Changing my name...

[Heywie]

How do I go about doing this? It seems like it will be quite the process. Do I have to have my wedding certificate to do so? If so, how long does that normally take to process? It's been a little over 2 weeks since the wedding and I don't have any real proof that we're married.

I will have to change so many things - Driver's license, passport, social security, credit cards, bank accounts, health insurance, car insurance, registration... oy - this is overwhelming!

[BarceloMayaPalaceBride]

These may help....Sorry I don't have a clue....
http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/other/namechange.htm

http://www.nolo.com/article.cfm/catId/211754E8-4167-4E64-9EABA23C9510DE4F/objectId/BD552D1E-BFCE-46B2-AF3629FAA3AEBACA/118/121/ART/

[saltyveruca]

I have been married over 6 months now and I still haven't changed my name.

I am lazy with paperwork. :bbredface:

[sandy03]

Unfortunately, I think everything has to be done through each individual agency. I know a lot of things you can print the forms online (voter registration, passport, etc). You'll need copies of your marriage certificate plus all your old ID stuff. I have been told that doing your driver's license first makes the rest of it easier because you have a piece of photo ID with your new name on it. I would always carry a copy of your marriage certificate too, just in case.

[WBandMe]

There are guides online that can help you. Some free ones that just tell you what to do, or for 30 bucks http://www.missnowmrs.com Good luck!

[Nekochanpurr]

Its not so hard! Just make sure you bring your identity stuff with you. Social Security office, and Secretary of State... And just make sure your bank and credit cards have your name changed. *^^*

[kgvettegirl]

You will need your marriage licence and the documents you want to change.
Social Security office
DMV might be able to do voter registration at the same time
Banks
each will have to be done separately
Usually they will accept a copy if you have to mail something but it must be a copy that shows the stamp.

[WebLady]

I am pretty sure you will have to have your marriage license to change your name with the DMV and Social Security (which you should do these first), but other places may only want to see the name change on your ID.

I went in person to the DMV then did pretty much everything else by mail, phone, fax or email.

[RevMatty]

As an officiant that's the biggest question I get.
To change your name on most state id's and your SSN card you need a certified copy of your marriage license. However some states may differ, but fedral documents do not.
Now I do not know how long it will take to get your marriage license back from the state, but if you don't see it soon, I'd call the officiant and ask about it.
But the best advice I can give anyone out of state on this, is check with the local departments.

[Heywie]

Thanks everyone! I guess I will just wait for my certificate and go from there!

[janet 78]

Hopefully you will get it soon! I got married on Nov 1 and the certificate was waiting for us when we got back from our honeymoon on Monday. :D Haven't exactly gotten motivated to get started on the process though, seems like it will be a huge ordeal. :bbredface:

[Hope75]

I just got married Oct 4th and have just legally changed my name.

You need certified copies of your marriage license from the town hall you applied at with the official seal.

Than 1st you need to go to Social Security office. They have a form online you can access and fill out and bring with you to expedite the process.

Our SS office is directly affiliated with the DMV, so I went there right after the SS office with a confirmation letter the SS office gave me. They also have a name change form you can access online and fill out before hand.

Once I did that I went to the bank with my marriage license and new driver's license and changed my name on my accounts.

I called my credit card companies and was able to do that over the phone without presenting a certificate.

I haven't changed voter registration yet, so I voted under my maiden name in this past election.

Hope this helps!

[ktmb34]

since i have worked for credit card companies and work the telephone company now, they usually just let you call and say hey, i got married, can i change my name and voila, its done. they'll send you a new card and all.

[caligal85]

One of my boss's has a great story of his wife going into the DMV to change her license and they told her she needed a new SS card. So she goes to the SS office. They tell her she has to have her new license. They gave her the runaround for about a week. He cracks up when he tells the story but I'm pretty sure she didn't think it was too funny.

[Ohio888Bride]

I have been married over 6 months now and I still haven't changed my name.

I am lazy with paperwork. :bbredface:

I don't feel so bad after reading your post. LOL! DH went with me to Social Security and motor vehicles (I HATE my new pic) this past Monday to change my name in those places. I refused to change it before the election took place.


I changed it at work 4 days BEFORE the wedding and have been changing it on bills over time. :bbredface: What I'm not looking forward to is changing it with banks and the credit union. *sigh* One of my banks said they'll send a new Visa check card once I fax my documentation, but the current card will still be active - great news! The credit union said they will immediately cancel my existing Visa check card upon getting the documents - I would then be without a card for 7-10 business days - boo! I haven't changed the credit cards either, but when I do, I'll be fine without those for a while.


I guess I'm lazy about it, too. DH isn't happy about it, because many things still have my ex-h's last name on them. :irked: