Just Got Married? Here Are 6 Steps to Guide You through a Name Change after Marriage

During a marriage process, there are many major decisions to make among them the name you will use afterward. In most cases, it is expected that the bride will take the spouse’s name as a sign of the change in status. These days, it is also possible to make other names after marriage including hyphenated names among others. The bottom-line is that this is something you should include in your priority list. If you decide to change name to married name, you have to go through a legal process and like with all government processes, it is a winding one. Many spouses who would have liked to take up new names after marriage has dithered due to lack of information or the fear of making a move.

If you plan to change your name after getting married, this is a detailed guide that will help you through the process. While the name change requirements vary from state to state, the process is similar and you should find it easy to get on with it. After all, they say information is power, and you will thus find it easier to get started. Read on.

1. Get a Marriage Certificate With Your New Name

The most important step in the name change process after marriage is getting your new name reflected in a marriage certificate. It is important to appreciate that a marriage license which is the document that allows the wedding to go on is not the official document that you need.

When applying for a license, make sure you use the new name because this will reflect on the marriage certificate. This legal document comes after the wedding and carries the new name of each spouse. Once you get hold of the marriage certificate, pay for several certified copies because they will come in handy in the other steps you will take to formalize your new name. All this you will do at the court clerk’s office.

2. Update Your Social Security Card (SSD)

Your social security card is the most important document every citizen in the U.S must.  It is the one the government uses to identify you with and in case of any changes to your particulars; you need to update this on the government’s database.  You will not apply for a new social security number but instead, you will update the name change to help the government continue offering the best services.

The SSD update happens online and you need to visit the Social Security Administration and down the security card update form.  Fill the form and remember to use your new name on the documents. once you do this, attach the following documents to your application:

i. Valid passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate which is proof of citizenship
ii. Certified copy of your marriage certificate which process you have changed your name.
iii. Photo ID
iv. Proof of identity which could be a valid passport, U.S. Military identification card, valid driver's license or valid state-issued identification card.
v. The current social security card
Within ten working days, you should have your new security card with your new name reflected. Remember it is only your new name after marriage that changes on your card and there is no further action to take on the card.

3. Visit the Local DMV For a New Driver’s License

Your driver’s license is another crucial identification document and if you have made any changes to your name, the same must reflect on your DL. To initiate the process, you have to visit the local DMV office. It is advisable to wait at last 24-48 hours after applying for your social security card before heading out to the DMV office. This ensures your new data reflects on the government database. You have to do this in person and you need to bring along the following documents:
i. Your new Social Security card or paperwork/receipt showing you have applied for a new card
ii. Certified copy of your marriage certificate
iii. Current driver's license.
iv. New driver’s license fee which varies from state to state
v. Proof of residence in your state (you can bring your insurance documents, lease/mortgage documents, bill or bank statement mailed to your current home address.

4. Update Your Passport/ Travel Document

Now, this is a very crucial step for newlyweds because there are most likely plans to travel. It is important to understand that while you need new travel documents reflecting your new name, they might take time and this can disrupt your travel plans. In most cases, you have booked your trip under your maiden name and if you update the passport before travel, it can lead to big problems. For this reason, you can update your passport after you come back from your honeymoon.

In case you have no plans to travel, you can update your travel papers on the U.S. Department of State website.  For the passport update, you don’t need to visit any government office because the website has everything you need and you only need to mail the necessary documents. When applying for a new passport, you need the following:

i. A new passport photo (2 x 2 inches in size)
ii. A certified copy of your marriage certificate
iii. For passports less than a year old complete form DS-5504 and your new book will be free
iv. For a passport older than one year, complete and submit Form DS-82
v. Current passport or travel documents
vi. For a Global Entry card, you will need to visit your nearest Enrollment Center after updating your passport.

5. Start Updating Your Name With Relevant Institutions

Once you have acquired these critical legal documents bearing your new name, you will move to another important step in the name change process. This entails updating all institutions and organizations that use your maiden name. It is important to initiate the process early to avoid inconveniences in the future. Some of these institutions include:

• Mortgage, Rent, and Utility Companies
• Credit and Debit Card company
• Insurance providers
• Your employer
• Your bank and other financial institutions
• Your attorney
• Learning institutions
• Newspaper and Magazine subscriptions
• Online subscriptions

To send notifications of your new name, you need a certified copy of your marriage license, new Social Security card and your new driver's license. Some institutions and organizations might have other specific requirements based on the services they offer and you should meet all their requirements for the new name to take effect.

6. Use an Online Name Change Service

Looking at the name change process after marriage, it is obvious that it is a lot of work. After going through a hectic wedding process, the last thing you want is to start filling out forms and hopping from one government office to the next. At least you need time to relax and settle down but at the same time, the name change is crucial for your life to continue seamlessly. To overcome this challenge, you should use an online name change service.

A name change service removes the hassle from the process by availing all the documentation you need in one place and filling out the necessary documents for you. You don’t have to search for the required documents because these experts are up-to-date with the legal requirements and ensure you have everything needed to get started. You can choose a name change package that suits your needs and budget.

On the name change website, you will get the documents required after signing up. You can request these documents and complete or opt for these professionals to fill them out depending on the name change package you choose. The idea is to make a name change after marriage a stress-free experience by offering tailored solutions to help you out.  These experts also offer invaluable resources to help you understand what the name change after marriage process entails. If you have no idea how to go about a legal name change, these experts will guide you through it all.

In addition to making the process hassle-free, a name change service also saves you a lot of time. While you will still need to visit your local DMV office for your new driver’s license, you will have all the required documents already filled out. This saves you time and the stress of having to queue for hours in the crowded DMV offices. Most couples dread the name change process but if you have no idea where to start, an online name change service is the best option for you.

If you have plans to change name to married name, there is nothing to fear. Yes, you have heard discouraging stories about the red tape and waiting but with this information, it is easy to get started and complete the name change quickly. What’s more, you can save yourself a lot of trouble by working with an online legal name change company to complete the process. It will save you the stress and time it normally takes to complete a legal name change after marriage.

Options When You Need to Change Name to Married Name

It is always exciting to change name to married name immediately after your wedding. This helps you adapt to the new status easily and appreciate the bond you share. It sounds easy to just adapt a new name. However, the process is not that simple or straightforward. Here are the options you need to consider when to ensure that your decision is satisfactory into the future.

Maintain Your Original Name

This is the easiest and most convenient option. Maintain the name you were given at birth and that which is captured in all your documents. This will save you the trouble of endless paperwork and trips to the Social Security as well as Department of Motor Vehicle offices. It allows you to enjoy your post marriage days.

This is a viable option for people who have built professional careers using their names. For instance, if you are a doctor who is known by your name, migrating your credentials when you change name to married name will be a challenge. However, if you do not change the name, this hustle will be eliminated. It enables you to maintain a professional appeal without having to antagonize your customers to adapt the new identity. If you are following a family lineage of achievements in sports, medicine, art, etc, the linkage is likely to get lost. Maintain the original name for own benefit and to avoid a lot of disruption.

Adapt the Name of Your Spouse

It is traditionally common for a lady to take the name of the husband after marriage. In fact, this is an option taken by many people. To effectively adapt the name of your spouse, you should approach the department of Social Security in your area. The document that is required by the Social Security office is a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You should obtain the certified copy from the office or officer who officiated your marriage. You do not need to visit the office in person. Request to have the certificate mailed. It helps to obtain several certified copies because you can lounge your request on several offices simultaneously. The fees paid to obtain certified copies depend on your state. It will also depend on whether you will collect it or have it mailed. There are people in the society like service men whose processing fees are waived.

Name change will take place at the Social Security office. Though the services are free of charge in most cases, you are required to fill Form SS-5 which captures your personal details. Should you choose to mail the form, you must include a certified copy of your marriage certificate and ID. If you got married more than two years ago, the officer might require you to provide additional details. A new SS card will be delivered in two weeks if there are no issues with your application. All the documents you provide will be returned.

Notify all the relevant persons in your life about the change in name. They include your employer, banker, Posta, utility service provider, etc. The Department of Motor Vehicle should be notified to enable processing of a new driver’s license with the new name. This is a visit you might have to make in person. Take the opportunity to update vehicle ownership and registration details, voter details and maybe the image on your license. The new license will cost you several dollars depending on your state. Only a few states allow a man to follow the maiden name change procedure. In almost all state, a man is required to follow the legal name change which involves filing a petition in court.

Take the Name Legally But Maintain Your Original Name Professionally
Friends will know about your new status and will most likely refer to you by it. However, it will be challenging to inform all your professional associates about the change in identity and make them understand. The solution becomes to maintain your professional identity despite changing your name legally. This gives you a cushion to gradually and continuously adapt the new identity.

This is a bit challenging and might be confusing even to you. People might come looking for you in the office only to learn that you operate using a different name. The confusion only lasts a while and then disappears. People slowly adapt to the new name and identity if you allow them to do so.

The option of adding the name other than changing it is also viable. Even when associates and clients realize that you have a new name, they will recognize it from your many names. To avoid the hustle when you want to change name to married name, enlist the services of a professional agent. At a small fee, your name will be changed in all documents and institutions, allowing you to enjoy the new identity.

Reference url: https://hitchswitcusa.tumblr.com/post/162123326717/options-when-you-need-to-change-name-to-married

5 Steps that Smoothen the Process of Name Change After Marriage

Going by the usual tradition globally, after marriage, a woman is bound to change her name by leaving her father’s name and taking up her husband’s family name. Even though this practice of name change after marriage is not mandatory, most women do it, thus living up to the traditional norms. It is imperative to undergo this name change formality in a legal way, documenting the new name in all the authorized records so as to avoid any chaos later on.

Many aspects are important with regards to changing name post marriage. The way you look at things is the key. Some may feel that the process of filling forms and engaging in legal hassles is tiresome. Others may look at the benefits associated with completing this process and find easier ways to get things done to perfection. So you need to choose between the hard and smart way. So to find smart ways, you need to know about them in the first place.


Source: http://hitchswitcusa.tumblr.com/post/149362505717/5-steps-that-smoothen-the-process-of-name-change

All The Fuss Surrounding New Married Name Simplified

In the recent decade, a spectacular increase has been observed in the number of females who desire to alter their last names and acquire a new married name based on their husband's last name.
In70's and 80's, majority of the women thought marital name alteration as an anachronism. But recent studies have revealed that approximately 80% of the women now have a mind set to change their names after marriage. If you plan to change your surname take your spouse’s name after marriage, there is a requirement to inform certain institutions about the name change.

Institutions that need to be notified

• Financial Institutions (these may include your bank etc.)

• Insurance Companies

• Government Agencies

How to Get a New Married Name?

The procedure for a bride getting a new married name comprises of some of the most symbolic events in her life after her big day. As far as authorized and logistical viewpoints are concerned, immediately after marriage, it is the best and easiest time to go for a name change. Few steps to be followed for a new name post marriage are-

• Altering to a new name after marriage can be done with a certified document of your registered marriage certificate

• Some offices need a personal visit to change a name, whereas others will permit you to change it on the phone or through a letter

• You will have to look for the protocol that is required for every office on your list, as the documents and rules needed may differ. This is with regards to your State of residence and every State has different set of rules and regulation pertaining to name change.

• If you are moving in a new house, ensure to update your new address right away

• New brides need even get their drivers license renewed with their newly acquired married name, which is a very simple process

• If you are not keen with all this paperwork, it is suggested to download a marital name change kit and you can even visit the state DMV website online

• These forms can easily be downloaded

• Another thing required for this is a new passport. For this, you can submit the necessary forms to get a new passport issued
Complications may arise

A problem can occur if some women has travel reservations with her newly acquired married name as she has not changed her name on the passport. If by any chance you are in any such kind of a situation, ensure that you bring a copy of the marriage certificate while traveling. The condition could be tough if by any chance you are going to a foreign country that requires a visa.
Such conditions are often witnessed as people somehow are not aware about what all requirements need to be fulfilled with regards to name change.

What is the easy way out?

Though the forms, which are required by report agencies and institutions, are moderately simple and can be completed easily, due to too much of stress and other demands during the wedding time, several brides prefer to buy name change kits and avoid doing it themselves.

Numerous full-service websites help in to simplify the somewhat tedious process of name changing. Availing of their services reduces the effort considerably and is of great help in filling out a simple online form and then wait for new married name in some days for the work to be done.

So for people who find paperwork boring or tedious, opting for services of online agencies is the best choice. They will take your burden on their shoulders and you can enjoy your time with your beloved.

This post was originally published on : https://hitchswitch.wordpress.com/2015/12/23/all-the-fuss-surrounding-new-married-name-simplified/

Change Name To Married Name – Key Mistakes To Avoid

Are you aware about the kind of hassles you undergo while changing name? The strategy is presently a staggering one. Basically consider all the associations and orgs and friends and family you have to enlighten about the decision. That alone can raise the tension levels to code red. Regardless there are different slips that people just don't ponder that can redirect from the whole process and set you once more at the beginning stage. It's sufficient to make you yell in all genuineness.

Couples expect that change name to married name are after-the-wedding errand. To some degree, they are right, however else you require a thorough name change agenda. Most women don't generally do the paperwork to change their name until after the colossal day. In any case they should pick before the wedding if this is the course they have to take. In various states, you need to use the name you require after the wedding on your marriage license.

Heaps of adoration fowls are energized at the likelihood of being the new Mrs. So thusly. They escape and use their new name on their bearer tickets for the get-away. At any rate it for the most part takes significantly more to truly get your new name genuinely settled as per the organization, including those I.d. underwriters. We're talking about the ones who accommodate you your grant and universal ID, which you'll be exhibiting security before sheets your flight to opinion. If the name on your ticket doesn't match the one on your ID, then you'll have to purchase a completely new ticket and lose all the money on the first.

When you've authentically changed name to married name do incorporate the same on your Social Security card, universal ID, and license, for instance - your new name is not going to magically appear all around else. Using an online organization is tempting, however be cautious with the information misrepresentation may be basically around the twist.

For one thing, a couple of mates are baffled. Various women don't perceive how significantly hurt not taking a companion's name and change name to married name. This can have some negative results. Men have sense of self and particularly most men after marriage like their wives to utilize their last name. In the results that ladies overwhelmingly don't change the name, this may offend of the life partner prompting issues regarding breakups as well! So not changing the name or adhering on to your name simply on the grounds that you don't care at all to different sentiments isn't a lot of thought.

In this manner, having said the previously stated things verify the while name change prepare, the name change agenda is taken after well and slips are precluded.