The Ultimate Guide to Changing Your Name After Your Wedding

Congratulations! You've tied the knot, celebrated love, and embarked on a beautiful journey together. Now, as you transition into this new chapter of your life, you may be considering one of the traditional steps after getting married: changing your name. While it's a time-consuming process, it's also a meaningful way to symbolize the union of two lives. Here are Rev Jill's 10 steps to changing your name after your wedding.

Before you dive into the bureaucratic process, have an open discussion with your partner about your new name. Will one of you take the other's last name, or will you opt for a hyphenated or combined surname? Remember, there's no right or wrong answer—choose what feels right for both of you.

Your marriage certificate is the legal document that validates your union. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may receive it automatically after your wedding, or you may need to request it from the relevant authority. Ensure you have several copies, as many institutions will require an original or certified copy for name changes. I suggest you get 4-5 copies.

Your social security number is tied to various aspects of your identity, so updating it should be one of your first priorities. Fill out the Social Security Administration's application for a new card and submit it along with your marriage certificate and other required documents. This is the link to the Social Security Administration website for name change information. You may be able to process your name change online. https://www.ssa.gov/personal-record/change-name

Visit your local driver’s licensing authority to update your driver's license or state ID with your new name. Bring your current license or ID, marriage certificate, and any other required documents specified by your state. States vary in this area and the REAL ID requirements may involve more documentation. Check your state requirements online before heading to your local office.

Don't forget to update your passport. Complete the application for a passport name change and submit it along with your current passport, marriage certificate, and any other required documents to the U.S. Department of State. You will need to mail all this documentation to the US Dept of State. This process takes 6-8 weeks, so don’t change your name until any upcoming travel is completed. You can pay for expedited processing, but it will still take a minimum of 2-3 weeks. This link has all the relevant information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/change-correct.html

Besides the Social Security Administration, there are other government agencies you may need to notify of your name change. This may include the Veterans Administration, your state business administration office, if you own a small business, your local tax assessor’s office, among others. Visit their websites or contact them directly for guidance on the name change process.

Next, tackle your financial accounts, including bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investment accounts. Contact each institution to update your name and provide any necessary documentation, such as your marriage certificate and updated identification.

Notify your employer of your name change and request that they update their records accordingly. This includes your payroll information, tax forms, email address, business cards, and any other relevant documentation.

Don't forget to update your health insurance, life insurance, and other benefits provided by your employer or obtained independently. Review your policies and contact your insurance provider to initiate the name change process.

Finally, update your name on personal documents, such as your voter registration, professional licenses, memberships, subscriptions, and utility bills. Notify your healthcare providers, schools, and any other organizations you're affiliated with to ensure your records are up to date.

I hope this guide helps you! Changing your name after your wedding may seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning and organization, you can navigate the process smoothly. Remember to be patient and diligent as you update your identity across various institutions and records. Embrace this opportunity to embrace your new identity as a married couple and celebrate the journey together!