Ok, OMHs - name change???

jennyann28 · August 2010

I want to start the name change process asap (I have less than 2 weeks before I have to go "back to school" and I want it done before then). Can someone who has done this explain to me in detail everything I need to do to get it done? Like, what do I need, how do I check to make sure the state thinks I'm married, etc. Thanks so much!

mkstar1026 · August 2010

It's really fairly simple........take your marriage certificate to the department of licensing to get your driver's license changed. Then take a trip to the social security office with your license with your old name on it, your new license, and your marriage certificate and that'll get your name changed on your social security card. Then you should be able to change credit cards and anything else over the phone. Have fun!!!!

isis842000 · August 2010

Here's what the DOL says about changing your name with them...

Marriage certificate (including same-sex marriage certificate) that has a control or file number and has been filed with the county or authorized issuing authority. Church or wedding chapel forms aren’t acceptable. To get a certified copy of a marriage certificate: from the last 4 months, contact the county auditor where the license was filed. Pay the $10 fee to get an EDL/EID with your new name.
To change your SSN you have to take your new DL and a copy of your Marriage certificate and current SSN card to a Social Security office and they can help you apply for a new card. The first thing is to get your DL changed.

Kaye Smith · August 2010

I was just looking up how to get the process started today too! Here's what King County has to say......
http://www.kingcounty.gov/courts/marriage/Namechanges.aspx

jennlin · August 2010

(((what they said)))

the hardest part was just getting the certified copy. if you're in uber-hurry, i would go down to the county to get it...

other than that, just make your rounds....social security, and DOL...the rest is easy-peasy. except changing your name on your macy's card. they've been a pain, so i haven't changed it yet, and don't know if i ever will!

Tygirljojo · August 2010

I just asked my MOH about that! She used one of those kit thingies - not sure if I want to cough up the $35 for it or not.

Does the DOL keep the certified copy? How about Social Security?

tvgal1971 · August 2010

I got 2 certified copies of the marriage license ($3 a piece) just in case so I didn't have to go back again. I went to Social Security next...that took about 5 minutes. Driver's License was 2nd and I just needed marriage certif and had to wait a while. I was close enough to my renewal date that they did a full renewal instead of just the name change. It cost more than the $10, but now I don't have to go back for a while! I renewed my passport via mail and that required that I send the certified marriage license so I'm not sure if I'll get that back (glad I purchased two!) I now need to start the bank/credit card/other process.

For me, the hardest part was getting my work email changed!! I had to call all over the country to find the right person and kept going in circles. It was very frustrating, but I'm almost through the work transition!

Tygirljojo · August 2010

TV - so are you saying that since my DL doesn't expire until next Sept, I have to renew in a year?

BrandyL10 · August 2010

I took my marriage license and started with the Social Security company in Bellevue, then immediately after went to the DMV to get a new license. I got the big ones, and important ones out of the way first.
Now that I've recieved BOTH new cards, I'm going to work next week with my certificate again and change my tax forms, W-2 info at HR. From there, I'll do my insurance, all of them, then one bank at a time so while one bank is sending me a new card with my new name, I'll still have a card for my other bank. Just in case something happens. After that, it's just things like pharmacy, doc office, dentist, any bills. That's my approach.

BrandyL10 · August 2010

And yeah Tygirl, if you change your license now for your new name, you still have to renew it when it originally said. So I just got a new one, but I still have to renew it again in 2012. Kinda bogus if you ask me. So I'll have to pay for the enhanced license TWICE in 2 years... lame! But oh well

Tygirljojo · August 2010

WTF, that makes no sense! When you change your name, it requires a DL# change because it's based on your last name. Plus, they have to take a new pic anyhow! That's total BS!

Tygirljojo · August 2010

Ooh, wait...

How far in advance can I renew my license?

If you are eligible to renew online, you can renew a license up to 6 weeks before it expires.
If you renew in person, you can renew a license up to 1 year before it expires.

I think I might wait another month and a half.

tvgal1971 · August 2010

I was within 5 months of expiring, so my new license now goes to 2015. I think the fee was $25 (instead of $10 name change), but well worth it to not have to go again in December!!

jennuinne · August 2010

I didn't even think of my DL# changing....one more thing to memorize.

karebear219 · August 2010

Like PP, it is really easy once you get the certified copy (there are instructions on how to change your name and get a certified copy in with the paperwork for your marriage license). No one I changed with needed to keep the certified copy, but I also ordered two just in case. If you need it fast just go down there instead of requesting it (the King County one is in Downtown Seattle). Go to DOL first, then social security, then your primary bank, then everywhere else. I was actually able to change my name with Macy's pretty easily, except the fact they spelled it wrong twice before they got it right. I do have the Macy's visa card though, and not the store only card.

karebear219 · August 2010

Oh... and I got mine all done in a week. Work was also the biggest pain for me, just because they so slow.

tvgal1971 · August 2010

Beware of furlough days for DOL. They had one last Friday, so I went on Saturday and it may have been more crowded because they were closed the day before. I think I saw a sign and the next furlough day is Tue 9/7.

Tomorrow, I'm going to take care of the bank and will start the rest of the list next week! Most of the big stuff is out of the way, however! A friend told me that the hardest thing for her to change was her frequent flyer accounts. We'll see!!

koosh ball · August 2010

I am glad I didn't change my name... this is far too much work.

jennyann28 · August 2010

Wow, you guys are a wealth of information! So, am I correct in thinking that the pretty certificate we signed for pictures is NOT the official one though, right? I have to go get that from King County?

And do they, or do they not take your copy at the DOL & SSN office?

Thanks!

tvgal1971 · August 2010

Jennyann - you're correct the "pretty" copy isn't sufficient. You must get the certified copy from the county where it was filed. It has a seal and is signed. I went to the King County office in Pioneer Square and it only took a few minutes to get the certified copy (it took longer to find the right bldg/room).

You should bring the original to DOL and SS offices...they only need to see them, they don't keep them. DOL registered the barcode # in their system and SS may have as well.

I sent an original copy of the license to get my passport changed...it looks like a photocopy with the seal would have been acceptable, but I will get the original back when I receive my passport in the mail.

So far, it hasn't been too bad. There are just so many places on the list to change! I think once you get through the big ones, the others will go quickly.

trishaselby · August 2010

Yes, Jennyann. Your officiant should have send in a copy to the county you listed. I called up the county and order 3 copies ($3 each) and went and picked them up later that day. I know that you need to send in one certified copy with your passport. Also, if it is within your first year of having your passport you just take new pictures and fill out a form and send it in. No more money required!

Good luck! I think you can get most of the big stuff done in a week. Go to the bank early so you can get your checks and debit card to match you id!

KST_ · August 2010

Thank God they'll change the DL number. I've always hated the way they calculate it because mine has KKK and while it doesn't mean anything, it really bugs me.

Ok, OMHs - name change???

Re: Ok, OMHs - name change???

How far in advance can I renew my license?

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