Name change prior to marriage?

jenandtim2012

I'm thinking about trying to change my name a month prior to our wedding, so that we can travel under my new name for our honeymoon.  Has anyone done this? Is is possible? Thanks!

Jen

katiewhompus

I don't know how state law varies but in VA I had to show the wedding ceritificate to get my name changed with the SS and DMV. I didn't receive that until about 2 weeks after the wedding and it took me 10 days after that to get my license and new SS card.

I think it would just be easier and less stressful to travel under your maiden name.

MyNameIsNot

You just have to go through with the legal name change procedure through the courts.  Check with the county clerk or a local attorney to figure out what needs to be done.  It's usually a matter of filing a petition, publishing in the legal paper, and seeing a judge.  

It seems like a giant pain just to have travel docs in your new name, though.  

lyndausvi

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_name-change-prior-marriage?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:4b264882-5909-4ffc-aa70-8419a3c1b83dPost:5188af2f-7109-48ea-93b0-8cb56b4ed505">Re: Name change prior to marriage?</a>:
[QUOTE]You just have to go through with the legal name change procedure through the courts.  Check with the county clerk or a local attorney to figure out what needs to be done.  It's usually a matter of filing a petition, publishing in the legal paper, and seeing a judge.   It seems like a giant pain just to have travel docs in your new name, though.  
Posted by MyNameIsNot[/QUOTE]

This.

Snippylynn

Is there some reason you want to go through a ton of paperwork and expense just so you can travel with a different name?

JennaV26

You might want to call your local SSA office and ask them. I had to provide our signed marriage certificate to change my name.

PsyDet 2155

Not sure if you can do this.  I would check with your Secretary of State.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

You CAN, but like PPs said it would be a huge PITA. And cost money. I think it costs at least $350 in my state, and marriage licenses are less expensive. And then you can change your name for free.

[Deleted User]

It is usually not advised to do this until after the wedding. Plus, if you already have the tickets and/or passport, they all need to match. If the tickets are in one name and the passport are in another or vice versa, you are going to have big problems.

Is there any reason why you want your name changed before the HM? As long as you change your passport within 3 months (I think) to your new married name, it is free. You just have to get your pic re-taken and send in a copy of your marriage certificate.

redheadfsu

You can, but it is a legal name change through the courts like pps said.

It can cost around 500.00, plus you have to have a hearing (so you can't do it quick).

Whereas changing your name by marriage, really only entails getting married. (then just changing the documents to reflect it)

mica178

I'd just travel under your old name, especially if you're traveling internationally (it take a while to change your passport).  You can make most reservations (hotel, car) under your FI's name if you want everyone to refer to you as "Mrs. NewLastName."  Is it such a big deal to have plane tickets that have your new last name?  

Also, if you do buy domestic tickets under your new last name, if you bring in your valid marriage certificate and old drivers license, it'll be okay with the TSA.

KatyRoseM

I'm doing this.  Its a pain but not really that huge a deal.  However I'm doing it because my school strongly recommended that I change it before the  background checks for the bar, as changing between the two is difficult somehow.  I wouldn't do it without a good reason. 

Kristin789

In my state, "frivolous" name changes are not permitted. 

So you could apply, which is complicated enough and costs $39.95, and then have your application denied.

Here, the applications must be approved in order to move to a legal hearing, and it's my understanding that since your name change is based on convenience and not necessity, your application for all of this legal paperwork and a legal hearing and everything else would be denied.

Now you don't live in my state, so you might have more success in your state - but most court systems are pretty stingy with their hearings and other procedures.