So now you’ve got to change your last name…why is it that the guys have it so easy in this whole wedding process?! Ha. That’s another post, I guess. For now, I’ll focus on what you need to know to make yourself an official (insert groom’s last name here)!
First, just know that the task ahead of you isn’t impossible, and really…it isn’t that horrible. In fact, if you’re reading this as a soon-to-be married woman, you can start a lot of the paperwork now and save yourself some time later! So here’s the deal:
- Driver’s License
- Just go to your local driver’s license office with your marriage certificate and $10 cash. (Seriously, don’t forget the cold, hard cash. I did. I had to make two trips.) There might be a wait, but other than that, it’s pretty simple.
- Social Security Card
- Go here
- You have to provide a bit of documentation, but again…its pretty simple. Apparently you can mail everything in or just go to the Social Security Office. I did the latter and had a positive experience. If you do go to the office, fill out the form beforehand and you’ll be golden.
- Bank Accounts and Cards
- Your marriage license should be sufficient (as well as another form of ID…even if it has the old name). And remember, if you’re joining accounts with the hubby…he has to be there too!
- Passport!
- This is my personal fave as I LOVE to travel.
- Go here
- This was a surprisingly quick process (despite the government’s warning that it could take FOREVER). And since you’re sending your actual current passport along with other super important docs, I’d definitely use a traceable delivery method like the site says…the good ol’ U.S. Postal Service can do that for you!
- Insurance
- Check with your provider about this
- Vehicle/Title Registration
- First, go here if you don’t already know where your County Tax Office is.
- You’ll need documentation of your name change (i.e. Marriage License), current title & registration papers, and $28.
- Other things to think about:
- If you’re moving, don’t forget to ask the post office to forward your mail.
- Apparently, this is also important…basically it tells the IRS you have a new address and a new name. (I’d say do this after your SS card is changed)
I hope this helps ease the headache for some of you. Remember, even though I’ve done the ground work for you, it never hurts to double-check my research. And just FYI, the driver’s license info is for Texas…in case you didn’t know. Aaaaaand, in case you’re still overwhelmed, there are services out there (just google ‘em) that you can pay for that will basically fill out most of the forms for you. All you have to do is pull together the documents and show up to whichever office suits your fancy.
