How to Change Names on a Mortgage

Before you can change the name on your mortgage, you must complete the legal name change process. To legally change your name, follow these steps:

1. Obtain the original or certified copy of the document that notes your name change. According to the Social Security Administration, this can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, certificate of naturalization or court order that approves the name change.
   
2. Complete Form SS-5 and mail it or deliver it in person to your local Social Security office. If you mail the form, include all necessary identification documents; they'll be mailed back after Social Security registers the change.
3. Once you receive your new Social Security card, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles to get a license with your new last name. You'll need the new license to change the name on your bank and credit card accounts.

Contact your mortgage lender's customer service line and inquire about what you need to do to change the name on the mortgage. Most likely the lender will send you -- or direct you to -- a form on which you can submit your new name information.

The lender will want some sort of verification that your name has changed, but exact requirements vary by institution. Be prepared to submit a copy of your new driver's license, a copy of your new Social Security card or a copy of your name change document as proof of the change.

Depending on your bank, the name change for the mortgage may be complimentary or you may have to pay a small processing fee. Bank of America notes that services like simple name changes on a mortgage and transfers of title have little to no cost.