And you thought the logistics were over once you said your I do’s! Changing your name can seem like one of those tasks that drags on forever (I speak from personal experience!), but our checklist will at least help you track your progress, and our tips might make things a little easier. And if you’re not planning to change your name? Just sit back and enjoy that new husband of yours!
P.S. Ready for even more tips for newlywed life? Purchase the Southern Weddings Planner! It has an entire section devoted to getting you off on the right foot :)
To do: Get your marriage license
Fee: About $20
Notes: An original, or certified, copy of your marriage license will be required before you speak to other agencies. Call the clerk’s office where your license was filed to get copies.
To do: Change your social security card
Fee: Free
Notes: Fill out the Social Security Administration’s application for a new card. Take or mail your application and required documents to your local SSA office.
To do: Update your driver’s license
Fee: About $10 (usually paid by cash or check)
Notes: In most states, this must be done in person, so prepare yourself for a trip to the DMV. Bring your original license, your marriage certificate, and your new Social Security card. Be sure to wait 24-36 hours after changing your name with the SSA before heading to the DMV.
To do: Update your bank accounts
Fee: Usually free
Notes: Request the change in person at your local branch (bring your new driver’s license and marriage certificate). Ask for new checks and debit and credit cards, as well (there might be a fee for these).
To do: Apply for a new passport
Fee: $140
Notes: The fees and process change depending on whether your current passport was issued within the last year. Except to wait 4-6 weeks for processing. Find more info here.
Checked off all of the above? Use our free downloadable (printer-friendly!) list to guide you as you work through all of the other accounts you might need to update. And here’s a Pinterest-friendly reminder if your wedding isn’t for a few months!
I’d love to hear: did you change your name? How did you find the process? I thought it was fairly painless, but the email switcheroo was probably the worst!
My family takes part in a more rare Southern tradition of going by their middle names, started in part out of necessity, by the males in the family (All those James’ get confusing after a while). I am the youngest and only female, but the tradition was kept alive. I am getting married in May and have absolutely no idea how to drop my first name to go by my middle, maiden, and new last name. I have been told it’s much trickier in a post 9/11 world. Any tips for middle namers? Am I the only one with this issue? I know it’s a pretty old tradition, maybe it’s died out?
[…] How to Change Your Name Post-Wedding – Changing your name can seem like one of those tasks that drags on forever (I speak from personal experience!), but our checklist … your marriage certificate, and your new Social Security card. Be sure to … […]