Name Change

npiercefield

I am clueless as to the order of things I need to take of to change my name. I am from Northern KY and am wondering if anyone can tell me where to start and what to do. I found a few websites that want to charge $29.95 to fill out papers for you, and I'm hoping to do the leg work myself. TIA!

LA01

Don't waste the money.  The first stop is the Social Security office in Florence.  You'll need your marriage license to prove the name change.  You'll fill out a form there and then you'll receive a new SS card in about a week or so.  Then you can change everything else--drivers license, checking account, credit cards, etc.  It's time consuming, but free to do it yourself!

npiercefield

Thank you very much. That is exactly the kind of answer I was hoping for. FREE!

hrparker

Ditto LA.  Do NOT waste your money.Start by making a couple copies of your license (in case you run across someon who simply "must"--for whatever dumb reason--keep a copy of it).Then go with the original to the SS office, then to the DMV, get a new passport, go to your bank(s), contact your insurance companies, contact your credit cards companies, contact utility companies, etc.  If you want to make sure you're not missing anyone, there are lots of lists online of things/places you should contact.  I'd download one of those free lists but do the running around yourself.

ivorybride09

This was given to me, so maybe it will be helpful to you.  It's super long sorry....Tip: Don't begin anything until you're back from your honeymoon! 25 Places You Need to Change Your Name 1. Social Security2. IRS 3. DMV (drivers license & vehicle registration) 4. Voter Registration 5. Passport Agency 6. Employer 7. Banks 8. Credit Cards9. Investment/Brokerage Houses10. Car Insurance 11. Medical Insurance 12. Home/Rental Insurance13. Accountant 14. Lawyer 15. Doctors 16. Dentist 17. Utilities 18. Phone Company 19. Cellular Provider 20. Long Distance Company 21. Gas 22. Electric 23. Airlines/Frequent Flyer 24. Magazines 25. Schools/Alumni Organizations Step-by-Step Instructions for Changing Your Name In order to speed the process of changing your name, I recommend getting at least two copies of your certified marriage certificate (this is the document you receive after you're married and is different from your marriage license). While some companies only need a copy of your certificate, the government agencies require the original document and will hold on to it for up to a couple of weeks, so if you have multiple copies you can simultaneously have your name changed in more than one place. The Best Place to Start Out Is With Social SecurityYou should begin by changing your name with the Social Security office since you will need a card with your new name on it in order to change your driver's license, passport, etc. For your convenience, Social Security also takes care of your name change with the IRS for you. Social Security What you'll need: --- Certified Marriage Certificate --- Proof of Identity (driver's license, passport, etc.) --- Proof of Legal Alien Status (only if you were born outside the U.S.) --- Completed SS-5 Form You will need to either mail the SS-5 form to your closest Social Security Administration office or go in person (Social Security Office Locator). You will need to give them your certified marriage certificate, and you will recieve your new card within 2-4 weeks (your new name will be reflected, but you SS# will remain the same). For more info, check out www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. IRS The Social Security Administration automatically updates your records with the IRS when you change your name so you don't need to do anything here! The IRS records are generally updated 10 days after the records at the Social Security Administration are changed. If the due date for filing your taxes is within two weeks of your changing your name with Social Security, you may need to update the IRS on your own to avoid any problems. See the IRS FAQ about name changes. Next, Change Your Name on Your Driver's LicenseOnce you receive your updated Social Security Card, take that and your certified marriage certificate to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). FYI: Many states will allow you to simultaneously change your name on your vehicle registration and title as well as your voter registration (Click here if your state doesn't offer this convenience). DMV What you'll need: --- Certified Marriage Certificate --- Current Driver's License --- Proof of Identity (e.g. passport) Most states require you to go down to the DMV in person. Contact your local DMV and find out your state's specific requirements for changing your name on yor driver's license, vehicle registration, and title. Ask about voter registration as well. Change Your Name on Your Passport TooOnce you've received your updated Social Security Card and driver's license, go down to the passport office (or mail in the forms) along with your marriage certificate and proof of identity. Passport Agency What you'll need: --- Current Valid Passport --- Certified Marriage Certificate --- Completed DS-19 Form --- There is NO FEE to have your passport amended. However, there is a fee if you need to renew your passport. To change your name on your passport, mail in form DS-19 along with your certified marriage certificate and current valid passport to: Charleston Passport Center Attention: Amendments 1269 Holland Street Charleston, SC 29405 You will receive your amended passport and marriage certificate in the mail in a couple of weeks. If you need to renew your passport, you'll need a different form, new photos, etc. Check out the Passport Agency web site for more details and access to additional forms. Go Ahead and Change Your Name with Your Employer, Credit Cards, and Financial InstitutionsOnce you have updated your Social Security and driver's license, for a short time you will have a discrepancy between your photo ID and your credit cards, bank cards, etc. Thus, you will want to immediately begin changing over your credit cards, bank account, employer, etc. Always carry your marriage certificate with you during this time to avoid hassles. Employer What you'll usually need: --- Copy of Certified Marriage Certificate --- Possibly a copy of your new Social Security card and driver's license Inform your employer's HR department and find out what they require from you (usually a copy of your marriage certificate) in order to change your name on your paychecks. Tip: Be sure to ask them if they'll update your info with your health insurance and 401K or if you need to do this yourself. Bank What you'll usually need: --- Certified Marriage Certificate --- Driver's License --- Visit to local branch to sign a new signature card Call your local bank branch and find out their requirements and what they need you to bring in order to change your name. If you're planning to merge accounts with your spouse, ask about how this works as well (you may both need to be there in person). Credit Cards What you'll usually need: --- Signed letter informing them of name change --- Certified Marriage Certificate --- Driver's License --- Sign new card as soon as you receive it Call the customer service number on the back of your card and find out what your credit card provider needs you to send them in order to change your name. Make sure you only update your credit cards after you've received your updated driver's license as many stores require ID in order to accept your credit card. Again, always carry your marriage certificate with you during this time. As with your bank, if you're merging credit card accounts, call when your spouse is home because they usually need to speak with both of you. Financial Institutions/Investment Houses What you'll usually need: --- Signed letter instructing them to update your name change --- Certified Marriage Certificate --- Copy of your updated driver's license You can arrange your name change by mail or in person if your broker has a retail location. You will need your updated driver's license (or passport) and certified marriage certificate. If you and your spouse intend to merge any accounts, you will need to fill out and sign additional forms. I recommend calling customer service and asking about your broker's specific requirements. Contact Your Insurance Companies, Doctors and Professionals, Utilities, Etc. Most will only need a signed letter from you and a copy of your marriage certificate. --- Car Insurance --- Medical Insurance --- Home/Rental Insurance --- Accountant --- Lawyer --- Doctors --- Dentist --- Utilities --- Phone Company --- Cellular Provider --- Long Distance Company--- Gas --- Electric Frequent Flyer Programs With airline security at an all-time high, it's critical that you change your name with your frequent flyer programs in order to insure you don't have any hassles when you fly ( i.e. redeeming or collecting miles, getting upgrades, etc.). You will need a signed letter requesting the name change, plus a copy of your marriage certificate with most airlines. Contact your preferred airline carriers for more details. Magazines & Newspapers It's not absolutely necessary to change your name with these as you'll still receive the magazines and newspapers anyway. If you want to wait until you renew your subscriptions, that's fine. A Major Problem and How to Avoid ItBe Careful Which Name You Use on Airline Tickets Make sure you don't order any tickets with your new name until you've received your new driver's license and/or passport. Otherwise, you're likely to be turned away at the ticket counter and not allowed on your flight. It's a good idea to bring your marriage certificate with you when you travel during this time. Although this is not a sure guaranteee that you won't have hassles, if you absolutely need to fly and the rest of your ID's check out, you may be okay.