Changing Names

Planning Tips

Changing Names

Q. How do I legally change my last name after I get married?

A. When you consider the amount of places your maiden name appears—your Social Security card, credit cards, driver’s license, insurance card, mailbox, e-mail address, business cards and so on—it may seem easier to bypass tradition and keep your moniker. However, there are services that can help ease the process.

Online name-changing kits, such as WeddingZone.net and NameChangeKit.com, are easy to use and will provide you with all the forms you need to legally change your last name, but they do charge for their services. Most of these online kits are equipped with instructions, checklists, government forms and ancillary record change forms. Using these online kits will save time and give you the necessary legal documents you need immediately.

To change your name on your own you first need to order extra certified copies of your marriage license for government agencies that do not accept photocopies. Do this by calling the office where your marriage certificate was issued.

Contact the Social Security Administration and complete Form SS-5, which you can download at ssa.gov. Once you fill out the information, send it by mail or personally deliver it to the Social Security Administration who will then notify the Internal Revenue Service about your name change.

Next, visit the department of motor vehicles with a certified copy of your marriage license to change your name on your license, vehicle registrations and titles.

If you travel internationally, make sure you obtain and complete a Passport Amendment/Validation Application, found online at travel.state.gov/passport. Once you complete this form, send it to the nearest passport agency, along with a certified copy of your marriage license and any fees they may require.

Once you have your new Social Security card and new driver’s license, changing your name at other institutions should be fairly simple. Other places you’ll need to inform include your bank, employer, insurance companies, doctor’s office, internet/telephone providers, loan companies, credit card companies and any clubs or associations you may be involved in.