Name Change

nightmare_of_beauty

I already know what I need to do for the marriage license, but what about the stuff for my last name change? Can anyone help me? TIA

Merin

I did my driver's license first.  Went to the BMV with the marriage certificate and current ID.  It was a really easy change there.  They can/will also update your vehicle registrations and voter registrations.

To change it on your Social Security Card, follow these steps: http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/315/~/changing-your-name-on-your-social-security-card
If you choose to visit a SS office, my advice is to go early in the morning in the middle of the month.  Those places get CROWDED otherwise.

If you have a current passport, issued within 1 year of your name change, you'll need to follow these steps to get it changed:  http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds5504/ds5504_2663.html
If you have a current passport, issued more than 1 year ago, you'll need to follow these steps: http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds82/ds82_843.html

As for everything else, it generally just takes a phone call (utilities, suscriptions, etc.) or a visit (banks, etc.) to get the change made.  Be sure to bring a copy of your marriage certificate with you as a lot of places want to see it to make the change.   [*Honestly though, I've been married almost 3 years and a lot of stuff is still in my maiden name (loans, subscriptions, etc.)]

That's all I can think of at the moment.  It's really not as complicated as it sounds, so don't stress.

Merin

Oh, and you can get additional certified copies of your marriage license/certificate from the courthouse once it's processed through.  You'll want to get a couple for these tasks.

I keep one at home in the safe and got two others to handle name changes, etc.

catarntina

Merin,  how long did it take for you to receive your marriage license back in the mail?

I'm getting married Nov 27.  We want to honeymoon in March (due to vacation time), and we want to take a cruise that leaves from Puerto Rico, so I need a passport.  I was wondering if I should put the tickets in my married or my maiden name.

Do you think 3 months is enough time to get the license back, a new driver's license, SSA card, and a new passport?

nightmare_of_beauty

Thanks Merin! You are awesome!

cschuma2

catarntina,

You will apply for your marriage license up to 60 days before the ceremony.  Then you will receive paperwork that must be filled out by the officiant at the ceremony and then your officiant will mail it in.  I believe they have up to 30 days after the wedding to take care of this.

I don't know if there is a standard, but it took about 10-14 days for me to get my marriage license in the mail after our officiant mailed it in.

I believe if you don't pay more to "rush" passports they take 4-6 weeks.  I think you would likely be able to get your name changed in time, however you might be pushing it kind of close if everything takes the maximum amount of time. 

Just make sure your officiant has your paperwork filled out and mailed right away after the ceremony.

I think this process was a total PITA, and things come up where I'm still doing it.  I'm going back to school and just last week I had to go fill out paperwork at UT to get my name changed.

If you're not in a huge hurry to take care of this, you can wait until after your cruise.  I believe you have up to 2 years to easily change your name with the BMV and social security.

beckcour

We went on our honeymoon 4 months after the wedding and I put the passport in my married name.  I took our marriage license into the SS office and the BMV the Monday after we were married and they accepted it.  They changed my name without waiting for the marriage certificate.