How to Change Name in Indiana After a Marriage

There are four main organizations you will need to notify if you take your husband's name after your wedding in Indiana.

Changing your name after your marriage in Indiana can be a tedious process, because there are many organizations that will need to be informed. The four that should be at the top of your list are the United States Social Security Administration, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, your bank and your employer. Legally, you will need to update these organizations in order to ensure that your name, identification and Social Security number match. You can update your name on your utility bills, gym membership, newspaper subscriptions and other services as and when it is convenient for you--generally this only requires a phone call. Just be sure to cover the main four first.

Things You'll Need

• Certified copies of your marriage certificate

Instructions

1. You will need to notify the U.S. Social Security Administration before you can update your driver's license with the Indiana BMV. To do this, download and print the Application for a Social Security card from the SSA website. Use your new name when you fill in the form and bring it, your U.S. passport or birth certificate and a certified copy of your marriage certificate to an SSA office in your area. The relevant form and a listings of local offices can be found on the SSA website.

2. Once you have updated the SSA, you should have your name changed on your Indiana driver's license or photo identification card. To do this, visit your local Indiana BMV branch. (See the listing in the "Resources" section of this article.) You will need to bring your current driver's license or ID card and your marriage certificate. If you have changed your name before, such as for a previous marriage, you must bring documentation showing the links between all name changes (e.g. previous marriage and/or divorce certificates and court orders for legal name changes).

3. As soon as you have updated your name with the SSA, you should inform your employer of your name change. This will ensure that your Social Security contributions are correctly credited. You may be required to fill in new benefits forms. Your health insurance company probably will need a copy of your marriage certificate and a copy of your new driver's license or ID card to update your name.

4. Go to your local bank branch to update your name on your bank accounts. The bank will need to see a copy of your marriage certificate and of your current government issued photo identification.

Tips & Warnings

• Certified copies of your marriage certificate are available from the circuit court where your marriage license was granted. You will need multiple copies to notify these various organizations.

References

• SSA: Changing your name after marriage
• Indiana BMV: Changing your name or address

Resources

• Indiana Name Change Guide
• SSA: Application for a Social Security Card
• SSA: Local Office Search
• Indiana BMV: Locations and Hours