How to Change a Last Name After Marriage in Miami, Florida

Change your last name after your wedding by starting at the Social Security office.

Brides in Miami, FL who choose to change their last names after marriage must begin the process by notifying the Social Security Administration (SSA). Once your marriage certificate arrives in the mail, you may begin the name change process. Your marriage certificate does not automatically change your name for you; it provides legal proof that you are permitted to change your name. Until you notify the SSA, your name does not change. The name shown on your Social Security card remains as your legal name in the United States.

Things You'll Need

• Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card)

Instructions

1. Visit the Miami SSA office. Fill out Form SS-5 by including your name, the name you want shown on your new Social Security card, your address and social security number. Sign the form and give it to a SSA employee along with a certified copy of your marriage certificate and your photo identification. Your new SS card is issued seven to 14 days after you submit your application -- which you can also do by mail. Mail your application to:

   Social Security

   Ground Floor

   1251 NW 36th Street

   Miami, FL 33142

2. Change the name on your driver's license. Make a trip to your Miami DMV or tag office and inform the clerk you were recently married and need to obtain a new license. Provide the clerk with a certified copy of your marriage certificate and your current license. Allow the DMV or tag office to take your photo and wait while your new license is created. While at the DMV or tag office you can also ask to have your name changed on your voter registration card and your vehicle registration.The fee for a new driver license in Miami is $25.00 as of April 2011, payable by check, cash or credit card.

3. Notify your mortgage company, utility company and credit card companies of your name change. Send a letter to each company with copies of your marriage certificate and new driver's license enclosed. In the letter, provide your account number and ask the company to update your name on their accounts. Check your next statement to confirm that your name was changed on their records.

4. Notify your insurance companies and banks of your name change by mail or fax. Bring your marriage certificate and your new driver's license with you as proof of your name change if you are personally visiting the offices, making extra copies ahead of time in case they need them for their records.

5. Change your last name with all of your memberships, such as your frequent flyer mile programs or gym membership. Typically, this is done online by logging in to your account and updating your personal information.

Tips & Warnings

• The only fee associated with changing your name due to marriage in Miami is the fee to obtain a new driver license. No other company or institutional charges are applied to the name-change process.

References

• Bankrate: Here Comes the Bride's Name Change

Resources

• Social Security Administration: Local Office Search
• Social Security Administration: Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security
• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: Services Centers in Miami