Find out everything you wanted to know about name change after marriage. This guide will make your marriage name change a piece of cake.
You can of course keep your last name after the wedding. Or you can choose to change it your husband’s last name or create your own. There are just so many documents to change now that we thought you’d need a little help. First of all, after you get married and receive your marriage certificate (get a few copies), collect all your old IDs (passport, driver’s license and social security card) and start the process. So here’s the list of documents where you will have to change your last name:
1. Social Security Card
Stop by at Social Security Administration (SSA) office to change Social Security Card. Some states might require you to show your Social Security card in your married name to move forward.
2. Driver’s License
Changing a name on your driving license is different in every state. So google how to do it in your state before starting the process. You’ll need your marriage certificate, photo ID, and official form or your Social Security card.
3. Passport
The way you change your passport name can be different depending on when it was issued. You will need your proof of citizenship, marriage certificate, a color passport photo and possibly your photo ID.
4. Bank Cards and Credit Cards
Visit your local bank or credit union to figure out how to change your last name on your cards. Most of them require an in-person visit but you should call them in advance. You will also need to change your name on all your accounts.
5. Immigration Documents
If you aren’t a US born citizen and have a green card or a visa you will have to change your last name there before you can travel.
6. Lease Agreement
Call your landlord and change your last name on your agreement. You might need a marriage certificate or a driving license for that.
7. Loans
With your updated social security card and a marriage certificate go and update your loan agreements with all your creditors.
8. Car Title/Registration
Find your local DMV’s requirements and re-register your car and car title. Show your marriage certificate and fill out a form there.
9. Employer
Tell your employer you now have a new last name and a new social security card so he can change your last name on their payroll accounts, this ensures the SSA keeps an accurate track of your social security payments.
10. Insurance Accounts
Stop by your insurance broker and change your last name on every insurance you have (car, house, life, etc). Also don’t forget to take care of your health insurance and change your last name at the doctor’s.
After you are done with all the official stuff it’s time to change your last name on social media, in all alumni associations you are a part of, on email accounts, and don’t forget to change your autofill. Pretty sure there are many other things that have your last name so don’t forget about them either.