The wedding day has come and gone. You recently got hitched and are starting to REALLY enjoy the married life. I hate to break it to ya, but just because you have a marriage license with your new last name doesn’t mean your name is officially changed! No need to fret though! We are going to walk through how to change your last name one step at a time.

You may need to block off a small chunk of time to accomplish all of these changes. Therefore, be prepared to allow yourself a few weeks to get complete your name change with all vendors. Remember to take it one step at a time. If you are stressing out…think of that amazing first kiss lol. Note, that you need to do these steps in a particular order. As a result, the next step requires that the one before is complete. 

 

*** Above all, if you are planning to take a honeymoon after the wedding, book your flight under your maiden name. Also, plan to begin the name changing process once you have returned from your trip. You will need all forms of identification to match.

Step #1 : The Marriage license

Before you can officially change your name, you need to have your original marriage license in hand. If you do not already have it, or it was not automatically sent to you, call the County Clerk’s Office. Be sure to call the same county that you originally filed with. You will need an official and original document from the County Hall, not a photo-copied version. If you are local to the Texas Hill Country, we recommend using the Comal County Clerk’s Office. Bride’s can use this link for instructions on obtaining your marriage license. 

Step #2: Change your last name on your Social Security card

Next, to change your name on your Social Security card, you will need to have proof of your identity. You will need your certified marriage license & your social security card! Fill out and print the “Application for a Social Security Card” and take or mail your application and documents to your local Social Security office.

Step #3: Change your last name on your Driver’s License

Take a trip to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to get a new license. The DMV want to make sure you are who you say you are, so bring every form of identification that you can find–including your new Social Security card!!

Step #4: Change your last name on your bank accounts

Now, this one is a {super important} step, especially if this is your first time you have set up a joint bank account with your spouse. The easiest way to go about changing your name at your bank is to go into a branch location with your marriage license and your new drivers license, and request a name change on your account. You should probably request new debit and credit cards, as well as new checks with your name on them.

Step #5: Other locations to change your name | your job, credit cards, & bills, etc.

Finally, after completing the steps above, the other changes should be fairly simple. For most entities you will need to call and notify them of your name change. They will fix it right away (YAY!!). Others may ask for a copy of your marriage certificate or Social Security card. Be sure to notify: Employers, credit card companies, electric and other utility companies, insurance companies, landlord/mortgage company, investment account providers, your attorney, the post office, schools and alumni associations, the passport office, and the voter registration office. Feeuwww…  Maybe it is time for a nap lol

I hope you enjoyed this post on how to change your last name! Hopefully, you’ve took away some easy steps to make an smooth transition into the newest chapter of your life.

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xoxo,

 

Kelsea

Founder | Lead Consultant