While you may not have taken your spouse’s name when you were married, you may wish to do so now. Our guide will show you how to change your name after marriage, but be warned that this is the old-school way, so it will take some time.
Have Your Marriage License Handy
Your marriage license is really the master document when it comes to officially changing your name for:
- Social security cards
- Passports
- Driver’s licenses and registrations
- The IRS
- Voter registrations
Note that you’ll need certified copies of your marriage license if you didn’t request them when applying for your original license. To obtain certified copies, contact the office where your marriage license was filed.
How to Change Your Name After Marriage
Below are the steps you’ll need to take to change your name:
Social Security Card
You’ll keep your social security number but will need a new card. You’ll have to complete the application in hard copy and then send it by regular mail with a certified copy of your marriage certificate to your nearest Social Security Administration office.
You can also visit your local social security office and complete and submit the paperwork there. Expect to wait 10 business days or fewer for your new card.
Passport
If your passport was issued less than one year ago, you can change your name without paying a fee. If issued a year or more ago, you’ll need a name change and new book, so expect to pay over $100 if this is your situation.
Mail your application and include a certified copy of your marriage license with the following completed documents:
- Form DS-82
- A check for the fee, payable to the U.S. Department of State
- A recent photo of you in color that meets the requirements for passport photos
- Your current passport
You should receive your passport between four and six weeks after you apply.
Driver’s License
You’ll have to visit your local DMV to change your name on your driver’s license, but make sure you do this at least 24 hours after updating your Social Security card. This will allow your new name to be in the system. Bring your:
- Receipt from the Social Security Administration office or your new card
- Your current driver’s license
- Proof of address, such as utility bill or insurance papers
- Certified copy of your marriage license
You may also need a new photo. Be prepared to stand in line, and expect to wait up to several days for processing, depending on your state.
The IRS
The good news is that you won’t have to wait in any lines or send any documents to the IRS to change your name. However, you’ll want to ensure you’ve changed your name on your Social Security card before you file your taxes, as this will help avoid red tape at tax time.
Voter Registration
Depending on your state, the process for how to change your name after marriage will differ. If your state offers online registration, you should be able to update your name in this way. If not, you’ll need to download and complete the form and send it by mail.
You may also be able to accomplish this over the phone, but be sure it’s completed at least 30 days before any election, as it can take some time.
After you’re finished changing your name with the offices above, be sure to do so on social media, bank accounts, credit cards, and other government agencies.
A Fast and Painless Way to Change Your Name
Not into standing in line, waiting on the phone or filling out endless forms? There’s a much easier way to get your name changed, and that’s with FastFilings’s name change service. We prepare all government documents for you; just sign and wait! It really is that easy, and you can get started right now.