A wedding is a big occasion accompanied by colorful changes in one’s life. One of the changes for many is adopting a new surname to symbolize their new marital status. While it is a personal choice, changing last names after marriage can become an overwhelming process for anyone who is not sure how to start. The HitchSwitch brand has implemented such a change in a simple, efficient, and stress-free way, as long as you have the right resources. As you set out to start your new chapter, this will, of course, mean you won’t have to worry about stress. Using our legal services coupons, you can reduce the cost of professional help while ensuring every step is done correctly. Browse through our latest deals and promo codes to get started today.
This article will walk you through how to get your name changed, the steps to change your last name, and all the essential things you need to know to make the process simple.
Where Do I Go to Change My Name?
The process of name change after marriage involves contacting various agencies and organizations instead of just one centralized system.
Key places to update your name include:
- Social Security Administration (SSA): Change your name on the Social Security card first, as it is usually required for other changes.
- Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): If you have a driver’s license or ID card from the state, change it to reflect your newlywed name.
- Banks and Credit Unions: Your name has to be updated on every account, check, and credit card.
- Employers and Payroll: Make sure every record at your workplace concerning taxes, insurances, and benefits gets updated.
- Utilities and Bills: Making a name change for utility companies, cell phone providers, and internet services could be applied here.
Steps to Changing Your Last Name After Marriage
The steps to changing your last name after marriage may differ slightly from one nation or state to another, but they are basically the same.
Update Your Social Security Card
Usually, the first stop for U.S. residents is the Social Security Administration. You will have to fill out the SS-5 form and give your marriage certificate, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship. After that, they grant the new card bearing your new surname.
Change Your Name
There are differences in requirements by state, but generally, expect that the proof needed will be your updated Social Security card, marriage certificate, and current ID. After updating your records at Social Security, go to your local DMV.
Update Your Passport
If you have a passport, you must submit a form (DS-82 or DS-5504, depending on), your current passport, marriage certificate, and a new passport image.
Notify Your Employer
Updating your last name for work is very significant regarding payroll, taxes, and employee benefits. Provide Human Resources with your changed Social Security information and marriage documents.
Update Financial Accounts
Banks, credit unions, and credit card companies will require a marriage certificate and an updated identification. You’ll also need to update the addresses on your checks, debit cards, and online banking.
Change Insurance and Medical Records
Contact your health, auto, and life insurance companies to inform them of your updated policy information. You will also have to contact the doctor’s office to update the medical records.
Update Legal and Professional Documents
There are several important legal documents, namely wills, property titles, voter registration, professional licenses, and utility accounts.
Conclusion
Changing your name after marriage is one of the most confusing parts, but if you have good guidelines, it is actually a pretty simple process. Services like HitchSwitch take care of the paperwork for you, while Coupon Turbo finds HitchSwitch discount code that you could use to save on related fees. If you do it right and use trusted resources, you will be able to change your name with as much ease as possible and enjoy this exciting new wrinkle of life.
FAQ’s
How do I change my married name if I live abroad?
Depending upon your country, the processes will differ. A marriage certificate will be needed in most cases, covering updating your passport and national ID with the civil registration authority in your country.
Do I need to change my name everywhere at once?
The most important first step is changing your official documents, your Social Security card, driver’s license, and passport. Once all of these are updated, you can change your name on bank accounts, insurance, and other personal records.
