Name Changes for Brides - It's Easier Than You Think

When you apply for a marriage license, you are able to legally change your name pretty easily on the form. This isn't the difficult part of the process - the difficult part is making sure that all important people and government agencies are aware of your name change. If you follow these steps, it won't be a hassle.

SOCIAL SECURITY

All you need to do is follow these instructions - print and fill out the form to request a card, then bring it to your local SS office with your marriage license, which will act as proof of your name change. Make sure to bring a few other forms of I.D. as well, like your driver's license, birth certificate, and/or passport, in case of problems.

DMV

This will be slightly different for every state. Google "[your state] DMV" or "[your state] DOL," depending on whether your state has a Department of Licensing that deals with driver's licenses. Typically, you will have to visit your local DMV in person and submit a form or two. Again, bring your marriage license, driver's license, passport, and/or birth certificate. You will probably have to pay a small fee to replace your license, just as you would do if it were lost or stolen. Please note that there is usually a space on the form to change your name on your voter registration as well, so take the opportunity to do that now. Unfortunately, if you currently own a car in your name, you probably won't be able to change the name on the deed. This shouldn't be a problem, but if you transfer ownership of the car at any time make sure to note both of your names on all forms.

IRS

Don't worry, the IRS refers to Social Security records, so you just killed two birds with one stone. However, the IRS does require you to report address changes, so make sure to do that if you are moving. On the address change form, there is a space to note any name changes if you choose to do so.

PASSPORT

If you got your passport less than a year ago, you're in luck. All you have to do is send in a re-application form, two recent color photographs, your old passport, and a certified copy of your marriage license. If it's been more than a year, you'll have to go through the regular renewal channels and pay all applicable fees. This page will direct you to the appropriate forms, whatever your situation.

POST OFFICE

You do not need to change your name with the post office; however, if you are moving, remember to let them know so your mail can be forwarded.

UTILITY COMPANIES

If you are going to continue being responsible for paying the same utilities, phone bills, et cetera after your marriage, remember to notify them of your new name. The procedures are different for every company, so call the customer service number and find out what needs to be done - sometimes a phone call is all it takes. If they need something more official, this form letter should do it - make sure to include a certified copy of your marriage license if they request it.

VOTER REGISTRATION

See section on DMV.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Again, this will be on a case-by-case basis. Call your banks, credit cards, et cetera to ask them how to proceed. The same form letter should suffice for this, along with any documents they request.

That's it! It's not so bad, as long as you have plenty of copies of your marriage license. Here's wishing you a stress-free journey into married bliss.