Changing your name

changing yourName

After months of planning your wedding and all the details that go along with making your special day one to remember, you’re finally able to relax and enjoy spending time with your new spouse. But if you or your spouse plan on changing your name, there is more work to be done. How does that work, exactly?

From changing your driver’s license, to bank account, Social Security card, and more, getting your name changed on all official documents can be a process, but it is important to ensure accuracy.

Don’t try to start the name change game before you say, “I do.” It’s a waste of time and you have plenty of other priorities to take care of. Instead, start after you say your vows.

First, stop by your county’s Register of Deeds office and get at least two certified copies of your marriage license. It is a good idea to make several more non-certified copies as well.

One of the first documents that

should be changed is your Social Security card. This should be on the top of your to-do list as some banks want your new name on your Social Security card before opening an account. Updating your card will also ensure your wages are posted correctly to your Social Security records. Changing your Social Security card cannot be More Post-Wedding Tasks to Tackle done online; however there is no charge to make the changes. • Thank you notes To change your name on your • Vendor reviews Social Security • Dress cleaning and/or card you will need preservation to complete Form SS-5. These forms • Gift returns can be obtained at http://www. • Registry completion socialsecurity.gov/ forms/ss-5.pdf. Additionally, you will need proof of your identity. Sometimes you also may need to prove your current U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status. This can be done with a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued, non-driver ID card.Mail your application to your local Social Security office.

To change your driver’s license, stop by your local department of motor vehicles office. You will need to bring a certified copy of your marriage license. If your license has a gold star in the upper right corner, you will also need to bring your current driver’s license or ID card, two documents proving your residential address such as a utility bill, bank stub, phone bill among other items.

If your license does not contain the star you will need to bring more items. This includes a document that proves your date of birth, identity and citizenship. This can be a valid and unexpired U.S. Passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate as well as other items.

You will also need to bring documents that prove your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a pay stub with your name and full Social Security number. For more information on what documents are needed, visit http://dps. sd.gov.

Now that you have a new Social Security card and driver’s license, other documents can be updated.

If international travel is in your future, be sure to update or receive a passport. You may run into troubles if you have a passport in one name and a driver’s license in another. Find need to know info at http://travel.state.gov. It does take a while for your passport to be issued - four to six weeks, however expedited processing can be requested for a charge.

If you are honeymooning abroad and are using your maiden name and will later change your name, don’t worry about losing all your visas and stamps. Your old, cancelled passport can be sent separately from your new passport.

Other documents should be changed such as bank accounts and mortgages, credit cards, investments, utilities, health insurance, voter registration, other legal documents and with your employer.

Each entity seems to have its own policy when it comes to the name change game, but relax, and enjoy your new spouse. n