OMG You're Married!


And now it's time to do the thing you've been hearing HORROR stories about: officially changing your last name. I'm not sure how the last-name change has gotten such a bad rap, but in this F|O Journal entry, I'm hoping to debunk some of those horrors AND give you an easy guide to changing your last name with pointers & links!

Please keep in mind that these pointers reflect general information about name changes AFTER a legal marriage has occurred, but that it may not reflect ALL the nuances required by your state of residence.

Wedding details with blush roses, marriage license, and delicate jewelry on a light background.

A How to Guide: Changing Your Last Name


Like most official things in the world, changing your last name will require some paperwork. Before we get to those steps, the most important thing to do after signing your marriage license is returning the original marriage license PROMPTLY to the issuing County Clerk's office AND requesting a couple of certified copies. In order for your marriage to be legally and properly recorded, returning the license in a timely fashion to the issuing clerk will provide you with the quickest access to receiving a certified copy of your marriage license. Without your certified copy, you won't be able to begin the name changing process.


***It's important to note that you should NOT begin the name change process if you have a pre-planned honeymoon out of the country that requires a valid U.S. Passport, assuming that your Honeymoon is directly following or within 4-6 months after your wedding. The current wait time for U.S. Passports has been significantly delayed in 2023, due to an increase in passport applications.

The Four Horsemen of Changing Your Last Name

Okay, not the four horsemen, it's really not that scary

I. Social Security Number


You can't really do the rest, until you do this part. So, we'll call this Step 1.


Following your legal marriage AND receiving the certified copy of your marriage license. You will need to take the completed SS-5 form to your local Social Security Office.


You'll need to bring:

  • The Completed SS-5 Form
  • Original Marriage License
  • Driver's License (with your maiden name)
  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Security Card


There is NO fee to complete this form.

In cases of marriage (or divorce), you can legally change your last name at virtually NO cost.


(You also have the option to mail the form along with your Original Marriage License. They will mail your original Marriage License back to you within two weeks and you should receive your new Social Security Card within a month.)

II. Driver's License


In the great state of Texas (and likely everywhere else in the U.S.) to update your driver's license, you'll likely need to fill out a replacement form and pay the required fee. If you're in Texas, more information on the process can be found here.


Pretty much anywhere, and definitely in Texas, you'll need to:


  • Visit any driver’s license office within 30 days of the official change to your SSN;
  • Bring any completed necessary forms (if applicable);
  • Bring funds to pay the required fee;
  • Provide your original Marriage License; and
  • Birth Certificate

III. Bank


After you've received the new copy of your Social Security Card AND your government issued ID/Driver's License:


Gather all of your Banking and Financial Records and decide what needs to be changed. Most banks will require that you go to your local branch to process a change of name on your accounts.

You will also need to reach out to each financial institution to find out what documentation they need.


For example, if they will need an original, certified copy, or a regular copy of your Marriage License. You will also need to bring your driver’s license or other government issued ID.


Once you've updated your name with your bank, if it's not automatically processed, you'll need to request updated cards and checks to reflect your shiny new last name!


IV. Employer


And last, but certainly not least, once you've received your new Social Security Card, your new Driver's License, and updated your last name with your Bank, you'll need to let your employer know!


Why? Well, because you're their employee, and most employers either use Direct Deposit (to that bank account you just updated) OR write you a check (to that last name you just changed), you'll want to reach out to your employer's HR department and/or Payroll Specialist, to update your last name.


For most employers, you'll simply need to provide a new copy of your Driver's License and Social Security Card.

All the other things:


Passports


Assuming your honeymoon isn't directly following your wedding ceremony AND out of the country, to change your name on an existing passport:

You can complete and mail form DS-82 to the National Passport Processing Center. Along with the form, you will need to include:

  • Your current passport,
  • A certified copy of your marriage license,
  • A check made out to “U.S. Department of State” to pay application fees (if applicable);
  • A recent color photo (Walgreens & CVS can do these);

* The certified copy of your Marriage License will be mailed back to you within a few weeks and you should receive your new Passport within 12 weeks (3 months).

**Fun Fact: If your existing passport was issued less than ONE year ago, there will be NO fee to update your passport with your married name (aside from the cost to mail the form to the National Passport Processing Center).


Additional Places You'll Want to Update Your Name


For the following items, it will be best to reach out directly to the company or institution that is in charge of each document & request specific guidelines on how to update your name:


  • Mortgage/Lease
  • Vehicle Registration and Title
  • Loans, Investments, 401ks, IRAs, Student Loan company
  • Beneficiary Designations
  • Estate Planning Documents (ex. Last Will and Testament and Powers of Attorney)
  • University/College (if you're a currently-attending student)


Exciting & Less Stressful Places to Update Your Name


  • Make it Facebook Official
  • Other Social Media Accounts
  • Email Addresses
  • LinkedIn
  • Your Resume
  • Your Business Card






Close-up details of a white wedding dress with delicate beading and fabric textures.

So, long story short...


Is changing your last name terribly difficult? No. But, it does require several steps and paperwork. Speaking from my own personal experience, the "hardest" or most tedious part of the process is Step 1 & 2: Updating your Social Security Card AND getting an updated driver's license. Why? Because they require in-person tasks. My best advice is to reach out to your local Social Security and Office of Motor Vehicle offices to request an appointment AND information on required forms. You can save yourself A LOT of time, by having an appointment and completing your necessary forms ahead of time.


I hope that this guide to changing your last name has helped you out! I also just want to mention that this is not an endorsement for you to change your last name. In short, you don't have to. Changing your name is a personal choice, and while it is the "norm", no person should feel pressured to change his or her last name. But, for those who do want to change their name, I hope this guide helped!


*Please Note: This is merely a guide to changing your last name after marriage. This is NOT legal advice. For additional information about changing your name, or updating legally binding documentation and contracts, you should contact a licensed attorney.


Cheers!

-Bailey