Miss to Mrs: Changing Your Last Name

Ummm Congratulations!

Does it feel different being married?! I had lots of people ask me that and at first it didn’t, but then it did. That’s a story for another time.

But let’s get back to it. You are married (or almost married) and you want to change your last name. Such a big and exciting decision. Let’s dive into how you make that happen

1. You need a copy of your Marriage License

This the official copy with a raised seal from the municipality you got married in. It has to be an original copy which is going to have a raised seal. I would recommend getting at least three copies of your marriage license. Tuck one in the safe and then you have two to send to whatever financial institution is going to require it.

2. You need a new Social Security card

You need to get this before you can change your passport or driver’s license. You have two options here: you can go in person or mail everything in. When we got married, in person appointments were booked for months out so I went the mail route. I mailed a form that I found online, my original driver’s license, and my marriage certificate. If you go in person, you are going to need the same documents. If you go the mail in route, they will mail back your driver’s license in one package and your new social security card in another.

3. Start changing your last name

While you’re waiting for your new social security card, you can start changing your last name at other places that don’t require your new ID. Here is a list of places that you should be able to change your last name without the new social security card:

- Financial Institutions: Bank Accounts, Credit Cards, Loans etc.

- Insurance Providers (Car Insurance, Homeowner’s, Health Insurance, Life Insurance etc.)

- Employer (HR Department, Email Address etc.)

- Professional Associates or Licenses

- Utility Bills (Internet, Electric, Gas etc.)

- Doctor Offices

4. Social Media

Now that you've got the legal last name change in motion, don't forget about all your social media profiles! Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Youtube, LinkedIn. You probably have a lot more places to change your last name than you think you do!

5. Driver's License

Once you’ve received your new Social Security card, you can head to the DMV for your new Driver’s License. Make an appointment and review the checklist so you bring the appropriate documents.

6. Passport

At this point, you should have your new last name on almost everything. If you have post-wedding out of the country travel plans, I recommend waiting until after your honeymoon to change your last name. Once you’re back in the country, you can update your passport! Check the website to make sure you’re mailing in the appropriate documents to change your last name!

Pro Tip

If you want everything everywhere to have your new last name, don’t forget about your email address. I come across people all the time who have been married for yearsssss and never updated their email address. It’s not a requirement but it’s definitely helpful to have everything the same!

I know most people get overwhelmed when they think about everything they have to do to change their last name but honestly, it’s not that bad! If you have a clear action plan like the one we just went through, you should be able to change almost everything in a week or two! The social security card is going to take some time but as soon as you get it, you can get that new driver’s license a few days later. And then you’re done!

See, I told you it’s not so bad 😉 !

xoxo

Alicia

*This is for couples changing their name in the United States*