Not sure how to go about changing your name after the wedding? When you’re already consumed by the ever-mounting number of details that wedding planning entails, changing your last name after the wedding may be the last thing on your mind. After all, it can wait until later right?

While that’s not incorrect, you’ll want to start thinking about your last name change and the whole process ahead of time so you can make sure you’re planning accordingly for traveling and financial account changes so you don’t hit any snags as you merge your lives together.

It can be time consuming and confusing, but we’ll walk you through the whole process to changing your last name and getting all of your affairs in order. It’ll feel so good to have your new last name on all of your new credit cards, and your new ID and passport all sorted out.

To save you some time and hassle, we’ve put together a checklist and guide of what you’ll need to do, the order it needs to be done in, and what you’ll have to have with you to make the process as easy, simple, and headache-free as possible.

Read on for our comprehensive guide and printable checklist (you’ll find this at the end) to make the process as easy as possible and get you one step closer to flaunting those new initials!

10 Steps to Changing Your Last Name for Brides

1. Get Your Marriage License and Certified Copies

Before you can do anything else, you’ll need a marriage license that has your new last name. It’s also a good idea when you’re applying for your marriage license to ask if you can purchase certified copies in advance (2-3 copies are a good place to start). This will save you a future trip and will prevent any future headaches if you ever misplace your marriage license. Keep your original marriage license in a super safe location like a safe or fire proof bag, and keep the copies handy. You’ll need them for the next steps.

2. Update Your Social Security Card

Now that you have proof of your marriage, you’ll need to inform the government of your new last name. You can apply for a new social security card by mail or in person at your local Social Security office. Most brides find that the mail in option is the most convenient, but if in person is more your style, you can find your nearest location here.https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp

If you’re planning on going to the Social Security office, save yourself some time by filling out the application https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf for a new social security card in advance. Bring your form and the following documentation:

• Proof of Citizenship: valid passport or certified copy of your birth certificate
• Proof of Name Change: a certified copy of your marriage license
• Proof of Identity showing your name, date of birth/age, and a recent photograph: valid driver’s license, valid passport, valid state-issued identification card, or a U.S. Military identification card
• Your current Social Security card. Your number will still remain the same even with a new last name.
• Not a U.S. Citizen? Click here to determine which documents you’ll need based on your citizenship status.https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm

For brides that prefer the mail-in option, you’ll need the same documentation to mail in, but you’ll get it back. You can reference the instructions found on the Social Security website.https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm

3. Get a New Driver’s License

After you’ve gone to the Social Security office or once you’ve received your materials back from mailing them in, wait at least 24 hours before going to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to allow enough time for the system to update with your new name. 

Updating your driver’s license with a new name must be done in person and most states will require you to take a new picture and pay a renewal fee. Visit your state’s DMV website to print the application form and fill it out in advance to save yourself time. A lot of DMV’s now accept appointments and it’s highly recommended that you make one to save yourself the time and headache of waiting for hours at the DMV as it can be a lengthy process.

Bring the following documents with you, and double check on the website of your DMV that they don’t require anything extra:

• Your receipt from the Special Security office, or the actual Social Security card (just in case)
• Your current driver’s license
• Proof of address (if required in your state). This could be a lease or mortgage documents, insurance documents, or a bill or bank statement that has your address and name on it.
• A certified copy of your marriage license (you’ll likely get this back)
• Your checkbook, cash, or credit card for the renewal fee.

While you’re at the DMV you’ll want to see if you can also update your voter registration, as well as any vehicle registration or car title (if applicable), that way you don’t have to make a separate trip at a later time. Some locations can do all of those services at one office, and some areas have separate offices for updating that information. You can find that information on your local DMV’s website or by calling them. Make sure you check ahead of time so you aren’t surprised when you arrive at your local DMV!

4. Get a New Passport and Travel Documents

This isn’t urgent if you’re not planning on traveling abroad any time soon, but nonetheless it’s nice to cover all of your bases at once so you don’t have to come back to it in the future.

Changing your name on your passport is considered a correction (if you already have a passport). If it was issued less than a year ago, you’ll be able to make the collection without paying a fee. However, if it was issued more than a year ago, you’ll have to pay a fee for the name change and a new passport book. Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to get this done before your next trip so you can avoid paying an expedited fee.

All passport changes must be applied for by mail and this convenient online tool from the U.S. Department of State will help you fill out the change form, just click here. https://pptform.state.gov/ Once you’ve filled it out, send the following to the National Passport Processing Center:

• Completed form DS-82 (you can fill this form out at the link above)
• A certified copy of your marriage license
• Your current passport
• A check for the passport fee made payable to “U.S. Department of State.” Your full name and date of birth must also be printed on the front of your check.
• A recent color photograph, 2 x 2 inches in size that meets passport photo requirements https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html  (you can have these done at the photo centers of most Walgreens)

If you have any frequent flyer accounts with specific airlines, TSA Precheck, Clear, or any other travel numbers, you should now update those and follow instructions on their websites, or by calling their customer support phone number.

Note: You can wait until after your honeymoon to change your last name so you don’t need to worry about getting proper documentation with your new last name in time. If your honeymoon is immediately following your wedding, stick with booking the ticket under your maiden name so you can use your current passport and identification cards.

5. Change the Name on Your Bank Accounts

Once your identification documents are updated with your new name, it’s time to head to local bank branch to update your bank account information. Most banks require these changes to be made in person but you can always contact your bank to see if there are online or mail-in options. 

You’ll likely need to bring these documents with you:

• A certified copy of your marriage license
• Your new Social Security card
• Your new driver’s license or state-issued identification card

From there, you can request new debit cards and checkbooks that have your new last name on them. 

You’ll also want to make sure you’re updating your name on any other savings accounts, 401k’s or retirement accounts, and any loans you may have through your bank or otherwise.

6. Change the Name on Credit Cards

Depending on the credit card company, the process differs. Some allow you to simply fill out a form on their website and edit your personal information, and some require you to upload or mail in supporting documents that show your new name. Once processed, a new card will be mailed out to you.

The best way to determine what your credit company’s requirements are is to go on their website and check out their help/support section, or call their customer service number. Many credit card companies even have an online-chat option for faster assistance.

7. Update Your Name with Your Employer

Now that your bank accounts match your identification documents, you can contact your company’s Human Resources office or payroll processor to give them your new information. You’ll want to do this as soon as possible so that your checks will be issued with the correct name and direct deposits can continue without any interruption in processing.

8. Update Your Insurance Information

This is another task you’ll want to complete as soon as possible after your name change goes through, that way you don’t have to worry about coverage issues in the event of a claim. Whether it’s home insurance, car insurance or health insurance, you’ll likely need a copy of your marriage license to provide proof of your new last name.

9. Update Your Mortgage/Lease & Utilities Companies

Next, it’s time to update your mortgage or lease and utilities with your new name and payment information. Most utilities can be updated online within your account portal or by calling them on the phone, and you’ll likely not need any supporting documentation. You’ll just want to have your new credit card or bank account numbers handy to update your method of payment if it has changed.

Mortgage/lease name changes are typically simple as well but vary depending on who you have them through, you’ll need to give them a call to see what the steps to move forward are.

10. Review Your Auto-Pay Accounts

Now that you’ve updated your name on bank accounts and received new credit cards, make sure all of your auto-pay services are updated with your new payment information. This last step is often overlooked and can result in late payments, especially if you’re using auto-pay for utility bills. 

If you’re like a lot of people, you’ve probably forgotten some of the auto-payments you have set up, especially if they’re smaller amounts like for Netflix or HBO. The easiest way to review them is to look through a couple months of bank account and credit card statements and look for reoccurring charges. This is also a great time to weed out auto-payments you forgot about and no longer want to continue services for to save some money.

Additional Considerations for Name Changes:

• If you have a will, living will, or similar documents you’ll want to make sure you update those with your new last name to ensure they’re still valid and don’t present any future issues. 
• Many brides consider making their maiden name their legal middle name. You can do this at the same time as changing your last name and move through all of the above checkpoints in the same order. Many women find this a valuable alternative to changing just their last name as it can help if you forget to change a name on an account somewhere down the line, or allows old friends to find you on social media.
• Decide which name you’ll be using professionally in the workplace. You’ll want to email colleagues, clients, and vendors reintroducing yourself with the name you are using, especially if you’ll be changing your email address to reflect your new last name. This way there’s no confusion among your peers or issues contacting you in the future.
• If you’re looking to hyphenate your maiden name and new last name, you’ll want to check the requirements for your state. Most states require that you write your intended married name on the marriage license (which is the first step on the list) so you’ll need to decide beforehand what your plan is as far as changing your last name or hyphenating your names. This is a great option for those that are not wanting to lose their maiden name or predicting future professional issues or confusion if you were to change your last name completely. It’s becoming a popular option for modern brides!

Pros & Cons of Changing Your Last Name

Changing your last name when you get married is a big decision, and some brides are opting to keep their names or choose to hyphenate their last names. When making the decision, it’s important to consider all your options, the process, and of course, you and your fiance’s  feelings toward changing your last name. Here are some pros and cons to changing your last name once you get married:

Pros:

• You feel like you’ve truly become one unit and one team, which is, afterall what marriage is about right?: Becoming one, solidifying your bond and commitment to each other.
• It prevents future last name confusion if you choose to have children together and contributes the feeling of a family unit.
• It’s tradition

Cons:

• It’s a lengthy process to change your last name and update all of your information
• There will inevitably be an account or other location that you’ve forgotten to update your last name on and this could cause an interruption in service or another issue
• To some brides it may feel like they are losing some of their identity or like a non-modern choice

Make the process even easier by printing our handy last name change checklist that outlines the steps above in an easy-to-reference and follow format. 

You can download the checklist by clicking the button below. Don’t forget to share with your bride-to-be friends to make their lives easier too!