How do I change my last name

daniellepanda

Hi ladies, my wedding is in 24 days eeepp! What do I need to do to change my last name? Can I get any of it started now or do I need to wait until after we receive the marriage certificate? thanks

wendysandiego

You have to wait until you receive your marriage certificate. Then you do: 1. Social Security Office--new SS card with your new name 2. Take that to the DMV to get a new driver's license 3. Everything else We got 3 copies of our marriage certificate, but because I either did everything in person or faxed a copy of the marriage certificate to the places I needed, I really didn't need 3. We thought our certificate would come automatically by mail, but it didn't. So we just went to the assessor's office and got them. It will be a long process. I'm still discovering places I need to change my name, and I started in May or June. So just go on your honeymoon, and worry about it all when you get back. You could contact your employer's HR dept and get the paperwork you need now if you wanted, but you won't be able to do anything until you have the new SS card, and I had to wait 3 weeks after going to the SS office for the card.

chrissyvcm

Ditto Wendy. I waited 2 weeks to the day after the paperwork was filed to check on our marriage license. I went to the Assessor's office and they printed it out and certified it for me. From there, I went to the Social Security Administration. As soon as I left the SSA, I went to the DMV. I went to the bank and called the credit card companies and insurance all the same day that I got my marriage license. It was all much easier than I thought it would be. All I needed was my marriage license. Granted, it took me most of the day to get everything done, but it was nice to get all done in one day instead of dragging it out.