You’ve said your vows, returned from your honeymoon and now it’s time to change your last name! There are quite a few steps to complete the change and it can be a fairly daunting process. So to save you a little time and research, here are a few tips to help make your name changing process a little smoother.
Social Media
The easiest step of all and definitely the most enjoyable — updating those social media sites and email addresses. You can do this step immediately after the wedding and it’s pretty fun to see the change on your Facebook page!
Marriage Certificate
Before you can officially change your name, you’ll need the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate. To obtain a copy, you can call the Las Vegas clerk’s office where your license was originally filed (if one wasn’t automatically sent to you), or you can order a copy online. Just click here and be sure that you have the certificate sent to your current mailing address using your maiden name.
Social Security Card
This is probably most time-consuming step of all. To get your new Social Security Card, you first need to fill out the proper paperwork. You can print the forms online here: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.pdf or call 800-772-1213 to have them mailed to you. Then in order to file, you’ll need to go to the Social Security office in person and be prepared to wait! The following address is the best location to file. Hours are Monday – Friday 9am- 3:30pm, but closed on holidays:
Social Security Office |1250 S. Buffalo Dr, Suite 100 | Las Vegas, NV 89117
Driver’s License
Next up, a trip to the wonderful DMV. Choose whichever location you prefer and be sure to bring all of the necessary documents, including: your current license, certified marriage certificate and most importantly, your new Social Security card. And FYI- you will need to retake your photo, so be prepared! To get more information, click here.
Passport
If you are planning on going out of the country anytime after your wedding, you might as well tackle the passport name change as well. Click here to get the appropriate forms. Then, you’ll need to mail your completed forms (or you can complete online), fees, certified marriage certificate, current passport and a new photo to a passport agency near you.
Bank Accounts & Credit Cards
The quickest way to change your name at your bank is to simply go into local branch — and bring your new driver’s license and marriage certificate along with you. In addition to changing your name on the account, you should also request new checks, debit and credit cards if applicable. For other credit cards, call your card’s customer service number and request a name change.
Other Items to Change
After making the change on the above items, the other name changes should be fairly straightforward. Here are a few more items you may want to change as well:
- Post office
- Employer/payroll
- Insurance companies (auto, home, life)
- Landlord or mortgage company
- Electric and other utility companies
- Other monthly bills: TV, cell phone, Internet, etc.
- Doctors
- Voter registration card
- Investment account providers
- Taxes
Name Changing Services
And finally, if taking on the name changing task yourself is a little too time-consuming, there many great services available online to help. Here are a few to consider: MissNowMrs.com, Name Change Express, Legal Zoom, I’m a Mrs.
During the process, keep in mind there are many options to doing a name change, such as taking the groom’s last name, hyphenating or even choosing a new name. In today’s world, there are not set rules so do what works best for you!
For more wedding planning tips and information, please visit http://www.bridalspectacular.com. Also, be sure to save-the-date to attend our Autumn Bridal Show August 16 and 17 at Cashman Center!