Post-Wedding Name Change Process

You've googled how to do this, right? Still confused? Thought so.

License, Social Security, Banks, Credit Cards.... the list goes on! Buckle up... here is your step by step resource for changing your name after the big day!

Step 0: Apply for a marriage license (1 month prior to your wedding, in ANY COUNTY in the state you will be married in). The county will mail you your actual license needed on your wedding day.

IMPORTANT! When you apply for your license, purchase a certified copy of your marriage certificate (we request you get several certified copies). If you do this when you apply you should be automatically sent a copy once the county receives your signed marriage license.

Step 1: GET HITCHED!

Step 2: Your officiant, Priest, Pastor, etc will make sure your marriage license is signed by the newlyweds, witnesses, and themself and mail the completed form to the address provided. (Register of Deeds in the county where the ceremony was performed)

*YOU CANNOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE IS PROCESSED AT THE COUNTY LEVEL AND YOU ARE MAILED A COPY OF YOUR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE. This is the moment, many feel they have done something wrong* If it’s been more than a month and you have not received a copy of your license (and you applied for one initially) call the county clerk.

IF you did not purchase a copy of your marriage certificate when you applied for your license, you can fill out the THIS form and call the county and make that purchase.

Step 3:

• Fill out and print an Application for a Social Security Card

• Take or mail your application AND official marriage license to your local Social Security office.

*Now you wait again... Social Security will mail you your new Social Security card. (YAY! it's now 'official official')

Step 4: Off to the DMV you go! Take along your license with maiden name, birth certificate, new social security card, and the name change application (you can find this on your local DMV website). *If you are changing addresses on your ID as well, bring 2 pieces of mail as proof of address (ex. utility bill, insurance policy.)

When you leave the DMV they will give you a temporary license, yupppp you will have to wait on the mail yet again for your real license.

Step 5: Off to the bank you go! If you are just changing your name, take your new ID and marriage license. If you would like your significant other to be added to your bank account they will need to be present as well. *Each bank is slightly different with their process

Step 6: Update your other accounts! I'm sure Facebook was the first thing you changed anyway! ;)

Congrats, Newlywed! YOU DID IT!

XO,

B-Rad