It has been an old tradition of a wed lady to abandon her name and take that of her new husband. However, in modern times the tradition has completely become optional. You can choose to have his name or not. As a matter of truth, there is no such law that requires that you change your name to his or his to your name. Changing your name does not only change the way people refer you to, but also have some formal effects. Changing your formal identity can be quite daunting. There are some procedures that always need to be taken, and can be overwhelming considering that you are still in post-wedding blues. However, with the best approaches you can easily carry out the undertaking more comfortably. The best approach is to handle the most complex processes first down to the most unproblematic. Before starting, you will need to have all the necessary documents ready. Possibly, you will require your identification card, and that of your partner. You will also require copies of marriage certificate to act as the proof that you are a husband and wife.
First, you will have to amend your identity with the government. The best point to start with the change name process is with the Social Security Administrating. You will require filling the SS-5 Form to match your new name and specify any other change of personal details that may need alteration after the wedding. This is very essential and can be done online. Changing your details with the SSN will ensure that your tax profile will have to be updated to suit your new marital status. You don't want to be indicted of a tax fraud felony just before you enjoy your new marriage.
Other items that can be changed with the government departments include the driver's license and the car ownership registration. Your voter registration may also need to be altered, your postal addresses with the postal corporation and so on. If you are a frequent traveler or you would like to go out abroad for a honeymoon, make sure that your travel passport is revised.
Getting married away does not imply that you will not continue to work. Therefore, you will need to let the company's management and some close colleagues about your wedding. Thereafter you can have them alter your social security number so as the will be capable to process such documents as W-2 and the payroll files, benefit details and retirement plan information.
In addition, you will also require keeping your financiers, credit card service providers and other credit institutions updated as far as the new status and identity is concerned. Others who will be relevant in the change-name course include the mortgage companies, banks, insurance companies, phone service providers, landlords, doctors and dentists among others. Failing to have your new name with them can result to having some of your services cut off as they always abandon dormant clients. The change-name paperwork mostly involves filling in forms that permit the change of names and other data that may be affected as a result of marriage. So, the earlier you start the process, the better.
Whether or not to change your name after marriage is a personal decision that each person must make on his/her own. But once you’ve decided to take the plunge, you need to be prepared for the administrative tasks that await you. Trying to get all of your IDs and accounts updated can be tedious, and even just knowing where to start is a major task itself. The following checklist should make this process much less worrisome, and hopefully hassle-free:
1. Certified copy of marriage license
Before you begin, make sure you get 2 or 3 certified copies of your marriage license from the office where you applied for the license. You will need to show this document several times as proof of your name change. You really only need one copy - since most places only need to see the copy, not keep it – but it’s best to have a few extras on hand.
2. Driver’s License
The Department of Motor Vehicles is run differently in each state, but it is most likely that you will need to go in person to the local office and show a certified copy of your marriage license. Some states will also have you update your name on your voter registration at the same time that you change your name on your license. If they do not, then make sure you contact the appropriate state office to get this done.
3. Social Security Card
This will also require a visit in person, so locate the Social Security Office in your area. They will need to see a certified copy of your marriage license, as well as another ID with your new name. If you have already completed step #2, then you will have the necessary ID. The Social Security Administration will notify the IRS and the Post Office of your name change, so you do not need to inform these organizations separately.
4. Bank Accounts & 401k
Most banking institutions will need to see a copy of the marriage license (just a regular copy, not a certified copy) along with a written letter stating that you wish to change your name on your accounts. You can either check your accounts online or call each place to see exactly what is needed. Once you have made the change, make sure to order checks with the new name.
5. Passport
You will need to mail in a certified copy of your marriage license along with an application to the appropriate passport center. You can obtain copies of this application from your local post office. If you are not renewing the passport (name change only), there should be no charge. You will get the same passport back, with a stamp in the back with your new name. If you are also renewing the passport, then there will be a fee, but you will get a new passport with your new name on it.
6. Local government offices
In addition to notifying the state and federal governments (which you have done in steps #2 and #3), you should call your local town or county office to notify them of your name change. Since their systems do not always get data from the regional and national systems, it is best to make sure you have everything covered.
7. Employer
Be sure to tell your employer of your name change, since it is important that your benefits and taxes are reported properly. Some employers will change the name with no documentation, but others will need to see the certified copy of the marriage license.
8. Business documents
If you own your own business (like I do), then you need to make sure that all business documents and correspondence gets updated with your new name. This includes business bank accounts, credit cards, letterheads, email addresses, etc.
9. Bills and other statements
With most utilities, like cable, electricity, phone, etc., you can either change your name online with no documentation required, or make a quick phone call to the customer service department.
If you feel like this list is a bit overwhelming, then just make sure you get through the first three steps. They require the most time investment, so get them out of the way first. After that, just pace yourself, and you’ll get the rest done with ease.
Both Jason Hennessey & Rachel Greenberg are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jason Hennessey has sinced written about articles on various topics from Wedding Theme, Wedding Reception and Wedding Bells. Jason Hennessey is the President and founder of 1weddingsource.com, today's leading social networking planning site. 1WeddingSource is a nationwide. Jason Hennessey's top article generates over 4090000 views. to your Favourites.
Rachel Greenberg has sinced written about articles on various topics from Wedding Bells, Marriage. Rachel Greenberg has a background in business and finance, and she received her MBA from Duke University in 1999. She writes fun and informative pieces for her website