Just thought I'd write with my changing name experience for the girls out there who havent done it yet. Had a relatively free afternoon this past Tuesday so I decided it was time to change my name! One thing to note ahead of time, make sure when you went to get your license you chose you wanted it shipped to you.. apparently this is not an automatic option. If you pay $60, you have to go pick it up. If you paid $80 it's being shipped to you. (at least this is the case in Bucks County). So if you get home from your wedding and it's not there after your honeymoon, it's probably waiting for you at the courthouse the way mine was since I had only paid the $60 mistakenly. 3pm - drove to SS office (located in Fairless Hills) - they'll make you fill out the application before getting your number to get in line, it's relatively short and even though it asks for your parents ss #'s you don't need them, just their names. You will need your ORIGINAL marriage certificate, not the photocopy. There were about 5 people in line at 3pm, so after I filled out my app, I got my number and took a seat. 5 minutes later it was my turn and I was done in about 10 more minutes. You don't get your card right away, you get a letter explaining that you applied and will get it in a week. The woman there told me to wait till I got my card to go to the DMV, but I didn't listen and went anyway because I had a feeling she was wrong. 3:30pm - left SS office and drove to DMV in Bensalem by the Neshaminy Mall. Walked in and saw a HUGE crowd so I had a feeling I was going to be there all day. Man at the desk gave me a form to fill out and bring right back to him - basic info. When I brought it back to him, my number was different than everyone elses in the main center, it was an express line for new cards - phew! I was NEXT. 2 minutes later the woman called my number, processed my info (again, needed the ORIGINAL marriage cert, not a copy) and you will need your old license as well. Handed me a photo card (yes, you do need to get a new photo taken) and told me to get in the line for the photos. Oddly enough, I was next for that as well! I guess the big crowd was mostly there was driving tests, phew. Took my picture, and had to sign my "new" signature for my license. Note: Start practicing your new signature now! I was caught off guard on this a little.. hadnt practiced enough and decided how I wanted it to look, so what I wrote that day is now stuck on my license. 5 minutes later, had my new license. All totalled ONE HOUR went by and I had both my ss info changed and a new license from the DMV. Not too shabby! So I highly recommend going around 2-3pm since you'll miss the "lunch hour" folks, and you'll be before the "I left work an hour early" folks..
