name change question

sozay23 · October 2009

I know this has been posted many times but of course now that I need it I can't find it

Anybody that's been all through it care to share the steps to change yoru name? If I remember correctly it's social security office and then DMV. What do you bring?

Mrs.Purdue · October 2009

It doesn't matter which one you do first, but try to get them both done in the same day to avoid any problems. I did SS then DMV, but heard other people do it the opposite. Bring your current DL and your marriage certificate. I think I brought my SS card too, but I don't think they looked at it. Bring some cash too for the DMV. I can't remember the exact amount - I think it was less than $20. SS is free (i think). Once those 2 are done, then start doing your bank accounts, airline miles, passport, credit cards, etc. some just needed a phone call, others needed proof (marriage license). Also - can someone please add this to the ATX Knottie bio? Since the search feature is so craptastic, it'd be nice to just be able to put a link in the response to these questions than type it up every time.

sozay23 · October 2009

thank you!!!

henderstraus · October 2009

Thanks Mrs.Purdue on the rundown of what to bring. I googled this last week and everything that came up was about changing your name for other reasons, which requires a court date.Does anyone remember if you had to surrender your current drivers license when you get the new one? Or how long it took to get the new license in? I'm traveling a lot for work in the upcoming months and don't want to be stuck without my license (rental car issues).

Mrs.Purdue · October 2009

they'll just cut the top of your license off. carry both the old one and the new paper one until you get the new one (4-6 weeks later).

ejayne · October 2009

Do you really have to have the marriage license to change your name? Did they ask to see it? Common law marriage is completely legal in Texas, and we weren't planning to get the marriage license based on principle. (I don't believe the state should be involved in marriage at all, plus if it's legal to be married without it, why pay the $70? ...Just my opinion. I have nothing against those that get the license.) I did however, buy a vintage marriage certificate that we will fill out, sign, and have the pastor and witnesses sign as well. [url]http://www.co.travis.tx.us/dro/common_law.asp[/url] Anyway, it would just be good to know if they really do ask to see the license, because if they do, I'll need to find out what I need instead to prove I'm married.

victrola · October 2009

Yes, you'll have to have the marriage license to change your name, as far as I know. They might let you change your name without it but not enter the purpose as being marriage and then you might have to pay a fee. Just speculating here. I'd call SS and the DMV to ask.This checklist on the nest was useful for me after I got the SS and DMV done. GL ladies![url]http://images.thenest.com/blog/cl/Checklist%20change%20your%20name.pdf[/url]

Mrs.Purdue · October 2009

yes, both the DMV & SS wanted to see my license and the passport agency and my bank insisted as well. If you don't want to get a marriage license then you'll have to legally change your name through the court system before you can do the dmv, ss, etc. i believe there is a fee associated with it and a judge has to OK the name change. either way, you'll be dealing with the state in order to legally change your name, either via a marriage license or a court date.

sozay23 · October 2009

Just a follow up- the social security office was hard to find but after getting lost for 20 minutes in east austin it was not too long of a wait. I was probably in and out in 30 minutes. They need the marraige liscence and your drivers license (mine still has my maiden name on it- that's fine). There is no charge for this office. The DMV took FOREVER, probably an hour and a half from start to finish. They need your drivers license and marraige license. The cost here is $11 (cash!). They cut the corner off your license, give it back to you and give you a temporary paper one with the new name.

ejayne · October 2009

So, I called the SS office to see if there was an alternative document we could bring to verify that I am indeed married, but alas, if I don't want the marriage license I'd have to go to court to change my name. *sigh* Looks like we'll be getting the license after all.

sarainaustin · October 2009

SS office first, then DMV. You'll need your new SS card and the temporary letter from the SS office in order to get your new drivers license.... also, be sure to bring your marriage license with you when you go to both... as well as your current ss card, photo id, and birth certificate. Don't forget about all of the cc's and other accounts that you'll need to change... my sister was married almost a year ago and STILL hasn't changed some of it!

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