Typical traditon has been that a women shall take her husbands last name after the wedding, however people do have a choice to hypenate, keep their maiden name or have the husband take the wife’s last name. Whatever decison the couple makes, there are a few basic steps to keep in mind.
1. Order additional certified copies of your marriage license. You will need orginal copies when you go to change or add a name t0 your bank accounts, social security , drivers license etc..
2. Contact the Social Security Administration to requests and report a change of your name. Otherwise, your earnings may not be recorded properly and you may not receive all the Social Security you are due. Not changing your name with Social Security also can delay your income tax refund.
To report a name change, fill out an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5). You can get the form at any Social Security office or by calling Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213.
You must show us a recently issued document as proof of your legal name change. Documents Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change include:
- Marriage document;
- Divorce decree specifically stating you may
change your name; - Certificate of Naturalization showing a new name; or
- Court order for a name change.
- If the documents you provide for a legal name change do not give enough information to identify you, then you also must show two identity documents including:
- One document in your old name; and
- A second document with your new legal name.
In addition to your name, these documents must also contain identifying information or a recent photograph.
If you are a U.S. citizen born outside the United States and our records do not show you are a citizen, you will need to provide proof of your U.S. citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current immigration documents.
The new card will have the same number as your previous card, but will show your new name
3. Go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles. We recommend that you call them first to inform that you are coming in for a name and address change on your license and ask what forms of documentation you will need to bring in as well as the cost to make these changes on your license.
4. If you have a passport or are going on a honeymoon or future trip that will require a passport then you will need to remember to bring a certified copy of your marriage license. In order to start passport processing, you must bring proof of identification and proof of U.S. citizenship. The Department of State will not allow processing of passport name change without these credentials.
5. Be sure to contact the following agencies/companies to update your accounts with your name, address, phone number changes and updates on accounts and beneficiaries on your accounts :
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post office,
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credit card companies,
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banks, credit unions,
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pharmacies, doctors offices,
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schools,
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life insurnace, auto insurance and home owners insurance companies,
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employer,
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investment companies, employer 401 K programs or pension plans,
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utilities (electric company, phone company, cell phones, internet, water, gas, garbage disposal)
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car registration
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registrar of voters
