{"id":551,"date":"2015-05-05T10:33:13","date_gmt":"2015-05-05T14:33:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.postable.com\/?p=551"},"modified":"2025-04-15T07:59:51","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T11:59:51","slug":"name-change-after-marriage-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.postable.com\/blog\/name-change-after-marriage-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Name Change After Marriage Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"1761\"<\/p>\n

You’ve walked down the aisle and have vowed your ‘I do’s’. Congratulations! Planning and then actually having a wedding is a lot of work (probably more than you ever imagined). Did you think that once the big day has come and gone, you’d be done with all the planning and to do lists?<\/p>\n

Well, you are! Sort of.<\/p>\n

If you’re choosing to change your name after marriage you will still need to go through another list or two. The good news? You’ve made it through planning a wedding — this will be a piece of cake!<\/p>\n

Changing your name, while can be tedious, doesn’t have to be. Especially with our help!<\/p>\n

Name change after marriage checklist.<\/h2>\n

Taking your spouse\u2019s last name? Deciding on hyphenating? Choosing to be \u201cMr. & Mrs. Awesome\u201d? Not so fast! Legally changing your last name after marriage requires a bit more work than just updating your Facebook profile.<\/p>\n

\u2713\u00a0 Get a certified copy of your marriage license<\/strong><\/h3>\n

To officially change your name you will need your certified marriage license. Most states will automatically send you this after it gets processed, but in some cases, you may need to request a copy.<\/p>\n

\u2713\u00a0 Change your name on your Social Security card<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Your Social Security number will stay the same, but you still need to apply to change your last name. \u00a0Just fill\u00a0out the\u00a0application<\/a> for a name change, print it out and send it along to your local Social Security Administration Office.<\/p>\n

\u2713 \u00a0Go to the DMV and get yourself a new license<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Like most trips to the DMV, this will probably be unpleasant. Make it a little easier on yourself and be prepared–you’ll need to bring your marriage certificate, new Social Security card, and previous driver’s license (you’ll need to give it to them in order to get a new one).<\/p>\n

\u2713 \u00a0Change your bank accounts<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The easiest way to do this is to go to one of your bank’s branch locations. Don’t forget your marriage certificate and a new driver’s license. In addition to changing the name on your accounts you’ll need to ask for new checks, and new debit and credit cards.<\/p>\n

\u2713 \u00a0Tell your creditors<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Make sure to notify all lenders of your name change. Otherwise, you won’t have any credit history under your married name which could pose a huge problem during a credit check. Once you let them know they’ll link your credit files under your old name and you’ll be able to avoid any distasteful\u00a0accusations.<\/p>\n

\u2713 \u00a0Inform your employer and review your payroll and benefits<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Make sure you still get paid! Let your employer know of your name change so it will be reflected on your payroll. Check your tax withholdings, insurance coverage, and any other items that might be affected by your change in marital status or\u00a0added beneficiaries.<\/p>\n

A few more things to consider.<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Getting your employer up to date is one thing, but don’t forget a few other spots where your new legal name is kind of important.<\/p>\n

\u2713 \u00a0Passport<\/p>\n

\u2713 \u00a0Utility bills<\/p>\n

\u2713 \u00a0Alumni association<\/p>\n

\u2713 \u00a0Voter registration office<\/p>\n

\u2713 \u00a0Landlord or mortgage company<\/p>\n

\u2713 \u00a0Investment accounts (and 401(k)s)<\/p>\n

\u2713 \u00a0Your attorney (to update will)<\/p>\n

\u2713 \u00a0Physicians<\/p>\n