Women, regardless of where you are in the wedding planning process (perhaps you have already said your “I dos”), there is an important post-wedding task that may have slipped your mind: changing your name. If you are like me, you know it is part of the process but aren’t quite certain where to start, what you need, or how intense it can be. That is why I have created this handy checklist to help you.
- Proof The first thing you need in order to change your name is your marriage license. If you haven’t already registered for yours, make sure when you do so to ask for extra certified copies. If you already have your marriage license, contact the office where you got it to request that additional certified copies be sent to you.
- Social Security Start off your name changing journey with the Social Security Administration. Visit their website to print out the form, find out what you need, and locate the nearest office.
- Department of Motor Vehicles Next stop, the DMV to get your driver’s license updated. Keep in mind that you will need multiple forms of identification along with your marriage certificate. Just a little suggestion, take something to read because the DMV is not known for being a speedy operation.
- Passport Don’t forget to have your name changed on your passport. Even if you aren’t planning on traveling oversees any time soon, it is a good idea to have your passport up-to-date. Keep in mind though that this is something to do post-wedding as it is easier to travel with your maiden name for your honeymoon than it is to prove your new married name. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for all the details here.
- The Rest Having your name changed on your social security card and driver’s license frees you up to change everything else with a little more ease, although every organization has its own set of requirements. Other things needing your name-changing attention might be: your bank accounts, credit cards, retirement funds, mortgage, wills, utility companies, schools, employer, gym membership, post office, phone companies, email accounts, voter registration, magazine subscriptions, and any other thing with you name attached to it.
Remember, don’t get overwhelmed, just enjoy this unique process and take one thing at a time.
