Wanna know something that grinds me a bit? The name change. Us as women *usually* do all of the planning for the big day. You’d think the work would finally be over when you say ‘I Do’… wrong! Unless you decide to keep your maiden name, you now have to go through the steps of taking your partners name. What a process that is!…. I mean common, we have the babies, we do ALL the things, but yet, here we are, having to do the name change too. Ugh. Men.
What steps do you need to take to make it official? Let’s break it down!
Understand Your Options
When it comes to changing your name, you DO have options. You can go straight to taking his name, or you can also hyphenate if you aren’t fully ready to take the plunge of losing yours!
Gather Necessary Documents
Wait until you get back from your relaxing honeymoon to try and manage all of these next steps. Don’t worry, the Secretary of State and Social Security office won’t be going anywhere anytime soon! When you get back from your relaxing vaca, gather the important documents that you will need in order to make the appropriate and necessary steps to changing your name. Below are examples of those documents I am referring to. Depending on where you are going, they will send you a letter in the mail, email, text, or tell you over the phone what documents you will need for a successful appointment:
- marriage certificate
- social security card
- drivers license
- passport
- birth certificate
Taking the Steps
You have all your documents in order, so now it’s time to put them into action! Start with the big stuff first like drivers license, passport, social security, credit cards, employer, specific loans such as your car/house, etc. Then, move on to smaller ‘to dos’ such as email(s), the name listed on your phone bill, subscriptions/memberships, etc. One thing at a time as it can be overwhelming! It honestly isn’t a bad investment to get a step-by-step guide book on what you need to do when changing your last name, and all of the items that could have your maiden name on them that you don’t even think of! My favorite ‘go to’ guide is the Name Change Kit through Amazon. I’ve personally gifted it to many friends after getting married!
Social Security
You will need to fill out the Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) and bring it to a local office, along with unexpired identification and proof of your name change (marriage license)
Secretary of State
You can find a local Secretary of State office and book an appointment online (highly suggested). Upon arrival, you must provide a copy of one of the following items as legal proof of the name change:
- Driver’s license
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Social Security card
Passport
There are two routes when applying for a new passport based on how old your *current* passport is with your maiden name on it. If it is less than one year since your last passport was issued and your name legally changed, you can submit the following by mail:
- Form DS-5504 (find mailing instructions on the form)
- Your most recent U.S. passport
- An original or certified document which shows that you changed your name less than one year after we issued your most recent U.S. passport. Examples include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- One passport photo
If it has been more than one year after either you passport was issues or you name was legally changed, then it can get a bit more tricky and you will want to go to the state site here for more details and steps to take.
Update Financial and Legal Accounts
After those big ticket items above are complete. Next, focus on financials such as bank accounts, credit cards, loans, insurance, and other financial/legal accounts.
Employment Records
The last big ticket item that I will remind you about is work! Don’t forget that upon returning after wedding/honeymoon, you will need to make the proper arrangements to change your last name with your employer. usually, they have an HR rep or department that can guide you through these appropriate steps!
Told ya! Changing your name is no walk in the park and there are plenty of other small ticket items I didn’t mention in here for the sake of overwhelming you! Take my advice and spend the money on a guide book or checklist to ensure you aren’t missing any important categories when changing to your new married name!
We are the ‘catch all’ for your event day needs! The Groom’s boutonniere fell off and they need an extra pin? Easy peasy! Taking too long getting those dang loopholes around the buttons on your dress? Girl, don’t sweat it, we have a crochet hook just for that purpose!
