What is the first step?

grace_uga

In changing your last name?  Do I need to go to the Register of Deeds and get a copy of my marriage license?  She gave me a marriage certificate, is that different?I am so clueless, please help.

laudanum1

Your marriage certificate IS a certified copy of your completed & recorded license. If you're talking about the pretty decorative certificate, that's not a legal document & is useless for anything other than framing or saving as a keepsake.Step #1: Take a certified copy of your marriage certificate to the SSA office & change your name.Step #2: Wait 24 hours & then take your new info to the DMV.Step #3: Change everything else.

Jemmessica

Yep, I am in the process right now.... waiting for both my new ss card and license....

grace_uga

So where would I get a certified copy of my marriage certificate?  The one my officiant gave me must be the decorative one...

Jemmessica

Go to the courthouse that you got your marriage license from, they will print you a copy of the marriage certificate and stamp it... call first though to make sure they have received it from your officiant

RedHead14

you should get it in the mail along with any copies that you ordered.  they said it would be waiting for me when i got back from the HM but it was actually about a week later.  you can't do anything with out it though so you can relax for now!

Jemmessica

I didn't get anything in the mail, and was told I wouldn't... so I wouldn't sit around waiting for it

tarheels1

I think that probably depends on county (whether it's mailed).  When we got our license in wake county, they told us that one would be mailed to us along with any additional copies we ordered.

Pinky09

Ours was mailed also!

krispychikin

I did not get anything in the mail - so I wouldn't sit around waiting for it.  In wake county you just go to the register of deeds to pick it up - it is likely similar in durham county.  ah yes it is - read the last part of this page:http://www.co.durham.nc.us/departments/rgds/Marriage_License.html(the most useful info states:The Register of Deeds is located at: 200 East Main Street, Ground Floor, Durham, NC. If you need a copy of your marriage license, you may acquire it at our office in person, or you may request them by mail at P. O. Box. 1107, Durham, NC 27702. Certified copies of your marriage license are $10.00 each.)

dontworrylover

Grace, you can request a copy of your marriage license from the Register of Deeds without having to go down there in person. I mailed in the form to Cabarrus County on a Monday & had my certified marriage certificate on Thursday.