Name Change

jforeman5

I know this has been posted a million times but I never paid attention until now...What do I need to do to get my name legally changed? I already have a list of places I need to notify when my name is changed, but where do I go to actually do the legal name change? Can I do it online?TIA!One more month to go, whoo hoo!

LesPaul

After your officiant, you, DH, and two witnesses sign the marriage license, send it back to the county clerk.  Our officiant did this for us.  Once you have the original processed document back in the mail (mine took less than a week) you can take it to Social Security and DMV to get your new official ID in your new official name.  I went to DMV first because it was downstairs from the county clerk where I went to get some certified copies of the marriage certificate to have handy for other name change items.  You can go to SSA first if you want to - doesn't matter.  DMV will let you keep your old drivers license - they punch a hole in it - along with your new temporary DL.  SSA will give you a letter acknowledging the change.  You will get new SSA card and DL in the mail within a week or two.

Brit09

Good question, I was wondering about this too! Does anyone know if it's the same deal for me since I'm getting married out of state? TIA!

HBookman

I took the marriage license back to the county clerk myself, they can give you a certified copy the same day so you don't have to wait as long to go to the DMV and SS office. They only need a certified copy, not the original. So far, I've needed a copy for changing my name with the bank and my university/job but not credit cards. I just called them and they did the change on the spot!As for out of state, the process should be similar. Once you have your original or a certified copy take it to the DMV and SS office. You may want to check in the state you're getting married in as far as mailing it back or taking it back in person, though, just to be safe!

LesPaul

I created a short form letter to send to a couple of credit cards, our investment account, and other accounts (trash service, etc).  Basically says please change 'old name' to 'new name' with appropriate account number.  I have included a copy of the marriage cert for good measure.  So far have not had a minute's trouble changing anything.  One bank sent me a new card within a week. Other items are taking a little more time and documentation, like my CPA licenses.

canary11

You know what stinks about getting the name changed? I will have to fork over more cash for a new passport- and mine does not expire for 2 more years.bleh.Are there any other suprising costs?