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Whether or not to change your name after marriage is a personal decision that each person must make on his/her own. But once you've decided to take the plunge, you need to be prepared for the administrative tasks that await you. Trying to get all of your IDs and accounts updated can be tedious, and even just knowing where to start is a major task itself. The following checklist should make this process much less worrisome, and hopefully hassle-free:
1. Certified copy of marriage license
Before you begin, make sure you get 2 or 3 certified copies of your marriage license from the office where you applied for the license. You will need to show this document several times as proof of your name change. You really only need one copy - since most places only need to see the copy, not keep it - but it's best to have a few extras on hand.
2. Driver's License
The Department of Motor Vehicles is run differently in each state, but it is most likely that you will need to go in person to the local office and show a certified copy of your marriage license. Some states will also have you update your name on your voter registration at the same time that you change your name on your license. If they do not, then make sure you contact the appropriate state office to get this done.
3. Social Security Card
This will also require a visit in person, so locate the Social Security Office in your area. They will need to see a certified copy of your marriage license, as well as another ID with your new name. If you have already completed step #2, then you will have the necessary ID. The Social Security Administration will notify the IRS and the Post Office of your name change, so you do not need to inform these organizations separately.
4. Bank Accounts & 401k
Most banking institutions will need to see a copy of the marriage license (just a regular copy, not a certified copy) along with a written letter stating that you wish to change your name on your accounts. You can either check your accounts online or call each place to see exactly what is needed. Once you have made the change, make sure to order checks with the new name.
5. Passport
You will need to mail in a certified copy of your marriage license along with an application to the appropriate passport center. You can obtain copies of this application from your local post office. If you are not renewing the passport (name change only), there should be no charge. You will get the same passport back, with a stamp in the back with your new name. If you are also renewing the passport, then there will be a fee, but you will get a new passport with your new name on it.
6. Local government offices
In addition to notifying the state and federal governments (which you have done in steps #2 and #3), you should call your local town or county office to notify them of your name change. Since their systems do not always get data from the regional and national systems, it is best to make sure you have everything covered.
7. Employer
Be sure to tell your employer of your name change, since it is important that your benefits and taxes are reported properly. Some employers will change the name with no documentation, but others will need to see the certified copy of the marriage license.
8. Business documents
If you own your own business (like I do), then you need to make sure that all business documents and correspondence gets updated with your new name. This includes business bank accounts, credit cards, letterheads, email addresses, etc.
9. Bills and other statements
With most utilities, like cable, electricity, phone, etc., you can either change your name online with no documentation required, or make a quick phone call to the customer service department.
If you feel like this list is a bit overwhelming, then just make sure you get through the first three steps. They require the most time investment, so get them out of the way first. After that, just pace yourself, and you'll get the rest done with ease.
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