How to change your last name: A bride’s dream guide
Skylar Moed, Contributing Writer
So, you just got married. You just had a magical wedding, experienced an out of this world honeymoon in the hottest vacation spot, and you are now embracing the sweet new life as a Mrs. But wait, you can’t call yourself a Mrs. yet, at least not while you still have a different last name than your husband’s. It just dawned on you that you forgot to change your last name. Uh oh. And now, you don’t even know where to begin. Well don’t worry any longer because this is story is going to be your best friend. How about you give it a read? Legally changing your name is nowhere near as fun as picking out your gorgeous wedding dress or choosing your special first dance song, but if you go into it with a plan and clear guidelines, it can lift off some of that stress. After all, being able to share the same last name with the person you love most is such a gift.
To get some of the best insider tips and tricks, newlywed Lara Eller Jackson, and recently married Natalie Epps were able to offer their expertise and insight to compile nine quick and easy steps on the chaos that is changing your name. Gather all of your materials and make a note of all the places where your name appears. It is time to legally change your last name.
STEP 1: OBTAINING YOUR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
Imagine happily celebrating your wedding day and you finally get to the hotel room with your new husband. But you realize there was one important thing you forgot to do, sign your marriage license. You get hit with a gut-sinking realization that you aren’t even legally married right now. Well, this is what happened to Epps, In her word of advice, “Don’t forget this! It is the most important part of the entire process.” For every step of the way to changing your name, you will need your marriage certificate document. On your special day, it is important that both you and your partner sign the proper signatures for your marriage license. This is a legal document that provides approval, under the witness of the officiant, to be legally wed.
Also, the marriage certificate is a legal document that needs to be filed from the marriage license for proof of marriage. This is usually the job of the officiant to file for the marriage certificate, but you will want to make sure that it is done as soon as humanly possible.
STEP 2: COLLECT ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS
Once you get your certificate, you will need to make several copies to give to the following facilities. A word of advice from Jackson was to check the website of the facility you need to go to acquire all correct documents. If you fail to have the proper documents, you might find yourself irritably waiting to fill out forms, or you have just completely wasted your time and have to go home. A tip from Epps is to fill out everything online. This will save both time and frustration. Most places require an application for name change, marriage license, Social Security card, and other necessary documents. It is all about being prepared and ready.
STEP 3: UPDATE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
Next up, it is time for a new identity. In Jackson’s blunt words, “Lara Lee Eller has died.” However, there is joy in getting to be someone new. Your Social Security card is the second most important document that you will need in this process. Think of it as your “permission slip” to change your name in other areas, Jackson suggests. The quickest way to apply for a new card is to visit your nearest Social Security office. In South Carolina, there are many offices in city areas such as Greenville, Anderson, and Spartanburg. You can look on their website to find the necessary forms and application documents needed to apply. To save time and hassle, it is best to fill it all out before you go to the office.
Most offices will require a few documents to get a new Social Security card. First, they need proof of name change. Simply put, this is a copy your marriage certificate. Next, proof of citizenship is required. This can include your birth certificate or an unexpired passport. Lastly, they require valid photo identification. A driver’s license, passport, military I.D., or state-issued I.D. will work for this. These documents will have your original last name on it, which is completely fine. Finally, they will need your current Social Security card. If you want your card to be replaced, you are going to need to bring the original copy.
A special bridal tip and trick Jackson recommends is to practice writing out your new name, just like when you were younger. After all, you are going to be signing a ton of documents.
STEP 4: VISIT THE DMV
Be willing to make a rather long and unpleasant trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to get your new driver’s license/ID. However, if you are prepared and organized, it will not be torturing. An important tip is to wait until you have your updated Social Security card before going to the DMV. Again, check your state’s DMV website for the required documents and acquire them. In South Carolina, you will need a printed version of their online application, and a marriage license. It is recommended to get a new driver’s license within 10 days of getting your new Social Security card. Epps said she always brought her Social Security card with her just to play it safe.
Also, make sure to bring some form of payment with you as well because getting a new driver’s license is not free. South Carolina’s DMV charges a $10 fee for a replacement ID and a $25 for a real ID.
STEP 5: CHANGE YOUR NAME ON CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS
Visiting your bank to get a new credit or debit card can result in a more rigid process according to Jackson. In her experience, this was the most difficult step, but it also depends on how well your bank cooperates. First, make sure to set up an appointment with your bank. If you walk in and expect to sit down with a banker right away, be prepared to turn around and leave. Next, you can either call your bank or look online to see what legal documents must be obtained before your appointment. Most banks will require a form of ID, your Social Security card, and of course your marriage certificate. Once you arrive, they will walk you through the rest of the process.
STEP 6: UPDATE YOUR PASSPORT
For all the brides-to-be, if you are going on a honeymoon overseas that requires a passport, it is best to update it to your new name after you get back; otherwise, you may encounter some difficulties along the way. “It is important to wait because your name will not be processed that quickly before your wedding,” Epps emphasizes. For a new passport, you can choose to apply online or in-person at a Post Office. If you opt for the online route, you must fill out the Passport Renewal Application Form on your local or state postal service website and mail in a DS-5504 Form, along with your old passport and marriage certificate. For an in-person visit, the first step is finding a qualifying Post Office near you because not all locations offer passport photo services. Next, you will need to gather the necessary documents early, Be sure to check the State Department service estimates for the latest updates on needed forms. After you schedule an appointment and turn in the required forms, you will have to pay a fee. Again, nothing is free in this world. An adult passport book is now $130 as of 2022.
If you are simply renewing a passport, you can mail your application directly to the State Department.
STEP 7: UPDATE MEDICAL RECORDS AND YOUR INSURANCE
As far as medical records go, the process is a breeze. You just inform your healthcare providers of your new name and provide any necessary documents, such as an updated I.D. or your marriage certificate. You will want to update all your insurance policies as soon as possible to avoid any concerns regarding needed coverage. Also, you may decide to be placed on your spouse’s health insurance, and you can do so by following the proper policies of your insurance.
However, if you are unemployed or don’t have your own insurance, then this step may look a little different for you. Epps stated that she is still on her parent’s insurance as a dependent until she turns 25. Therefore, for her this is not a task of filing for a name change, rather she must acquire her own insurance.
STEP 8: NOTIFY YOUR WORK
Depending on your occupation, this procedure can look different for each bride. Jackson said to notify your Human Resources department of your name change so that they can go about the proper methods to update your payroll and other necessary forms. The sweetest part of it for her was the overwhelming support and celebrations she received from her fellow coworkers. Don’t forget to have fun with it as well. You can even make a new name tag to put on your desk so you can proudly flaunt your new marriage in the office.
STEP 9: UPDATE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA AND EMAIL
The last and most exciting step is to update your social media handles and emails. It can be helpful for current or new friends to find your accounts if you still include your maiden name somewhere on your social media for a little while. You will also want to make sure that you create a new email and notify everyone essential to the switch.
Whew, you made it through all the steps and now you and your spouse can celebrate your life together while sharing the same name. A word of encouragement is to not get lost in the overwhelming routine of changing your name, but as Jackson would say, “Embrace it!” There is so much joy in finding a support group of other brides that can rally around you and relate during this new step of life. Epps states that “your best friend during this emotional yet liberating process is going to be another bride or married woman.” Find woman around you who can join you in each step and offer wisdom along the way. Another word of advice from Jackson is a reminder that “None of it is hard, it’s just tedious.” The process may be challenging at times; however, it is worthwhile.
Of course, there are additional areas where you can change your last name. However, these are the most common and vital places that require name changes. To find more information or insider tips and tricks, there are plenty of online resources that can help brides along the way. Some of these resources include NewlyNamed, The Knot, and MissNowMrs.
