Changing Name at Social Security Office

EN&MA

When you go to the social security office to change your name, do you need to give them a copy of your marriage license or do they just look at it and give it back? Wasn't sure about that. I was hoping to go take care of that today.Thanks!

Tarah716

They just looked at it and gave it back.  You have the certified one correct? 

EN&MA

The only one I have is the one with the gold seal on it.

Tarah716

We had to wait 15 days (I believe) after our wedding to go to the county offices to pay for our certified marriage license.  That is what I've used to change my name everywhere.

*Rebecca & Chris*

Yeah, you just show it to them and they give it right back. The line there sucks, by the way. Did you already fill out the form from online? That will save time. Then you have to wait at least 24 hours before you to go Secretary of State for your license.

Tarah716

I think that depends on where you go - I went to the one in Pontiac and I waited under a minute - went during the day because they close at 4 I think.  Then they told me I was free to head to the SSO to change my name there - same day. 

*Rebecca & Chris*

Seriously?!!? I went to the one on Hall and Van Dyyke around 3:30pm on like a Tuesday and I was there for probably an hour. The girl there told me the computers need 24 hours to update my name in the system so I had to wait. Ugh, I hate people. But the SOS office was quick and painless and I went to the new one on 23 and Van Dyyke. And the girl even told me my picture didn't look good and asked me if I wanted to retake it!!

EN&MA

I only have the one copy I got to keep after the ceremony and the other two were mailed out. I need to go back to the county clerk office and pay for a certified one before I can go and change my name at Social Security Office and Secretary of State?

Tarah716

Yes - they'll want a certified license

EN&MA

How long did it take to get a certified copy?

Tarah716

I think you have to wait 15 days after the wedding to pick it up but when you go to pick it up you can take it home that day.  I think it was $20 for one copy and $5 for each additional one you wanted.  Don't quote me on that.  I got three - one to keep safe and wrinkle free, one to carry around to change my name and one to send out if needed.

*Rebecca & Chris*

Nope, you cam use that one copy that you have with the seal for those two places. I just ordered 3 more copies for other things, like passport and anything else that I need. Jut a heads up, if you have direct deposit at work, you have to change your bank account at the same time you change it through work so the name is the same on the check....

*Rebecca & Chris*

The one you got after the ceremony has the seal on it, right? That is your original one that you can bring with you to change your name. Through Macomb County, it is $10 for the first copy and $ for each additional.

alarthame

I knew I should I have gotten ours at Macomb. I just got back from picking ours up at Oakland County. Why are they sooo much more expensive?!?!?!?

Tarah716

Oh - good to know Rebecca - I was told I had to have the certified copy to change my name.  I also changed my name at the bank before work/payroll.  They knew to expect a few checks with my maiden name on it before my married name and I didn't have any issues with that.  But because I did share two accounts with Jason I had to have him sign off on some papers stating he was aware I was changing my name on the account.

Sanibel09

I was in out and out the SSO in less then 10 minutes.  I just handed them my SScard, marriage license.  They do give you the marriage license back, not the card.