What’s in a name? Apparently, a lot of legal documents and visits to the DMV. Thankfully it’s 2020 and there are some ways to make changing your last name a whole lot easier than it used to be.
Full confession, I’ve been married for almost seven years and have yet to change my name. I didn’t really choose to keep my last name, it’s just that every time I thought of changing it, the task seemed almost insurmountable. I’m a bridal designer and own my own company and the thought of changing all of that already tedious paperwork into my new last name was enough to get me to wear my maiden name just a little bit longer. I am also known professionally by my maiden name, it’s in all my branding. This is something that I know a lot of women struggle with. It’s hard enough to pave your way in this world as a woman and changing your name once you’ve achieved all of your career goals somehow seems wrong.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Maria Sundin Photography
My husband has always been totally supportive of whatever I want to do with my name, though I know that secretly it would make him happy to share the same last name as me. Truly, the only person preventing me from changing my name is me. When we found out that I was pregnant, I decided that it was now or never–I decided to finally change my last name so that I could share it with my daughter and my husband.
Just remember that your reasons for changing your name or not changing it are totally valid. Sometimes it takes time to make that decision. Also, remember that a name is symbolic. You would still be you with or without your name, so try not to stress too much about it.
Today we’re sharing all of our tips and tricks for taking the stress out of changing your last name. Please keep in mind, this is an article about how to change your name in the United States, and each state has its own rules and regulations, so make sure to research your specific state’s requirements before you dive in.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Tenth & Grace
The Easy Way
If the thought of trolling government websites for instructions and calling all of your banks makes you break out in hives, you may want to consider using a name-change concierge service. Sites like Newly Named take all of the think-work out of changing your name. You simply fill out a questionnaire that helps them compile the necessary documents for you to submit to the various institutions.
This process still requires you to fill out most of the necessary paperwork and deliver it to the right place, but they make sure you know exactly what to do, where to go, and in what order. As with every service, the convenience is going to cost you, but honestly not that much! Newly Named has two different packages. The basic (print at home) package is $39 and includes auto-filled applications, online document access, step-by-step instructions, and name change support. Their name-change kit is $99 and it includes pre-printed versions of the forms from the basic package as well as prepaid mailing envelopes.
I have friends who have used this service and swear by it. It is especially great for people with hectic work schedules because you don’t have time to compile all of the paperwork while balancing your nine-to-five.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Maria Sundin Photography
The Not-So-Easy Way
Since I was doing all of the research anyway, I decided to do it the long way myself. Here’s what you need to know.
Step 1: Marriage License
The first thing you’ll need to do is get married, officially. To do this, you’ll need to go to the courthouse in the city where you are getting married to obtain your marriage license. Each state has different regulations, but in general, you should get this no less than 72 hours and no more than 30 days before your wedding to allow enough time for processing. I know what you’re thinking, “I spent so much time obsessing over my wedding date, and now it’s going to be on some random day instead.” Don’t worry, you’re not actually married until you and your fiancé(e) sign the license with your officiant, so your official wedding date will still stand.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Anna Marks Photography
Step 2: Social Security
Now that you’re officially married, you’ll need to change your last name with the Social Security Administration. You can do this in-person at your local Social Security office or by mail. Keep in mind you will have to provide very sensitive personal documents that are hard to replace. For this reason, I chose to bring my documents in person because I was too scared of losing them in the mail.
While the Social Security Administration does offer appointments, they, unfortunately, do not take appointments for name changes, so we would recommend getting there right when they open or at least avoiding the lunch hour rush.
To file the name change, you will need to bring with you the following documents:
- Original or Current Social Security Card
- Birth Certificate or other age identifying document (i.e. Passport or Final Adoption Decree)
- U.S. Driver’s License or (U.S. Passport, U.S. State-issued ID)
- If you were not born a U.S. citizen, you will need to provide a Consular Report of Birth, Certificate of Citizenship, or Certificate of Naturalization. You must also “provide a current unexpired document issued to you by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) showing your immigration status, such as Form I-551, I-94, or I-766. If you are an international student or exchange visitor, you may need to provide additional documents, such as Form I-20, DS-2019, or a letter authorizing employment from your school and employer (F-1) or sponsor (J-1).” – Social Security Administration
- Print and complete the name change application.
According to the Social Security Administration, it takes about two weeks to process the name change documents and return them to you with the updated social security card.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Angelica Marie Photography
Step 3: Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Wait at least 48 hours after filing your name change with the Social Security Administration before going to the DMV, this will ensure that your new name is in their system. All name changes must be filed in-person at the DMV. Thankfully, they will make an appointment for a name change, so make sure to schedule one to avoid those lines that wrap around the block.
At the DMV, you will need to change your name on your driver’s license, your voter registration card, and your vehicle title and registration. You will likely have to fill out a separate application to update your title and registration, which may require a separate visit to the DMV or can possibly be submitted online or via mail.
Each state has different requirements for each of the categories, so please be sure to research the necessary and accepted forms of documentation for your state.
Here are some of the documents that you will likely need to bring with you to the DMV to file your name change:
- Current driver’s license
- Primary ID which can be any of the following: U.S. Birth Certificate, valid U.S. passport or passport card, consular report of birth abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship
- Marriage License
- Proof of Social Security which can be any of the following: Social Security card (with your new last name), W-2 form (not handwritten), paycheck/stub, SSA-1099 or any 1099 (not handwritten)
- Two items for proof of residential address which can be any of the following: Deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or residential rental/lease agreement, voter registration card, vehicle registration or title, utility bill, medical or health card with address listed, current homeowner insurance policy or bill, current automobile insurance policy or bill, W-2 form or 1099 form, Form DS2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) status, mail from financial institutions including checking, savings or investment account statements, mail from federal, state, county or city government agencies
Keep in mind, if you decided to file with the Social Security Administration by mail, you may need to wait for some of these documents to be mailed back to you before scheduling your appointment with the DMV.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Passionate
Step 4: Passport
Your passport is likely the last form of ID that you’ll need to change and thankfully, it can all be done by mail! It usually takes 8 weeks to process a name change on a passport, though you can pay to have it expedited, which takes 2-3 weeks. If you plan on traveling abroad shortly after your wedding, we recommend waiting to start the name change process until after you return from your travels, this way you don’t run into any unnecessary hiccups in customs.
There are two different filing procedures for changing your name on your passport, one if you are filing the change less than one year after your passport was issued, and one if you are filing the change more than one year after your passport was issued. Here is what is required for both:
Filing Name Change Less Than ONE Year After Passport Was Issued
“Please submit the following by mail:
- Form DS-5504
- Your most recent U.S. passport
- Your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
- One color passport photo
Please note: You will not have to submit any fees unless you request Expedited Service. You must send Form DS-5504 and supporting documents via USPS. UPS, FedEx, DHL, and other companies cannot deliver to the PO Box addresses listed on Form DS-5504.” – Travel.State.Gov
Filing Name Change More Than ONE Year After Passport Was Issued
“You may be eligible to renew your passport by mail using Form DS-82. If you are eligible to use Form DS-82*, please submit the following by mail:
- Form DS-82
- Your most recent U.S. passport
- Your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
- One color passport photo
- Adult Renewal Applicant fees or Child Applicant fees, depending on your age
- Please note: you must send Form DS-82 and supporting documents using USPS. UPS, FedEx, DHL, and other companies cannot deliver to the PO Box addresses listed on Form DS-82.
If you are not eligible to renew your passport by mail using Form DS-82, you should apply in-person. Please submit the following:
- Form DS-11
- Your evidence of U.S. citizenship and photocopy of that evidence
- Your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order (no photocopies or notarized copies)
- Valid ID and photocopy of that ID
- One color passport photo
- Adult First-Time Applicant fees or Child Applicant fees, depending on your age
Please note: You do not need to submit proof of the name change if your name has changed due to marriage and you present an ID issued in your new name. You must include the details of the marriage in the appropriate section on Form DS-11.” – Travel.State.Gov
PHOTOGRAPHY | Sanaz Photography
Step 5: All Other Accounts and Documentation
You’re almost done, I swear! Now that all of your IDs have been updated, it’s time to update your other accounts and documentation. Because everyone’s accounts are different, your list of what needs to be updated will be different than mine, but in general, here are some of the accounts you will want to update.
- Bank Accounts (Checking and Savings)
- Investment Accounts
- Loans
- Leases, Mortgages
- Credit Card Accounts
- Insurance
- Will
- Loyalty Accounts
Each company/organization will have different requirements for documentation that you will need to submit your name change, but by now, you should have everything you need (and more!). Thankfully, most can be done online or over the phone.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Jessica Blex Photography & Design
Step 6: Optional Updates
Now that you’ve updated all of the necessary items, you may want to consider updating some of your other, less important but more visible accounts like your social media pages or your e-mail address. These are totally optional and there is no harm in keeping your old name. If you do decide to change your e-mail address, just make sure to forward the e-mails from your old address so you don’t miss anything important. You may also want to send out an e-mail to your contacts letting them know that your e-mail address has changed.
Additionally, if you’ve decided to change your name in your professional life, you’ll want to have new business cards printed and update your website or company bio with your new name.
Well, that was a process! But, if you’ve been determined to change your name, it will be well worth it in the long run. If you read this and decided to forgo the name change, don’t sweat it–it’s 2020, you do you!
PHOTOGRAPHER | Kate Nielen Photography
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