Changing Your Name
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A few frequently asked questions with answers provided to assist in understanding the name change process.
•Can I change my name before I get married?
No, you must have your marriage certificate to change your name, this comes after the wedding from the county or country in which you were married and has an embossed county/country seal on the document.
•When can I start the name change process?
After you receive your certificate of marriage, approximately 2-3 weeks after your wedding.
•I am getting married in a couple months, we are going to honeymoon out of the country, do I need to change my passport? You will have to wait until you get back from your honeymoon to change your passport. Therefore, you will still be using your maiden name when traveling on your honeymoon. Make your flight reservations in your maiden name so your passport/driver license match.
•What if I want to hyphen/non-hyphen my maiden and married name, do I still need to make a name change?
Yes, even if you are hyphenating/non-hyphenating your maiden with your married name you must notify the appropriate government agencies and your personal records to effectively change your name.
•What record do I change first?
The kit walks you through six steps and provides all the official forms and addresses of your area taking you through a complete name change process. Our recommendation is to start with your social security record (our 1st step). •Can I change my name by mail?
Most all records can be changed through the mail. All forms and addresses are included in the kit to facilitate your mailing option. The record you must make a personal appearance for will be your State Driver License or State Identification Card.
•Do I have to change my name on everything?
Our recommendation is that you make a complete and comprehensive name change, the reason being there can be considerable confusion if you do not. Our kit is designed to take you through every conceivable record you may have and provide a name change form for those records.
Officially Changing Your Name After The Big Day
After your wedding day, take your copy of your marriage certificate and drivers license offices and fill out the needed forms. There you will receive a new social security card free of charge. There will however by a fee to update your drivers license. Cash and check are only accepted.
Information needed for applications
•Social Security numbers
•Full names (including bride’s maiden name and permanent address)
•For second (or additional) marriage-date of divorce being final. If less then (6) months, you must show the documents providing the divorce is final.
Social Security Offices:
CLICK HERE to view an office closest to you. Additional info available at http://www.ssa.gov/gethelp1.htm
Changing your name on other accounts
Now that you have a new name on a social security card and drivers license, changing your name on other accounts and documents will be a piece of cake. Here are a few places to start after your wedding:
· ____ Social Security Card
· ____ Bank accounts
· ____ Investment accounts
· ____ Wills and insurance policies
· ____ Memberships: health clubs, etc.
· ____ At work: medical/dental, 401k plan
· ____ Credit cards
· ____ Doctor and dental records
· ____ Drivers license-law in some states!
· ____ Automobile registration
· ____ Automobile insurance
· ____ Utility bills
· ____ Mortgages
· ____ Internal Revenue Service
· ____ Courtesy cards, discount cards
· ____ Passport
· ____ Voter registration
· ____ Property titles