Name change question

Ishaba11

I am getting married in 8 days and I am so excited! I was wondering what do you have to do to change your name? We arent going on a honeymoon right now so I would like to get it done as soon as possible after the wedding. Was it a pain to do? I am kind of dreading having to do all the running around to change it. And any advice would be appreciated.

JBs_Bride

Your first step is to get the official copy of your marriage certificate from the town hall or city hall where you got your license from. Next, you'll need to go to Social Security and have your name officially changed there. (The SSA databases feed into pretty much every other government database like the IRS as well as state databases like the RMV).  I went right after SSA to the RMV and got my new driver's license, but I know that some girls aren't able to because RMV can't see the updated info from SSA so they have to wait a couple of days before they can get their license changed. After that's all done, you can change your passport, bank accounts, credit cards, student loans, etc.

bostonbride214

I was one of those that went right from the SSA to the RMV but the information didn't transfer so I to go back 2 days later. That was the only PIA thing about the process...also, don't forget to change your HR paperwork at work, health insurance and any beneficiary information, if applicable.

My name is still changing at places a year later

Ishaba11

How long does it take to get an official copy of the marriage certificate? I know chances are I wont get it all done before I have to come back to work on Wednesday I was just curious as to how long it took to do everything.

Calypso1977

mine took about 3 weeks to come in, but my town clerk told me that was really long. seh said most come back within a week.

bostonbride214

our certificate was available for pick-up 3 business days after our wedding --- each town / city is different so you'll need to check with where you got yours...GL!

Galaxy8227

The time period varies from office to office.  I handle marriage certificates for my town hall and we generally tell people two weeks--it can be done quicker but it depends on how fast your officiant returns the license to our office. 

megandjay

I did SS card, then license. Then credit cards (can't have an ID different from your credit cards!). Then I mailed in the passport.

Karen's MOH

When I went to change it at Bank of America, they needed my new license (NOT a copy of it) and the original marriage certiciate, not a copy. Since both my credit cards are with B of A, they were able to change it on my bank account and credit cards, but I think that varries-- the guy was just really nice.

We got our marriage license in Cambridge and they actually don't automatically give you one. You have to go in person to request it or mail in a form. I waited until after our honeymoon so I don't know how long it usually takes.

snoangel79

I still haven't changed mine! hahaha I'm lazy!

sboston06

We got ours from Medford and they will not send it to you automatically.  You have to send in a request and $10.  Ours took about two weeks, but as others said, it depends on how fast your officiant sends it back, and how long it takes them to process it.

As soon as I got back from my honeymoon, I changed it with the SS office.  Make sure you have the original certificate, with the seal on it (it's stamped on there, not a sticker).  After that I went right to the DMV and was fine (just bring your receipt from the SS office).  Then I was able to change things with HR at work, credit cards, the bank and my passport.  I didn't bother changing my student loans because I got lazy.

Good Luck!  I was able to do all my visits the day I got back from my honeymoon, so it was pretty quick, but an annoying process nonetheless.  I'm glad I don't have to do it again anytime soon!