A Summary Of How To Change Your Name Legally After Marriage

The decision to get married is life changing and so will whether to change your name after marriage or not. Getting a new Married Name helps a couple to feel as one. It also gives you a psychological sign that you have transformed into another person with new expectations.

Though you are married and your friends or family know the name of your partner, the government and other official institutions will not take the name as easily as you may think. You will be required to make a formal request for a name change and get approval. These processes take time and require you to set aside some resources.

Experts in name change after marriage have provided a summarized guide that will save you time and reduce the hustle of acquiring a new identity even after marriage. Here are the steps to take and requirements at every stage.

• Obtain Certified Copies Of Your Marriage License 

Authorities require you to justify name change. Your marriage certificate is the easiest justification you can provide for name change. Since you cannot present the original certificate, you will be required to give a certified copy.

The certified copies can be issued with your license if you make the request earlier. Buy several copies- up to three or four- to make it easier to complete the other stages or process that will follow. It saves you time because you will not have to request one every time it is asked. You will have them ready and thus make the process of name change faster.

The request can be made online or by mail where it will be sent to your chosen address. There are charges for obtaining certified copies of the marriage certificate. These copies are obtained from the office where your marriage was registered.

• Update Details of Your Social Security Card 

Many states use the Social Security Card as the source of all truth about an individual. This is why the Social Security Administration office becomes your first step when you want a Marriage Name Change Solution. The details that will appear on all other documents bearing your name must tally with what the SSA office has through your SS card.

It takes around 2 weeks for the details to be updated. You will be issued with a new card bearing the new name. However, all the old details will still be captured by this system. The Social Security Administration office will require you to present several documents to proof your old identity.

• The old SS card or its details must be presented. This proves that the details you have provided are similar and can be transferred to the new card. 
• Proof of citizenship is required in some offices. This can be done by presenting a birth certificate or a valid passport. 
• Proof or justification for name change. This is an easy one because your reason for changing the name is marriage. Most offices return the certified marriage certificate or license that you present. This allows you to use it in other offices. 

The requirements will differ if you are not a US citizen. Details of documents and requirements for non-citizens are provided on the government website. Your current citizenship status will also affect whether your application will be approved or not.

• Visit the Department of Motor Vehicle 

Your Driver’s License is used as an identity document in most cases. Once the Social Security Administration has updated your records, it is time to update the DMV. The department draws data from the Social Security Administration database. You will therefore have to wait for some time for the database to update. This could take 24hrs.

The DMV will issue you with a license in the new name. You can fill the application beforehand to ease the process and save time. They will ask for your SSA receipt, old DL and proof of address, among other documents. There are fees for obtaining a new DL. You can pay cash or using a credit card.

• Update Other Institutions

Banks, insurance providers, travel agencies, your employer and alumni association, among others need to be updated about your new name. An email or phone call will do in some cases while you have to present yourself in others. Updating the name helps you avoid hitches when you need services. It also saves you from accusations of identity theft.

The New Married Name must be acquired officially. This is a tedious process that requires resources, time and patience. Work with expert name change agents near you to make it easier and stress free to change your name after marriage. This allows you to enjoy your marriage bliss and return with a totally new identity.