Name change

SapphireCounselor

I got married on June 29th and am mid-way through changing my name right now. I'm really hating this process and just want to whine..especially since I just recently recieved a bunch of diplomas/professional licenses that are all in my madien name. I had to stand in line for two hours at the social security office the other day and have to brave the DMV this morning. This is all time I have to spend away from my 9-5 job. Ugh! Yes, I'm whiney. And yes, this process isn't actually THAT bad. It has just left me feeling nostolgic or something, and a little off-kilter. I never wanted to change my name anyway, but it really meant a lot to my DH so I compromised by agreeing to hypenate. I love his family, and am proud to have their name attached to mine, but I was under no condition losing MY last name that I earned two degrees under. The connection to my dad through my last name was important to me too for some really irrational reason. (Not like we wouldn't have exactly the same relationship even if I changed my name completely.) It is insanely wierd to go to all these places to change the name you've had you're entire life. It was so odd just to hand them my social security card and walk out the door.

Oh well. It will be worth it once I adjust to it. So what about you all...what was your name change experience like?

manateehugger

Why would you change the name on your degrees? I plan to take my fiance's last name (no hyphen), but there is no way I'm changing my degree names. I earned them as PDKH MaidenName, not PDKH MarriedName. I've never heard of that.

cwaggoner07

I'm a TX CPA, and you have to change your name with the board (for free), and you can pay $50 to get your big official fancy certificate reprinted. But no thanks. Same as @PDKH. I became a CPA as MaidenName, and I'm keeping it!

Besides, I highly doubt it will cause confusion in my office. 

SapphireCounselor

I probably won't actually get new copies of my diplomas, though I suppose I could if I wanted to. I work in the mental health industry, so I have all kinds of intern numbers, professional qualifications from the state that I just got because I recently graduated that all have to be switched over. This includes my new professional liablity insurance, etc. Tha's what I meant, but I think I said it badly.

SapphireCounselor

cwaggoner07 said:

I'm a TX CPA, and you have to change your name with the board (for free), and you can pay $50 to get your big official fancy certificate reprinted. But no thanks. Same as @PDKH. I became a CPA as MaidenName, and I'm keeping it!

Besides, I highly doubt it will cause confusion in my office. 

This a good point. Lol, maybe I'm just overthinking it. I don't have the big fancy certificate yet because technically until I complete my intern hours I'm not licensed, just an intern. If I were at that point I probably wouldn't bother either.

itzMS

I've never seen anyone change their name on their transcripts or degrees...and I work in a healthcare organization, so that's a lot of different disciplines!

I did change my name with my University and Alumni association so they have it on record...

manateehugger

Oh well shoot, if you don't have your license yet, I totally wouldn't bother with changing your name over on all that certificates/degrees. I know re-licensing can be a pain (I've got lots of laywer friends).

My boss has her diplomas displayed in her office under maiden name. I doubt anyone has ever questioned it - I know I just assumed they were in her maiden name.

SapphireCounselor

Good advice. Thanks.

QueerFemme

I've never seen transcripts or degrees be changed. Professional licensing, yes.  But, you earned those degrees under one name, you have evidence of a legal name change.  That's all you need. 

PS - doesn't your DMV office have appointments?  I was in and out of mine in less than 20 minutes.

[Deleted User]

I don't even think my school will give me a new degree.  I'm keeping mine the way they are. But I have to change the name on my attorney's license.

SapphireCounselor

QueerFemme said:

I've never seen transcripts or degrees be changed. Professional licensing, yes.  But, you earned those degrees under one name, you have evidence of a legal name change.  That's all you need. 

PS - doesn't your DMV office have appointments?  I was in and out of mine in less than 20 minutes.

I did make an appointment. I was so happy they had that option for the DMV. Even with an appointment it took me an hour and a half to get through everything, though. I pity the fools who did not make an appointment. I also live in a crazy busy urban area though, so I half expected it.

Maggie0829

Your name did not acheive those diplomas, you (the person) did.  So changing your name on them really would be a waste of time.  Anyways, people don't care if your current name is on the diploma they only care if you graduated and acheived those certificates and degrees.

As for my name changing experience.  The SS office took about 30-45 minutes.  The DMV took about an hour.  The bank took about an hour.  Everything else I have done on the phone.  And everything that I can't do on the phone (like some credit card companies and other small inconsequential things that want a copy of my marriage license) I am just leaving as is because as long as the bill is being paid they really don't care who signs the check.

erinlin25

I'm in the middle of the process too, but my town in smaller so its actually been pretty easy.  SS took about a half hour-- they did not take my old card though!?  I have a DMV apt. for Monday so once I get my new DL, I can change accounts and stuff.  I definitely will not be changing degrees and whatnot, for as PPs have said you earned those as your maiden name, so keep them as is. I personally do not see it as "losing" your maiden name--yes you have a new legal name, but your maiden name is still a part of you, so I think you are over thinking a lot.