How to Change a Name After a Marriage in Illinois
The process for changing your name in the state of Illinois usually requires several steps, including filing a notice of a petition for name change, filing a petition for name change and running a notice in the local newspaper for several weeks. However, changing your name after marriage is a more streamlined process. According to Illinois State Law, after marriage "either party may assume the surname of the other party" without being required to petition the court.
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Instructions
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Alert your employer about your upcoming name change before the wedding. It may take the human resources department several weeks to update your files and change your email address and any other applicable items, such as business cards. Giving them advance notice provides ample time for the update to become final before you take your new last name.
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Obtain extra certified copies of your marriage certificate. The driver services facility, Department of Motor Vehicles, banks and post office will require a certified copy to change your name. Photocopies of your marriage certificate will not be sufficient; the copies must be certified copies. You can obtain additional certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Illinois county clerk in the county in which you got married.
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Visit your local driver services facility within 30 days to request a new driver's license and update your vehicle registration and title. Bring your current driver's license and your original marriage certificate or a certified copy of the certificate. As of November 2010, the fee to obtain a corrected license is $5, the fee to update your registration is $3 and the fee for a corrected vehicle title is $65.
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Change your name on your Social Security card. Obtain an application for a social security card, either online or from your local Social Security office. Take the completed application, along with the original marriage certificate or a certified copy, to your local Social Security office.
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Notify your bank and any other financial institutions, such as credit card companies, utility companies or the phone, to update the name on your account. In many cases, you will be able to update your account information over the phone; in some cases, you may need to request the change in writing and/or provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
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Tips & Warnings
Even though you have alerted your employer about your name change prior to getting married, it is also a good idea to notify your employer once the change is official to make sure your records are updated. This is particularly important if you receive your check via direct deposit; the payroll department will need to make your checks out in your corrected name, or your bank may delay the availability of funds.
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- Photo Credit Wedding image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
