6 Things to Know Before You Legally Change Your Name Post-Wedding

You had the wedding of your dreams and you officially, and legally, tied the knot with the person you are excited to spend the rest of your life with. So after you jet set to your honeymoon destination and spend some quality time writing thank you notes to the guests that filled your wedding day with love, excitement, and envelopes with cash inside, it’s time to tackle one more very important thing – legally changing your name. Here are six things to know when you get in line to make your name change happen.

 

1. Bring Your Wedding License

You’ll need a copy of this when you go to get your name changed. If you don’t have a physical copy of this, give the clerk’s office a ring and have them mail you a copy.

 

2. You’ll Want to Go to the Bank

Head on over to the bank with your marriage license and new driver’s license (see #3) and request new items, like: checks, debit and credit cards. You’ll also want them to change the name attached to your accounts.

 

3. Get in Line at the DMV

You’ll go here to get a new driver’s license with your new last name on it. Be sure to bring every single form of identification that you can with you. The DMV can be tough – so bring your marriage license, your old license, and your new social security card.

 

4. Apply for a new Social Security Card

Head over to the Social Security Administration’s website and fill out the application for a new social security card. You’ll have the card at your fingertips in just 10 days.

 

5. Carve Out Time

There are a lot of moving pieces and places to go when you’re changing your last name, so carve out some time to make this happen. Request a day or two off work in a month’s time so that you can make sure you’re doing what you need to do to get your name changed.

 

6. Contact the Right People

After you get your new social security card and driver’s license, be sure to update everything else: bills, post office, payroll, etc.