Name changing?

kellylynn2 · July 2010

Does anyone know where to start with changing my name and what documents do I need? I got married on June 26 so I don't have our offical wedding certificate, only a copy. Will a copy work at the DMV or social sercurity office?
I am not sure where to start....

Also, I am going to Italy in Oct and don't have time to get a new passport. Can I leave my passport in my maiden name as long as I book my ticket in my maiden name?

Thanks so much!!

Sparkette19 · July 2010

You can't change your name without the official marriage license from the state.
I would suggest leaving everything in your maiden name until you come back from Italy.

We were married on June 25th and I just ordered our marriage license from the County Clerk. It's going to take a few weeks to get it in. The Church Lady mailed our completed license to the County the first business day, so it's going to take a while before it's processed and filed.

I believe after you have an official copy of your marriage license, you can go to the DMV to have your drivers license changed, then have your SS card changed by the SS office, call your CC companies to have them issue your new cards, etc. It's a process!

seventiespop · July 2010

I saved this post from former Knottie Noron:

Hi all -

I just finished the name change process today and thought maybe I could give some of you a hint of at least how long it took and what you need (I know I always wondered that; maybe someone else does, too!).

First, I went to the Social Security Office (the one on Lawrence, FYI). They just changed over to a new computer system today - lucky me! - and it took about an hour and 15 minutes. I'm guessing it'll be around 30 minutes when they understand how to work the new system. SS Office Note: bring your marriage certificate, driver's license and a completed SS-5 form(http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf). Also, if you're planning on using your maiden name as your middle name, make sure you tell them that! Also worth noting, a new Social Security card is free! It should be mailed to my house in a week or two.

Second, I went to the DMV (the Express one on Diversey). This only took me maybe 15 or 20 minutes, and cost $25. DMV Note: bring your marriage certificate, driver's license and STATE ID. I forgot my state ID and had to return home. If you don't have one, it's not a big deal - but if you do and don't bring it, they won't issue a license without it. Also worth noting, the DMV can update your voting record, so that was really helpful!

Next I went to my bank (Chase). I needed the marriage certificate and proof of my old name, so I probably could've done this first...although I kind of just gave him all my forms, so maybe he did look at my new IDs? Anyway, my H and I already had joined accounts before the wedding, so I could change my name and authorize them to send me a new card and us new checks. However, we both have to go back and update our signatures. For some reason, we must be together for this. I also changed my name on our mortgage - just a simple call to customer service and they're sending me a form.

For ComEd, I placed a call to their customer service and they updated my name over the phone. For People's Gas, I need to fax a copy of the marriage certificate and a letter stating my new name to 312.240.3991.

For my passport, I need to mail the old one, the marriage certificate, and two new photos with this form: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/80142.pdf. Since my passport was issued a year or less ago, this is free for me.

PHEW! I think that's it. Sorry this is so long-winded but I really hope it helps someone! Let me know if you have any questions or if I left anything out!