PRO SPOTLIGHT

PLANNING TOOL

THE EASIEST GUIDE TO

changing your last name

AFTER THE WEDDING

Your newlywed bliss can quickly come to an end when it comes time to endure the dreaded task of changing your last name. The legal process can often take the romance out of taking your significant other’s last name. If you get yourself organized with the proper documents, the process can be less strenuous, allowing you to continue to revel in your newlywed happiness.

1.

GET THE ORIGINAL MARRIAGE LICENSE FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE

The original license should come from the clerk’s office where your license was filed. One should automatically be sent to you a couple weeks after the wedding. The original document should have a raised seal and your new last name. Also, it’s a good idea to request copies.

3.

APPLY FOR A NEW LICENSE AT THE BMV

Getting a new license from the local Bureau of Motor Vehicles office requires a few documents, namely your old license, the original marriage license and your new Social Security card. Remember to change your address if you have moved after the wedding.

5.

UPDATE YOUR BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION

The easiest way to do this is to visit your local branch in person. Take your new license, your marriage license and your new Social Security card, and ask for your name to be changed on your account. Request new checks, debit cards and credit cards with your new name.

2.

REQUEST A NEW SOCIAL SECURITY CARD

If you visit the Social Security Administration’s website, you can find an application for a change of name here. This is a free service. Print the application, fill it out, and include any required documents. You can either take your application to a nearby Social Security office or mail it in. You should receive your new card with your new last name in approximately 10 days.

4.

CHANGE YOUR LAST NAME WITH YOUR HR DEPARTMENT

When your new Social Security card comes in the mail, meet with your HR manager at work to switch your name over. This includes payroll, 401k, your insurance benefits, stocks etc.

6.

UPDATE YOUR LAST NAME ON OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ACCOUNTS

As time goes on, you will remember more accounts that your last name must be changed on. Remember to keep all of the necessary documents within reach to easily change your name.

Chantel Miller

CHANTEL MILLER STORYTELLING

Picture this: you just got engaged and are looking for vendors who can help make your day a success. You stumble upon a photographer who offers to help you with your planning process and nailing down a timeline while also collaborating with you to understand what your expectations and desired style of photography are. Now, what if I told you that you could get all of that with one photographer?

Chantel Miller Storytelling is more than just a photographer. With a vision for telling your story through her photographs, Chantel is there to be involved in your wedding day instead of just snapping pictures of it. She loves hearing from her couples about their wedding planning process, seeing pictures of her brides’ dresses and sending tips she’s picked up to help your wedding run smoother. We had a chance to sit down with Chantel and learn more about how she came to love photography and capturing her couples’ stories.