Change, Change, Change

Deciding whether or not to change your last name as a result of marriage is a big, and sometimes controversial, decision. Some women choose not to change their names at all while some have been dreaming of taking their husband’s last name for years. Still others may opt to keep their maiden name in the professional arena while using their spouse’s name for their social lives. Here at Details, we cannot make this decision for you, as it is a very personal one, but we can tell you HOW to change it if you so decide.

The first thing you need to know is that when you are making reservations for your honeymoon, you MUST use your maiden name! Your driver’s license, and passport if you need it, will still be in your given name. Kind of a bummer if you’ve really become excited about taking your new hubby’s name but a necessary evil, nonetheless.

You may also want to inform those you work with, especially your boss or HR department, if you’re going to change your name because your e-mail address, business cards, and financial information may all change as well. You might have to wait to change your name on tax/financial documents until after you receive your new social security card but it is a good idea to at least give them a heads up.

If you haven’t already, tell your close family and friends about your new name as well (and the spelling, just in case) because monogrammed gifts are popular and you don’t want any confusion with that.
NOW, after you’re married, and have received your marriage license in the mail – which could take a couple weeks – get your new social security card! This is needed for many other formal changes, like paperwork and your driver’s license, so it is important to get the ball rolling on this as soon as possible. If you go to the social security website (which we have conveniently looked up for you - http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf) you can print off the form, fill it out and take it to your local social security office, along with your marriage license, and viola! You should receive your new card right then and there.

The next step is to change your name on your driver’s license. Just take your marriage license (a handy tool, is it not?) to your local DMV and they should take care of it for you without too much hassle. However, some do require that you show your social security card with your changed name on it but it depends on the location…check before you go in.
All that’s left to do is change your name with every single organization, club and business you belong to and you’re all set! These are mostly people you pay money to…like your bank, your insurance company, your utilities…you get the idea. You should be able to send each a letter with all necessary information and a copy of your marriage license and they will take care of it. There should be no cost involved, either.
Oh, and don’t forget to get used to your new name yourself. Although, for some of us, that won’t be so difficult. Happy changing!