Ever wonder what steps you need to complete a name change after you get married? We’ll we’ve got you covered.
♥ Get certified copies of your marriage license
Obtain certified copies — not photocopies — from the city hall or agency that filed your marriage license.
Newly married people changing their names need one certified copy of their marriage license that they will probably never see again to send to the Social Security Administration
♥ Start with the Social Security Administration
Begin with this agency because it needs your correct name and ID number for payroll tax withholdings and retirement benefits. A mismatch between your name and Social Security number could trigger a rejection of your tax return.
Having your new Social Security card will also help you change your name with financial institutions and other contacts on your list.
You’ll need to file Form SS-5 with your local Social Security office to obtain a new Social Security card. Notifying the Social Security Administration will also update the Internal Revenue Service of your new name.
♥ Get a new driver’s license
Getting an updated license or identification card should make subsequent name changes with financial institutions easier. You may be able to update voter registration as well as your vehicle registration and title in the process. Check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles for instructions.
♥ Update work records and benefits
Inform your employer so that paychecks and benefits reflect the new name. Review your tax withholdings and make changes if necessary.
Remember to go over your insurance coverage and beneficiaries now that you have new family members
♥ Contact your bank
Updating your name with your bank or credit union may require an in-person visit. For a name change on your account, the bank will want to see your updated driver’s license.
♥ Notify creditors in order to link credit files
If you don’t tell lenders of your new moniker, you won’t have a credit history under your married name, which can pose a problem during a credit check.
Once notified, creditors will update their records and report the new information to the credit reporting agencies. If you’re not sure which companies to contact, request a free copy of your credit report through AnnualCreditReport.com.
Then contact these other places
Landlord or mortgage company
Other insurance accounts (auto, life, home, etc.)
Physicians’ offices
Professional licensing boards
Investment accounts
Your attorney (to update legal documents)
Utilities
Passport office
Post office
Voter registration board
Alumni association
After getting through all the important updates, it will be a matter of changing your name as you come across miscellaneous accounts and subscriptions.
