DC Name Change

melbez1

I called the DC Superior Court today to find out what i need to do to change my name after the wedding.  I am not just changing my last name, but am making my current last name into my middle name (since i don't currently have a middle name), so apparently i have to do a more extensive name change process than last name only.  I was told that i need to publish my name change in a circulating newspaper for three consecutive weeks.  Isn't that crazy?  Has anyone done that?  Ideas what the different papers charge?

2dBride

That is nuts!  I also seriously doubt that it is true.  In the case of a name change based on marriage, the Superior Court is not really involved.  Instead, you go first to the Social Security Administration and then to the DC Department of Motor Vehicles.  I have never heard of any issue with either agency, so long as your married name is your birth name, your husband's last name, or some combination (e.g., a hyphenated name or using your maiden name as your middle name).

myday1708

Can you just go to the Social Security Administration? I went to the main office on 21st St between L & M. I added my new last name to my existing name, middle and maiden last. THEN I went to the DC DMV and got my new DL. HTH!

rachelbg

Yep exactly what they said before me.  I just did this.  Go to Social Security Administration first.  Once you get your new card in the mail (about 1 week to 10 days, or you can take the print out they give you at SSA) go to DMV, etc.  Bring your marriage certificate to both places.   No newspaper and no court involvement needed.