Here’s Everything You Need For A Name Change After The Wedding

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:

• 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.

Name Change Checklist: Changing Your Name After Marriage

Couples have to make many decisions related to their wedding day. This involves choosing a venue for the wedding, the color scheme, cake flavor, among other decisions. There are also some decisions you have to make that have a long-lasting effect on your life like changing your last name.


Most modern couples choose to back tradition in different ways in regards to changing names after the wedding; some men take their wives name, other couples hyphenate their names while others combine both partners’ last names. No matter what you choose to do if changing names is something, you want to do, be sure to consult with a conclusive name change checklist to make sure that everything is legally and properly updated.

Changing your name

The name changing process is very easy as long as you have some guidance. If you and your partner have agreed to change names, there are some to-do’s you should observe. The name change checklist we shall outline below will keep you on track on what you should do. Once you have read the process you need to follow to change your name, you could use the name change checklist to stay organized.

Certificate of marriage

Once your union has been officiated, and witnesses have signed the certificate (something that happens after the marriage ceremony), send the certificate to the county register’s office. This is the same office where you file for the marriage certificate. It can take approximately six weeks to get the official marriage certificate since the duration of each state differs. Think of the marriage certificate as your birth certificate; it acts as the official marriage record and should be kept safe. Often, agencies don’t accept the photocopy of the marriage certificate, forcing most couples to pay extra fees to get two or more official copies for safe keeping.  After you have received the document via mail, you can now start the process of changing your name.

• Step 1

You should begin with the Social Security card. Consider going to the local office before they start their daily operations; this way you will be the first on line. If you have to take an off that morning, please do it. You will find most people in that office doing various things, and when you arrive late, the chances are that you will sit there for many hours. You will file to change your name on the Social Security Card. The new card takes approximately ten days or less to get to you via mail.

• Step 2

After getting the Social Security Card in your mail, the next step you should take is to visit the local DMV so you can update the driver’s license. Because you will be required to pay a fee, this is the suitable time you should take a new photo and update the same information on the card. Each state is different, and the charges will vary as well. You'll be required to fill in a form, then present the marriage certificate and the new Social Security Card; be sure to carry both of them. There are states that can even update the voter registration and car title on this same visit. You can get more information including the form you are supposed to fill out at the DMV state site. The new driver’s license takes four weeks.

• Step 3

The next items will present some challenges. Many banks will ask you to bring new Social Security Card, the license, and the marriage official document so that you can update your new name on the accounts, mortgage, and credit cards. Adding or changing a name to the house title deed is another issue, and it’s recommended that you consult a professional on the same. The issue here will be the Passport, and you may have to pay $165 just to update it. You have to bring a new photo. Consider visiting the government website for more information on updating your passport. Updating the PayPal can also present some hurdles. It’s recommended that you update the bank accounts first then deal with PayPal. You will be required provide your marriage certificate. There is also a process of document review that could take up to one week to authenticate.

Never book a honeymoon hotel or flight using your new name because it’s not legal yet.

• Step 4

The items here are easy and will not require the marriage certificate. There are DMV offices that can even take care of the car title and still change the driver’s license. Once the bank accounts have been updated, make sure you talk to the HR department, and they will update the paychecks too. Other items will be taken care of when you receive the monthly statements or bills. In case you own a business, and you would like the legal documents to be updated consider discussing the changes with a business lawyer.

• Step 5

The items in this section are vital, but they are not as important as the paycheck or your bank accounts. It’s possible to change your name on the taxes during the tax time. Health care providers also allow you to make name changes online or at their office the next time you visit them. It’s also possible to re-register to vote on many state websites with a few clicks. Your pet’s microchip can also be updated during their next visit to the vet. But, to update your will or living trust, you may require a notarization as well as other potential fees. Because you are newly married, you may want to consider drafting your new last will so that both of you will be protected just in case.

• Step 6

The items here are things you can organically update when you come across them. For instance, you could choose to change your Facebook name the next day. The next time you go to the library, gym or other clubs you could change your name. The only ones you have to change pronto are those that you pay for since the name difference may cause problems when the next payments hit the bank account.

This name change checklist should guide you make the necessary changes as per your plan.

A Summarized Name Change Checklist

Name change after marriage is an obviously tedious process. You have to notify government agencies, the financial institutions you associate with, insurance firms and other companies or organizations you are associated with. A Name Change Checklist will help you get the process completed in an easy and systematic manner. Remember that anyone who you would find it necessary to notify about change of address would also like to know about change of name.

You have an option of getting a name change kit or assistance from a professional agent. You may also opt to complete the complicated process on your own. This might appear like an easier option but you have to set aside time and resources to drive around and line up in offices with complex procedures. An agent completes the process on your behalf, allowing you to relax and concentrate on settling or building your marriage.

Here is a simplified Name Change Checklist to make the process easier and fast. There are offices where you can change the name over the phone. Other offices require you to appear in person. For some, the name and address are changed directly from the system. For others, you have to fill forms from where the officer in charge makes amendments on your personal details.

• Obtained a Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate

The law requires you to obtain a certified copy- not copies- of your marriage certificate. The copy is obtained from the office where you filed or got your marriage certificate. Since the certificate might not be returned to you, you should obtain several copies. The certificate can be mailed to you on request. You will be required to pay for the copies and mailing if that is your option. Getting more than one copy allows you to initiate a similar name change process with other institutions. This will speed up the entire process.

• Start With the Social Security Administration Office

This is regarded as the official government record. Other institutions and organizations within government and beyond obtain their data from here. This is the office where the names and details on your ID documents will be changed. Details on tax obligation files and retirement benefits accounts will also be changed here. If there is a discrepancy between the names you provide and that available on the Social security records, your returns will be declined. Financial institutions also depend on the Social Security card for their financial dealings. The office requires you to fill Form SS-5 in order to obtain a new card.

• Visit the Department of Motor Vehicle

Changing your name on the identification card and Driver’s license allows you to change names on other platforms like banks, insurance and other financial institutions. You should also take the advantage of changing names on vehicle ownership papers. The department will also facilitate name change on the voter’s register. Each state follows a different set of rules and procedures. To avoid unnecessary hustle, enlist the services of an experienced agency to spearhead your name change process. Updating your name on the Social security card and Driver’s license gives you the freedom to change on other platforms like bank institutions, insurance, medical records, etc.

• Financial Institutions and Banks

Banks and insurance or investment institutions require proof of identity before transacting. If the name on your ID differs with what is on their systems, they will be hesitant to serve you. This could cause delays and unnecessary suspicion. You could even be accused of identity theft. To avoid such complications, visit your bank, mortgage or lease company, investment account, Sacco, credit card provider, etc to have personal details changed. This gives you the freedom to access money and transact without suspicion.

• Social Organizations

The records in social organizations are not too sensitive. However, they may also be problematic if discrepancies appear. Change names on all legal documents, veterinary office, your doctor or health service clinic, clubs, alumni organizations, loyalty clubs, library, gym, etc. Most of these organizations would do with a simple phone call.

An experienced name change agency will provide a personalized Name Change Checklist based on the organizations or institutions you wish to notify about the change of name. Through their experience and networks, they simplify the process for you at a very reasonable fee. 

A Simplified Name Change Checklist After Marriage

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. 

Reference Url:

http://hitchswitch.livejournal.com/8278.html

The Name Change Checklist and Techniques

While events like marriage and divorce are the most common reasons why people find the need to change name and prepare a custom name change checklist, but these aren’t the only reasons. People have been reportedly changing their name for honor, career prospects, religious reasons, gender transformation, simplicity of pronunciation, etc.

In short, you can change your name for any reason unless it is has something to do with a fraudulent activity like getting rid of criminal past or cheating money lenders. Both minors and adults have authority to change their name legally, irrespective of their gender. 

The legal process

Let’s check out the three most common techniques to change your name before you start acting on your name change checklist.

• Court order: In most states, a person willing to change egally first needs to get a court order for the same. Once received legal permission from court, the person can start updating in all documents enlisted in their checklist. Remember, rules vary from one state to another. So, do your homework and learn your state’s laws.

• Marriage Certificate: In many states, a marriage certificate is considered as a legal proof of. New brides have to collect their marriage certificate from the local court and get a dozen of its certified copies to begin with process at social security office, banks and other places. Changing name after marriage is much simpler and faster process compared to other cases.

• Self-claimed usage: There are some states where people can start using a new name on own and over time it will be considered their as new legal name. 

Depending on your particular case, legal process can take a few days, months or longer. Every state has its own set of guidelines that the  applicant needs to follow and thus timeline can vary dramatically. To file you need to have a proof about your residency in the particular state you want to apply.

For example, if you want to apply in a New York court, it is imperative that you are a permanent resident of New York State and you have authenticated proof for the same.  If you have shifted in New York about a month ago, you may need to wait for at least 6 month to a year sometime, depending on your state rules, to be eligible for applying.

In some complicated cases such as a minor whose one parent is against this decision, there can be a hearing in the court where both parents have to be present. The judge will listen to both parents and rule out their decision keeping the child’s interest in mind. Not all cases are straightforward and thus procedure time may also vary accordingly.

A Checklist

Once you have changed legally, you will need to update a number or government and private organizations. Below is a checklist of some of the most important documents or accounts you will need to update your new name in. 

Social security card

Employer

Driver’s license & Vehicle registration

Passport

Voter Registration

Bank accounts, Loan accounts & credit cards

Insurance policies (Auto, Home and Health)

Post office

Utility Bills

Memberships, Subscriptions and Clubs

Tax account

Doctors

Professional or business association

Emails, business cards, online accounts

You will need to prepare a custom checklist covering all organizations and documents where it is important to update your new legal name in the records. You may need to visit some places in person and fill out the required forms. Keep the required documents handy and organized throughout this process to save your time and money. 

If you find this scary and need expert advice to guide you throughout your procedure or you want some more assistance that can save a huge amount of time in this process, hire an agency. Such agencies offer various name change packages to fit every applicant’s needs. This will save you a great deal of time and efforts. And the great news is, these packages are really affordable.

So, are you ready with your name change checklist? 

A Name Change Checklist You Need to Consider Post Wedding

If you are recently married or divorced, updating your new name on Facebook and other social media sites won’t be enough. There is a huge list of other places where you need to legally change your name. Making a name change checklist of all those places will help you finish the entire name change process in much organized and precise manner.

You can always take a look at the checklist and ensure you aren’t missing out any authority or place where you need to update your last name. In short, a basic checklist will help you keep trace on whom you have notified and whom you haven’t notified about your new name yet.

To help you get started with the legal name change process, here we have shared a complete name change checklist to follow. 

Source: https://hitchswitch.wordpress.com/2016/10/13/a-name-change-checklist-you-need-to-consider-post-wedding/

A Comprehensive Name Change Checklist for New Couples: Take the Hassles Out

Changing name informally is no big deal. You can just opt for any other name, anytime and anywhere. But changing name legally is a whole different thing. When you want to have a new name appear on your social security number and other important documents, you need to undergo a legal name change process. In this post, we have revealed a complete name change checklist shared by the experts. You can use it as your go-to source during legal name change process.

Marriage and divorce are two most common reasons why people, mainly women, need legally change their last name. For newlyweds, it is vital to have a common family name and ensure their children carry the family name in the future. In case of divorce, it is even more important to leave your ex’s last name and choose maiden name or if you are remarrying then choose your to-be spouse’s last name.

Name change after marriage


If you are soon going to marry someone special and would like to formally take his last name after marriage, the main and most important thing you will need is your marriage certificate. In this case, you will not need to file a court petition. However, if you are going to choose some other name change option like hyphenating your name with your partner’s, you will need to require a court order and thus will need to file petition. Take a quick look at the name change checklist below to get started with the process on right foot.

Source: https://hitchswitch.wordpress.com/2016/09/17/a-comprehensive-name-change-checklist-for-new-couples-take-the-hassles-out/

Name Change Checklist: Follow This List and Ensure a Smooth Process For Changing Name

With the passage of time, everything changes. Time changes and with that, the aspects associated with those of name change checklist also change. If we talk about earlier days, things were quite different that time. When our grand parents got married, there was no such option as whether the bride will opt her husband’s surname or not. However, these days things are opposite. The fact is women have all the options about their name change after marriage or divorce. Let us have a look at the options. This will help to decide if they want their husband’s name, have their original name, or have something completely new.

Name Change Checklist is really important. You have to cover all the basics. If the basics are well taken care of, then your name change in any legal document is very easy. Your job becomes painless. What all things you need for that are as follows:

Marriage Certificate: Yes, you are married!! The marriage licenses that you signed after your wedding ought to go to the local courthouse. The official will definitely take care of everything required to fulfill the procedure, but at the same time, you need to complete the remaining formalities yourself. At the courthouse, you can get hold of the copy of the marriage certificate, once they receive the marriage license. Every state has a different procedure to obtain the marriage certificate. Hence, you ought to be certain about the local laws for the procedure. This document is the foremost in your name change checklist.

Social Security Card: When the name change is done on the marriage license, then you need to change it in your social security card. Bring all these necessary documents to the social security office to get the formalities done. You might have to be prepared to wait in the queue, owing to the location of the office. This procedure is extremely important as the social security card is required for many legal processes in future.

Driving License: You need to head towards the local driving license center. This thing cannot be done through mailing system from the comfort zone of your home. You need to get along your marriage license in order to verify that your wedding did happen, and you are not changing your name for other reason.

Banks: Next in line is to notify your banks and get the new name there. This will mean that you do not face trouble during financial transactions in future.

Passport: Definitely you will be going on vacations sometime or also for your honeymoon. Having the new name on your passport will mean that these travel endeavors are completed without any issues.

Workplaces: Changing your name at workplaces is the next step. This will aid in getting all the benefits related to marriage and insurance etc. This will also mean that you will indirectly convey to professional contacts about your marriage.

Source: https://hitchswitch.wordpress.com/2016/08/23/name-change-checklist-follow-this-list-and-ensure-a-smooth-process-for-changing-name/

Important Guidelines to Draft Your Name Change Checklist

Changing their name is a common practice that all women perform after their marriage. However, there are certain steps to be followed for getting this procedure done. You need to have a list of things required for ensuring that this process works out perfectly.
Name change checklist involves a sequence of easy and inexpensive tasks, as it does not require any lawyer to forward the proceedings. In majority cases, it is seen that the woman takes up her husband’s last name; thus giving up her maiden last name. She can also choose to add her husband’s surname after her full name, this way she can use her husband’s last name without giving up her own. The couple may also decide to settle for an entirely different last name. As long as the intention behind your name change is not fraudulent, you can choose to change to anything you want.

Name change checklist can help you understand some mistakes people commonly make while taking up this procedure.

• Opt for changing the name soon after marriage i.e. even before going to your honeymoon. If you have your tickets booked already and you undertake the process of name change, your identification will not match which may cause issues. So to avoid unnecessary hassles while going for this special holiday, ensure that the name change process is completed as soon as possible.
• Ignoring to notify your employer firm about your new married name is a common problem. The company you are working with should know it well within time, as they will have to amend your payrolls, business cards, nameplates etc. Remember to not take chances at the professional front. Hence, getting things in place and informing authorities needs to be your priority.
• Sometimes people assume that they can adopt a new name by simply changing their documents and that there is no need for a legal procedure. This is a misconception though.
• Forgetting to notify necessary institutions and thereby not amending documents like driver’s license, passport, bank account statements, etc.
• Forgetting to obtain all the certified originals of your marriage certificate

Source: http://hitchswitcusa.tumblr.com/post/147441384907/important-guidelines-to-draft-your-name-change

5 Common Name Change Mistakes

A great many people have no clue exactly what number ways you can destroy when changing your name after marriage. The procedure is now an overwhelming one. Simply ponder all the organizations and agencies and loved ones you need to illuminate about the choice. That alone can raise the anxiety levels to code red. In any case there are various slips that individuals simply don't think about that can divert from the entire process and set you back at the starting point. It's sufficient to make you shout in all honesty.

1. You put off the choice. 

Couples assume that name changes are an after-the-wedding task. To some degree, they are correct, but otherwise you need an exhaustive name change checklist. Most ladies don't really do the paperwork to change their name until after the enormous day. Be that as it may they ought to choose before the wedding if this is the course they need to take. In numerous states, you have to utilize the name you need after the wedding on your marriage permit.

2. You arrange the special first night with your new name. 

Loads of love birds are energized at the possibility of being the new Mrs. So along these lines. They escape and utilize their new name on their carrier tickets for the vacation. Anyhow it generally takes a great deal longer to really get your new name legitimately settled according to the administration, including those I.d. guarantors. We're discussing the ones who provide for you your permit and international ID, which you'll be demonstrating security before sheets your flight to sentiment. On the off chance that the name on your ticket doesn't match the one on your ID, then you'll need to buy a totally new ticket and lose all the cash on the first.

3. You neglect to acknowledge who needs to be educated of your name change. 

When you've legitimately changed your name follow the name change checklist- on your Social Security card, international ID, and permit, for example - your new name is not going to mystically show up all around else. Utilizing an online administration is enticing, however be careful with the data fraud may be practically around the bend.

4. You choose to keep your last name by birth without considering the results. 

First off, a few spouses are disillusioned. Numerous ladies don't see how profoundly hurt not taking a spouse's name. This can have some negative results. Men have ego and especially most men after marriage like their wives to use their last name. In the consequences that women dominantly do not change the name, this might hurt the feelings of the spouse leading to issues in terms of breakups too! So not changing the name or sticking on to your name just because you don’t give a damn to other feelings isn’t a great deal of idea.

Thus, having said the aforementioned things make sure the while name change process, the name change checklist is followed well and errors are omitted.