insurance agency, utilities, post office and voter registration of your name change. In these cases, you can typically send a letter with a copy of your marriage license.

References

• TheKnot.com; "Postwedding To-Dos: How to Change Your Name After the Wedding"; Cindy Hobson; March 2009
• TheMarryingGuy.com: "How to Change Your Name After Getting Married"

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Social Security Administration: Application for a Social Security Card
• U.S. Department of State: Change Your Name in Your U.S. Passport