Changing your name after marriage is an intensive and engaging process. The many requirements including documents and court appearances are likely to leave you confused on what you need or what you are yet to do. Here is a simplified name change checklist to guide you through the process and make it both stress free and fast. If fact, by using this checklist, you will have the new name approval in a flash even without seeking the assistance of agents.
1. Obtain Certified Marriage Certificate Copies
Many people waste time or have their petitions declined because the copies they file are not certified but plain photocopies. The certified copy should be obtained from the office or agency where your marriage was officiated. Since the certified copy will not be returned to you, several copies will do you good. Having multiple copies will allow you to file petitions with different institutions at the same time which hastens the overall process.
2. Head to the Social Security Administration first
Social Security Administration is regarded as the first stop because you must use your correct name and identification details for taxation and retirement benefits computations and administration. If there is a mismatch in the details you provide, your tax returns will be declined. You will also not receive social services if the names differ. This is why a visit to Social Security Administration tops the name change checklist.
Institutions such as banks, insurance, utility, etc use your Social Security card and details on it as prove of identity. As such, it will be difficult to transact under a different name on these institutions. You will be required to provide evidence that you have changed your identity. At the Social Security office, you are required to fill Form SS-5 to enable you obtain a new card indicating the new name. With the Social Security notified, Internal Revenue Services will also receive the notification.
3. Visit the Department of Motor Vehicle
The Social Security card and driving license play the crucial roles of identification. As such, if your new name appears on these two documents, it will be easier for you to prove the name and have it changed on other documents. A stop at the Department of Motor Vehicle also allows you to update your details on the voter’s register. Beyond that, you will notify the department about the new name so that details of your vehicle registration can be updated. This makes this stop very important and especially allowing you to update several institutions in a single visit. With a new driver’s license, you are ready to effect changes on other institutions.
4. Work Records and Social Benefits
Your employer will be remitting money to you on regular basis. To access the money, your personal details must tally with what is known or held by different institutions. Further, you need to maintain integrity and consistent identity at work. Notify your employer so that your records can be updated.
The notification should also be sent to any institution that handles your benefits from employment. The clients you serve will also receive an update of your new identity. Some might not recognize the new name if you use it without prior notice from your employer. If your insurance is provided by the employer, he will need to notify the institution of changes in name. All other institutions that provide social benefits should also be notified.
5. Next Should be the Bank
This is one of the updates where you have to appear in person. Considering that banks are dealing with money, you identity will be very important. Notify the bank and provide evidence that you have changed your name. The same notification should be provided to credit institutions and SACCOs. This enables them to recognize you and allow transactions without hindrances. If you appear at the bank or Sacco office with a different ID document, you can be sure that you will not access your money. Even an agent might not help you effect these changes unless under very special circumstances.
Other credit organizations and platforms like credit and debit card issuers must be notified. Unless you notify your credit provider, different details will emerge when performing checks. This will lead to suspicion and in fact failure to obtain services. Credit reporting agencies will be informed by the creditors. Within months of notification, your statements will reflect the new name.
There are other people and institutions in the name change checklist that need to get the notice as soon as possible. The mortgage company or your landlord should be notified as soon as possible. If you have other insurance cover providers, inform them of your new identity. Inform the passport office and make necessary changes if need be. Your attorney needs to update your legal documents and thus must be notified. Professional bodies and alumni organization also need to get the notice.
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