How to Change a Maiden Name
Congratulations! You are getting married. Along with finding a dress, planning your honeymoon and writing your vows, you are probably also thinking about changing your name. Changing your maiden name to your husband's last name is a very simple process and doesn't take much time at all. Follow these few simple steps and you will be on your way to a new name--and the rest of your life as a Mrs. rather than a Miss.
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Things You'll Need
- Legal marriage certificate
- Application for Social Security Card, AKA form SS-5 (available online)
- Appointment at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Folder with your financial information--paychecks, banks, any other forms that carry your maiden name
Instructions
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Get married! This may seem silly, but it's important to know that until you have a valid marriage certificate, you cannot take your husband's name. You will need the marriage certificate to proceed to the next step in the name-change process.
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2
Fill out Social Security form SS-5, which is the application for social security card, using your new name. You can access the form here:
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html -
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3
Get a new driver's license. Some DMVs require your new social security card in order to issue a new license, but others will do so with just your legal marriage certificate. Check with your local office for their rules.
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4
Write a letter that announces your marriage and your name change, and clearly displays your new name, address, and social security number. Use this letter to alert your bank, employer and creditors of your new name. Follow-up to make sure the letter has been received and that from now on your paychecks, tax deductions and financial accounts will all bear your new name. You may want to apply for new credit cards and a new passport at this time, as well.
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5
Use your new name and enjoy how it sounds!
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Tips & Warnings
It's important to feel comfortable using your new name. If you are addressed by your maiden name, feel free to politely correct people.
You should never have to pay money to legally change your name. Services that offer to handle your name-change paperwork in exchange for a fee are not necessary and may not be legal. Never share your personal information, such as your social security information, with a party you do not trust.
