Hello ladies! In all my post-wedding glow, I have been trying to get some business done! That involves changing my name to Haykin (something I was very excited about but did not do without thought). It is kinda a jungle out there when it comes to name changing. There are a lot of resources but I found out somethings while I was doing it that I thought I would share. This is only the first part (as evidenced by the title) because we are tackling the credit cards and bank accounts next. Be sure to come back for that information.Ok, let's get started. The name change game actually begins BEFORE you get married, at least in Colorado. While I cannot verify this for other states, I will tell you how it works here and you can be prepared to ask the right questions.
- Marriage License:This is a key part of changing your name. You can't do ANYTHING without it. When we went to get our marriage license, the clerk asked us if we wanted certified copies. Why would we need them, we asked. Well, it turns out that some places want you to mail them a copy of your marriage license (though I have not yet run into that) but additionally, I felt a heck of a lot safer carrying around certified copies than carrying our ACTUAL marriage license around. When we picked up our license, we ordered three certified copies. See if you can do this as well, as it will save you time on the other side. It already took weeks to get the license back... I would have been sad to wait for copies too.
- Social Security Card:This is your first stop once you have that marriage license in your hand. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. You can't do anything else until you are in the SS system with your new name. As far as I can tell, the Social Security Administration does not take appointments for SS card issues. That means you have to stand in line. It took me 2 hours (and I got there before they opened) to get to the counter and talk to someone. My advice here? Read this PDF on how to change your name with Social Security and fill out the form at the end. Bring it with you to the office. This speeds things up because if you don't, you will have to fill it out on-site. Notice they ask for SS numbers of your parents... yeah, I had to call my mom about that one! I don't know how it works if you don't have that information. Here is the document: Application For A Social Security Card. To find your local office, go here. At this appointment, you will need to bring:
- Marriage License
- Driver's License
- And if you haven't been there before... bring your passport just in case. They sometimes need evidence of age and US Citizenship and it can't hurt to be prepared.
- Your application form
This process can be done by mail or in-person. I recommend in person because you cannot do anything else until your name is changed in the SS system. Once you have completed it on-site, you know when you can proceed to the next steps! You will not get your new card on-site. That takes a few weeks but they will give you a letter saying that it's happening with your new name.
- Driver's License:Here's something I didn't see ANYWHERE when I was looking up how to change my name... You cannot go from the Social Security office to the DMV in the same day. I had set myself up to do that and was told I had to wait at least 24 hours for the system to update. Yikes. That means two separate days in government offices. Also, at least in Colorado, you can make DMV appointments. That is great! I was in and out in 20 minutes! Remember to check with your local DMV for their requirements. This is only based on my experiences. Once you are there, they will ask for all your documents and process you. If you wear glasses, you will get the vision test again and then they will call you up to take a new picture (SMILE) and sign your new name... yes ladies, sign you new name so practice before you go! :) Once you have waited 24 hours, here is what you need to bring to the DMV:
- Your old driver's license (they will punch a hole in it because it isn't valid anymore but I kept mine since my credit cards are still in my maiden name... weeee! I get to say maiden name!)
- Marriage License
- Letter from Social Security or your card (but really they will just look you up in their system)
- CASH OR CHECKS! Most DMVs will NOT accepts cards! Bring cash or checks. It costs $21 in Denver, Colorado.
- Proof of address if you have moved. This includes:
- Utility bill IN YOUR NAME WITH NEW ADDRESS
- Pay check stub IN YOUR NAME WITH NEW ADDRESS
- Credit Card statement IN YOUR NAME WITH NEW ADDRESS
- Phone bill IN YOUR NAME WITH NEW ADDRESS
- Mortgage or rent document IN YOUR NAME WITH NEW ADDRESS
- Tax document IN YOUR NAME WITH NEW ADDRESS
- Homeowners/renters insurance policy IN YOUR NAME WITH NEW ADDRESS
- Vehicle registration IN YOUR NAME WITH NEW ADDRESS
- Your Work:This last piece I have for you is somewhat vague. Of course, let your work know that you are getting married and planning on changing your name. In my case, my husband came onto my insurance so there was a lot of paperwork to do. To change the name with our payroll company, I needed a marriage license and a copy of my new social security card. The best idea is to speak to your HR or Finance folks and ask the questions. Every workplace is different but don't be afraid to have the conversation. In my office, I also had to put a work order in with IT to get a new email address. Who knows when they actually with start using my last name! :)
Well, that's what I have for your today. Stay tuned, I will update you on the next steps!