How to change your name

Have you ever changed your name? Chances are, probably not! Are you wondering where do I even start?? When we were going through our wedding planning, the name changing task for us when Rebecca changed her name seemed overwhelming! We wished we had something like this blog outlining the basics to help guide us through the process.

Definitely something to ask your wedding planner, if they include this as part of their wedding concierge service.

If you would rather utilize a kit to help gather all the forms for you, check out the very bottom of this blog for a kit recommendation.

How to do it yourself

1. Get certified copies of your marriage certificate

Before you do anything else for changing your name, start here! If your name sure where your county office is, visit this website to find your specific area as well as what fees they will be charging.

2. Schedule an appointment social security administration office to get a new social security card with your name change

You will want to fill our and file Form SS-5 and bring the following documents:

• Certified copy of your marriage certificate
• Driver’s license
• Birth certificate or passport
• Old social security card

3. Change your name at your local department of motor vehicles office for a new driver’s license

You will need to bring:

• Certified copy of your marriage certificate
• new social security card
• current driver’s license or state ID
• Vehicle title/registration

4. Update your bank accounts

You will need to bring:

• Certified copy of your marriage certificate
• new social security card
• current driver’s license or state ID

5. Change your name on your passport for easier travel

According to the department of state, here is what to do:

6. Update your information at work

7. Change your name (and address, if you’ve moved) with the postal service

To do this, use the change of address form. You can do this online or at your local USPS office.

8. Notify the rest of your name change:

• Utility bills, (Electric, telephone, meeting, water, etc.) a
• Credit Cards
• Mortgage
• Email accounts
• Insurance policies, (health, life, term, disability, car, renters, homeowners, dental)
• Debt, (car loans, school loads, etc.)
• Car title
• Memberships & subscriptions (gym, amazon prime, Netflix, etc.)
• Investments (Stocks, mutual funds, IRA, 401K, etc.)
• Last will and testament
• Professional license(s)
• Medical providers (primary physician dentist, chiropractor, etc.)
• Voter’s registration
• Social media accounts

Want help with your name change?

Hitch Switch will help simplify your name changing process and keep you on track!

Ok let’s get back to the fun part, check out some of our engagement and wedding posts:

The Knot Best of Wedding 2021

Carmel Beach Engagement

Monterey WeddingBeach Wedding