Friday 3 November 2017

The Simplest Guide to getting a New Married Name

Congratulations on your wedding and of course a happy life ahead; this is something you have been hearing a lot and it is most likely getting monotonous. For most couples the thrill that comes with the idea dies long before the solemnization ceremony because of the work involved.  Planning a wedding can virtually take over your life not forgetting finances. So, it is understandable that you want to get it over with but not before you legally change to your new married name. Yes, this is something that catches most couples by surprise especially now that it is considered a minor task in the midst of more taxing logistics. Well, you now have to grapple with the name change and remember, just because you have that name beautifully engrossed on the marriage certificate doesn’t make it legal yet.  If you are wondering how to get started with the name change, keep reading.



Marriage Name Change in Brief 

It has been a tradition for ages that brides to change their names after marriage. Their partner’s name is the first option for a new name. Of course there are other variations of names you can choose from but the idea is to reflect the huge step you have taken in life.

For your name to legally take effect, you have to start by using it on your marriage license. This is a document that gives the go-ahead to for the marriage and the name reflected here will be the one that comes back with the marriage certificate after the ceremony. A marriage certificate is the most important document in the entire name change process and you must have certified copies for the process to go through.

To legally change to a chosen new married name you have to change all instances where your old name is used and these include Your ID/Driver's License, Bank Account, Social Security Card, Magazine Subscriptions, title and registration for your vehicle and many others. It is only when your new name starts being used in all documents addressed to you and all other places where your name is required.

Need to Prioritize 

The name change process involves a long list of notifications that have to be completed.  However, these name changes differ in importance; for instance, changing your name for magazine subscription is not very crucial compared to say a Social Security card. For this reason, you need to pick legal identifications first and these include:

  • Name change at the Social Security Administration: You need to apply for a new Social Security card from the Social Security Administration. This is done online from http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf.  You need a certified copy of your marriage certificate to do this. 
  • Department of Motor Vehicles notification: A driver’s license is a critical document and for your name to take effect, you have to apply for a new DL from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, old driver's license, and other identification documents such as the new SS number.
  • Passport and travel documents name change: This is considered a correction and you will only need to complete Form DS-5504 or a form - DS-82 depending on how old your passport is and then send it to the US Passport Agency.

Comprehensive Name Change Notifications

For your new name to become legally acknowledged, you have to go further and notify every other institution/ organization that has your identification details. These include banks and other financial institutions, voter registration office, doctors' offices, insurance company, schools and alumni associations, credit card companies, attorney’s office, utility companies and employer (payroll and retirement plans) among others.

Simplifying Name Change after Marriage 

Truth be told, the name change process after marriage is tedious and, you can do with a less stressful way.  Planning a wedding is an arduous task and after the whole affair, all you want is to kick back and relax at a faraway land. The last thing in your mind is queuing and filling out forms and sending emails in a bid to change your maiden name. This is where the best online name change service comes in.

These experts help brides change to their preferred new married name without the usual hassle that characterizes the process.  You can choose a name change package depending on your needs and get the name change process on course without breaking a sweat. 

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