Wedding Name Change Tips and Information

After a wedding it is common for a bride to take the last name of her new husband. While the though of changing the name you have always known can be an emotional task, taking the legal steps to change it can be even more confusing. We have put together some important tips to consider and remember when going through the legal process of changing your name after the big day.

• Wait until you return from your honeymoon if you are taking one to change your name. While you are on your honeymoon you will need your legal documents such as a passport, ID, drivers license and credit cards and you don't want to have to worry about having your names not match while traveling.

• Start with your driver's license and social security card. Once you have those changed it will be much easier to change other records such as banking accounts, memberships and other legal documents since you already have a piece of identification legally showing your new name.

• Consider meeting with a lawyer regarding your legal name change before the wedding. You and your husband might be considering a prenuptial agreement, or you might want to have a will drawn up. A good lawyer can advise you about these and other matters.

• Tell your job before the wedding so they can start the process of changing your email address, and your business cards for when you get back.

Name Change Checklist

• Social Security Change Application: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html
  


• Driver's License - check your local DMV


• U.S. Passport Agency


• U.S. Post Office


• Employer / Work


• Car/Title Company


• School or Alumni Associations


• 401k / Retirement plans


• Bank accounts / names on checkbook


• Mortgage


• Post Office (change of address)


• Voter registration Card


• Credit card company


• Doctor, dentist, HMO


• Health, life, auto, and home insurance policies


• Clubs and Gyms


• Magazines and Memberships


• Discount, courtesy, and frequent-flyer cards


• Utility companies (phone, cable, gas, electric, etc.)


• Legal Contracts


• Will (you may want to change the beneficiary to your spouse at the same time)

Most importantly... Start using your new name! It will feel weird and may sound funny at first, but the more you start using it your friends and family and coworkers will catch on and get used to it and before you know it you'll think it sounds weird when you hear your maiden name.