How To Change Your Name After Marriage

 

 

 

One of the major pains after getting married is changing your name (if you choose to change it!). Since I now know all the details, I thought it would be helpful to share how to change your name after marriage. When we got our marriage license, I got it select to change my last name (and middle name, if I had wanted to). Although I chose to change my name, I needed to update all of my official documents  in order to fully use my new last name.

 

 

 

 

Here are the places you need to update your name:

 

You need to get an updated social security card with your new last name. This must be done in person by visiting a social security office. I visited the office in lower Manhattan. I brought my marriage license and identification (my driver’s license). It took about a week for my new social security card to arrive in the mail.

 

I updated mine right after visiting the social security office. I went to the DMV Express – probably the easiest option. Then I filled out a form, showed them my marriage license, paid $12.50 for the change, and took a new photo [I was not prepared for this so this is your warning!]. They gave me a temporary license and told me it will take 2-3 weeks for my new license to arrive–it took about a week and a half to come in the mail.

 

You need to change your name, order new debit and credit cards, and new checks. I just had to bring my marriage license. I was able to use my old driver’s license as identification. It took a few days for my first new debit card to arrive. Once it was activated, I was all set.

 

Several accounts need to be updated once you have your new identification card. Make sure to update your employer/payroll, electric and utilities companies, landlord or mortgage company, insurance companies, voter registration, and airlines (for frequent traveler rewards). Some of these will just need a phone call and others will require your marriage license or new identification card.

 

I haven’t gotten a chance to change my passport yet. Luckily, this can be done by mail. I need to mail in a form, check, my old passport, and a scan of my new license.

 

Once I get my new passport, I’ll update my name on my Global Entry. This needs to be done in person but does not require an appointment. If you have either of these, you’ll need to make sure the name on your plane ticket, ID or passport, and TSA Pre/Global Entry account name all match for future travels in order to use the service.

 

This is totally optional. You might want to change your name on various online shopping accounts, museum memberships, gym membership, social media, etc. Likely any account that requires a payment will at least need an updated name on the billing statement.

 

Let me know if there are any other places I missed. Check out the rest of my wedding posts.

 

I hope this is helpful to any newlyweds!