You did it! You are officially married. The wedding was amazing, your honeymoon was a dream, but now what?
While in the last few years the number of people who choose to take their significant other’s last name has slightly decreased, still about 80% of newly married couples continue this tradition.
Even with the majority of couples proceeding with the name change, the process of getting everything done can be confusing and overwhelming. To make it as easy as possible for you, we have put together a list of what documents you need to change and how to do it.
Step 1: Make Sure You Have Your Original Marriage Certificate
First and foremost, you will need to make sure that you have your original (or a certified copy) of your marriage certificate in hand. The certificate will also need to have a raised seal. Having this document on hand will make it SO much easier to get the rest of the items on this list checked off.
Step 2: Update Your Social Security Card
You will want to update your social security card before tackling any day to day changes. To make this change, fill out the application using the link below:
You can also go to the social security office to apply for this change in person.
Step 3: Name Change On Driver’s License
New social security card in hand, head over to the DMV to get your license changed. While every state has different requirements and you will want to check the stipulations of your own state, generally you will need to bring your marriage certificate as well as your current driver’s license.
Step 4: Update Bank Information
Take the 3 updated items previously listed (marriage certificate, social security card and driver’s license) and update your information at your bank. Make sure that you consider all accounts that will need to be updated (i.e. debit card, credit card, checks, joint accounts and investment accounts.)
Step 5: Passport Name Change
To change your passport use the link below:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/change-correct.html
Fees may apply and will be dependent on how old your current passport is. We don’t suggest changing it before your honeymoon if you are leaving within 60 days of your marriage You can travel using your maiden name for your honeymoon within this timeframe.
Step 6: Let The Rest of the World Know You Got Married
Now that you have changed all of the major items, you want to make sure you don’t let anything slip between the cracks. Here are a few of the items to consider.
– Employers
– Doctor’s offices
– Alumni associations
– Airline mileage programs
– Utilities
– Mortgage or lease
– Insurance (life and health)
– Voter’s registration
– Children’s school
– Post office if you’ve moved
– Your attorney for trusts, wills, custody agreements and any other legal agreements.
Step 7: Social Media
Let’s be honest, you probably changed it before you even got to the airport for your honeymoon!
While we covered the basics in this post, there are so many awesome resources out there. One of our favorites is WeddingWire.com’s Name Change 101.
Don’t forget to check us out while you are there: CP Travel on WeddingWire
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