Changing your name is a big decision in your life. There could be many reasons why you want to change your name. Name change after marriage is one of the most common ones.
Transitioning into this new life is already quite challenging and overwhelming. On top of that, going through this complex and legal process of name change makes things even harder.
In this article, we’re trying to bridge that gap significantly to at least make you aware of the process to alleviate your fear and anxiety around it. Ideally, you would want a reputed name change service like Hitchswitch to handhold you throughout the process, handle all the paperwork and get things done for you.
Deciding Whether to Change Your Name
It is highly suggested that you re-evaluate your decision for a name change after the wedding or explore why you want to do it in the right place. This will not only give you clarity and content with this life-altering decision but also make the whole process much smoother internally.
- Emotional Based Decision: Since you love your partner, feel a connection with them, and want to resonate that in your identity, it can be a good reason.
- Cultural-Based Decision: Also, many cultures prescribe changing the last name after the wedding to make them part of their family and align them with their values and beliefs.
- Practical Reasons: If you plan to have children, having different last names can be challenging and confusing when it comes to naming the child. Especially with their documentation in schools, colleges, etc.
Gathering the Required Documents
Here are the required documents you need to gather before you reach out to a name change services company after the wedding:
- Filled application or petition for a name change
- A copy of your birth certificate
- Proof of identification
- Proof of residency
- Marriage license
- Marriage certificate
- A sworn statement of proof of good character from two citizens of the country
- A sworn statement declaring your outstanding tax, child support obligation, if any
- Payment for the required fee
- Notarized Affidavit
- Passport-Size Photographs
Make sure to keep both original and multiple copies with yourself, ready and sorted for submission.
Step-by-Step Name Change Process
Here is the step-by-step name change after marriage process you should be following:
Step 1: Obtain Your Marriage Certificate, License & Other Documents
Make sure you get a proper signature on your marriage license, as this will enable you towards the first step of changing your last name, which is getting the marriage certificate.
The marriage license is a document that authorizes the couple to be legally wed, whereas a marriage certificate verifies them to be legally married. It is proof of marriage and can be received after you file the license at the local court of the country where you married.
Gather all the required documents, copies, payment, filled application, or petition.
Step 2: File For The Name Change
Once you have gathered all the required documents, go to the court and file them with the clerk of the court. Depending upon the state you are from, you also need to publish notice of your name change application. The clerk of the court will guide you throughout the process. This also includes putting a notice in the local newspaper as well.
The clerk of the court will review your application and evaluate whether you have a good reason for a name change and will grant your request.
Some states also require you to appear before the judge for name change approval at the court hearing. It can take weeks or months to get your name change certificate, depending on the state you are from.
What works best in this situation to really cut down this prolonged time is to hire a name change online service, as they can fast-track the whole process and make things seamless.
Step 3: Updating Your Name Change Across Various Authorities
You will also have to notify or update the name change process to various authorities, starting from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Update your social security card with a new name.
The same you submit at the DMV to update your driver’s license. Further, you will also fill out forms at the U.S department of state to update your passport as well. Make sure to update your name-change all the authorities.
Notifying Financial Institutions
Using marriage certificate copies and all the other required papers, you need to notify various financial institutions and administration authorities, including federal and state agencies:
- Social Security Administration (SSA)
- State motor vehicle office
- Internal Revenue Services (IRS)
- Department of State (DOS)
- Banks & Financial Institutions
Updating Professional and Employment Records
After name change, if you are employed or have professional licenses, you need to update them, so there won’t be conflict later.
First of all, notify your employer through HR about the name change as early as possible, perhaps while you’re planning, so they can guide you about the specific process for updating the name into their records.
If you have, then you also need to update your professional license with the new name. The name changes also need to be made on your business cards, email signatures and other display names.
Changing Your Name on Personal Accounts and Subscriptions
From various mobile applications to daily residential services, update your name so there is no confusion. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn require a profile update. You can even share this update on your feed or mention a name change in the profile for a while until people get used to it.
All the subscriptions, whether grocery, magazine, or streaming services, along with memberships like gym and clubs, must also be updated with your new name.
Informing Insurance Providers
Make sure your insurance policies reflect your updated new name. You need to contact your insurance providers, including health insurance, car insurance, life insurance, etc.
You need to update your beneficiary information, providing them with your marriage license, identification documents, and name change certification.
International Considerations
Updating your new name to the passport information to be able to fly internationally without any hiccup.
You have to contact the U.S. Department of State and fill out the DS-5504 form where you can update your new changed name on the U.S. passport.Make sure to come with your current passport, passport-size photos, and marriage certification.
When you travel, some countries actually want the same name to be on all the travel documents, so make sure all your documents have the same name before you set out for the journey.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Name change tends to be overwhelming, especially if you do not have a reputed name change service brand on your side to simplify the process. In such scenarios, some mistakes are common which you must avoid:
- Delaying the process and procrastinating to start the paperwork can lead to quite a complication down the line. It is highly suggested that you get this over with as soon as you get married.
- Not having or gathering the required paperwork in advance can cause a lot of trouble and hassle. So make sure to prepare everything in advance.
- Make sure to keep multiple copies of all the essential documents like marriage certifications, affidavits, ID, etc.
FAQs About Name Changes After Marriage
How Long Does It Take To Legally Change Your Name After Marriage?
It can take 2-3 weeks to 2-3 months depending upon several factors. However, you can speed it up to just within a few weeks or less by hiring a name change service company.
Can You Still Use Your Maiden Name Professionally?
Yes, many people continue to use their maiden name for professional purposes while their changed name after marriage for legal matters.
Can I Change Back To My Maiden Name Later?
Yes, using the same legal provision, you can change back to your maiden name if you decide later on to do so.
