A name change is one of the most important, albeit overlooked tasks in a new marriage. Most couples stumble on the need for a name change at the last minute. While the legal name change is a post-wedding process, it starts way back before the marriage.
You need to start preparing even before the big day. To set things rolling, you should identify all items in the name change checklist.
Here you will find everything you need to get ready for this process.
1. Pick a marriage Certificate
The marriage certificate is the single most important document in a legal name change after marriage. You should first apply for a marriage license to allow the wedding.
In this application, indicate the new name you want to use after marriage. This is the name that appears on the marriage certificate after the wedding. You should pay extra for certified copies of the marriage certificate for use later in this process.
2. New Social Security Card
Your social security card is a critical document and contains a unique social security number (SSN). This is the number the government uses to calculate your benefits, tax refunds among other things.
According to Federal law, you have to notify the government about a change in your name and apply for a new card. This application goes through social security services.
Download the SS-5 application form or pick a copy from your local social security services. Fill the details, and provide the following:
Mail the completed SS-5 form with the necessary documents. You can also opt to drop the application at the local social security offices. After verification of the documents, you should have your new card within 14 working days.
3. Apply For A New Driver’s License
You need a new driver’s license to reflect the name change after marriage. Download the new DL application form to save time when you visit the local DMV offices. They will take a new photo and you have to hand it the old license.
You should also have the receipt for the social security card application. Provide proof of residency, a certified copy of the marriage certificate and a processing fee set by your state.
4. Passport And Travel Document
After your honeymoon, you need to update your travel documents. If your passport is more than a year old, fill in form DS-82.
For passports less than a year old, fill out DS-5504. For passports that expired over 5 years ago, fill out form DS-11. You can download these files from the state’s websites.
Send the completed forms with necessary proof of identity, copy of marriage certificate, a color photograph, and applicable fees.
5 Work And Employment
You need to inform your employer about the name change, Unions and Professional Organizations and your professional website for freelancers.
6. Financial Institutions
Your bank and any other institution dealing with your finances need to know about the name change. Send notifications attaching a certified copy of the marriage certificate in each letter.
Notify your bank, creditors, debtors, Mortgage Company, your attorney, the insurance company, investment accounts among others.
7. Service Providers And Subscriptions
Notify all service providers including your doctors, magazine subscriptions, utility providers including electric, telephones, internet, gas, water, and cable. You should also update your social media accounts.
An Easier Name Change Process
The traditional name change process after marriage is tedious. Luckily, innovative online name change solutions such as HitchSwitch now provide a timely solution.
These services handle all the hard work. They research the legal process in your state and advise accordingly.
Wrapping up
Name change after marriage is a tedious yet necessary process after the wedding. This checklist summarizes everything you need and the steps to follow. However, it doesn’t have to be such a tedious process. You can now use online name change services to avoid the hassle.
You need to start preparing even before the big day. To set things rolling, you should identify all items in the name change checklist.
Here you will find everything you need to get ready for this process.
1. Pick a marriage Certificate
The marriage certificate is the single most important document in a legal name change after marriage. You should first apply for a marriage license to allow the wedding.
In this application, indicate the new name you want to use after marriage. This is the name that appears on the marriage certificate after the wedding. You should pay extra for certified copies of the marriage certificate for use later in this process.
2. New Social Security Card
Your social security card is a critical document and contains a unique social security number (SSN). This is the number the government uses to calculate your benefits, tax refunds among other things.
According to Federal law, you have to notify the government about a change in your name and apply for a new card. This application goes through social security services.
Download the SS-5 application form or pick a copy from your local social security services. Fill the details, and provide the following:
- Proof of name change: In this case, attach a certified copy for the marriage certificate
- Proof of identity: Your current SSD card is proof enough of your identity. Other documents that can prove your identity include your driver’s license, U.S. military identification card, Employer identification card or Health insurance card.
Mail the completed SS-5 form with the necessary documents. You can also opt to drop the application at the local social security offices. After verification of the documents, you should have your new card within 14 working days.
3. Apply For A New Driver’s License
You need a new driver’s license to reflect the name change after marriage. Download the new DL application form to save time when you visit the local DMV offices. They will take a new photo and you have to hand it the old license.
You should also have the receipt for the social security card application. Provide proof of residency, a certified copy of the marriage certificate and a processing fee set by your state.
4. Passport And Travel Document
After your honeymoon, you need to update your travel documents. If your passport is more than a year old, fill in form DS-82.
For passports less than a year old, fill out DS-5504. For passports that expired over 5 years ago, fill out form DS-11. You can download these files from the state’s websites.
Send the completed forms with necessary proof of identity, copy of marriage certificate, a color photograph, and applicable fees.
5 Work And Employment
You need to inform your employer about the name change, Unions and Professional Organizations and your professional website for freelancers.
6. Financial Institutions
Your bank and any other institution dealing with your finances need to know about the name change. Send notifications attaching a certified copy of the marriage certificate in each letter.
Notify your bank, creditors, debtors, Mortgage Company, your attorney, the insurance company, investment accounts among others.
7. Service Providers And Subscriptions
Notify all service providers including your doctors, magazine subscriptions, utility providers including electric, telephones, internet, gas, water, and cable. You should also update your social media accounts.
An Easier Name Change Process
The traditional name change process after marriage is tedious. Luckily, innovative online name change solutions such as HitchSwitch now provide a timely solution.
These services handle all the hard work. They research the legal process in your state and advise accordingly.
Wrapping up
Name change after marriage is a tedious yet necessary process after the wedding. This checklist summarizes everything you need and the steps to follow. However, it doesn’t have to be such a tedious process. You can now use online name change services to avoid the hassle.
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