Changing your surname is quite easier than you think with the right documentation for a surname change. Where it is a bit more complicated is when you have to deal with all the paperwork.
The surname change by itself is something requiring a lot of thought, and to add the paperwork to that might make things unbearable. But, fear not. We’re here to help.
Below, we’ll guide you through the entire process of changing your name. When you’re changing it during the marriage, we’ll show you what you should have and how to proceed to obtain all the other documentation that’s important for your everyday life after you’re done. Without wasting any more of your time, let’s get into it.
First Things First, Get Your Marriage License
The first step when you change your surname is to obtain your marriage documents. These documents are crucial, and you can’t move on to the next steps without them. When you’re applying for your marriage license, it’s a good idea to check if you can buy certified copies.
Three to five should be enough to start with. This way, you won’t have to go back for more copies after your certificate is done, but instead, you’ll have all at once. You can put the certificate somewhere safe, but make sure you have your certified copies at hand.
Update the Social Security Card
Nope, just changing your surname isn’t enough. You’ll also need a few other documentation for a surname change, and the first one is your social security card. Applying for one is either done by mail or in-person if you’ve got a Social Security office nearby.
If you’re going in person, fill out the application in advance, and get the following documents too:
- Proof of citizenship, such as a valid passport or a certified copy of a birth certificate
- Proof of identity, such as a valid ID, driver’s license, or passport
- Proof of name change, which is a certified copy of your marriage license
- Your current social security card
Get Yourself a New Passport and Travel Documents
You do want to go on a honeymoon, don’t you? Now, changing your name on a passport is actually a correction, and if you have a new passport issued no more than a year ago, you won’t have to pay a fee.
Passport changes are applied for by mail. There are a couple of documents you’ll need to mail, and here they are:
- Completed DS-82 form
- A certified copy of your marriage license
- Your current passport
- A check for the fee
- A recent photograph of you, in color, 2 x 2” (must meet the passport photo requirements)
Get a New Driver’s License
You could do this before you apply for your passport, but you will need to wait for at least 24 hours after you’ve applied for your new social security card. You won’t have the new one in hand, but 24 hours is enough time for the system to update and have your new name.
Now, updating your driver’s license with the new surname should be done in person. You will very likely need to take a new photograph and pay a renewal fee. These are the documents you should have with you:
- Either a receipt from the Social Security office or your new card if you have it
- Proof of address
- A certified copy of your marriage license
- Your current driver’s license
- A bit of cash
Update Your Bank and Credit Card Companies With Your New Surname
Your bank will still have your old surname until you head out to their local branch in person. Make sure you have a certified copy of your marriage license, as well as your new social security card and driver’s license.
While you’re there, you should make sure to request new checkbooks, as well as a new set of cards. If you’re going to be updating your address, you should have a proof of address, too.
The process of changing your credit cards’ name will depend on the company. Some will require you to head there in person, while others will let you do it online with a proof of identification that has your new surname.
Once you’re able to provide the necessary documentation for a surname change, you should be good to go with your new name and all the documents!
Do you have a story on your name change experience? Please, share them in the comments below.
