Monday, April 1, 2013

How to Change Your Name After Marriage


Below, you will find a step-by-step guide to changing your name without all the hassles that everyone seems to talk about.
  1. Marriage Licenses - First, make sure you have multiple certified copies (I recommend 3) of your marriage license.
  2. Social Security Card - First update your Social Security Card.  To apply for a new Social Security Card, complete the form listed below and mail it to your local Social Security Office (found here).
  3. Passport - Next, update your passport (if you have one). Visit the site listed below, gather the items needed (confirm that you are completing the correct forms) and mail them in as directed.
  4. DMV - Then, change your name with the DMV.  Contact your local DMV to find out what the paperwork requirements are, but I would recommend bringing every form of identification that you can find (birth certificate, marriage license, old license, passport, etc.
  5. Everything Else -   Most of the other changes you will need to make can be taken care of by completing this process.
    1. Add all of your accounts to this Excel Spreadsheet.
    2. Open this Word Document.
    3. Edit all of the information that is highlighted to personalize the template.
    4. If you know how to use mail merge, the document is all set up for that using the Spreadsheet above.  If not, you can copy and paste the information into the Word document and print individual letters for each of your accounts.
    5. The letter can be updated to include other information that may need to be changed.
    6. Include a photocopy of your marriage license with each letter (do NOT send your certified copies unless it is specifically requested).
    7. Mail the letters and you're all set.
Items that may be handled (some of these items may require additional information) in #5 include (but are not limited to):

  • Employer information
  • Credit Card Accounts
  • Financial Accounts
  • Mailing Address
  • Utility Companies
  • Homeowner/Rental information
  • Attorneys
  • Medical accounts
  • Voter Registration
  • Schools
  • Insurance accounts
  • Subscriptions
Credit for post: http://jayhawkgirlskitchen.blogspot.com/2012/08/tackling-biggest-hassle-of-getting.html