After I got married, I felt like, “Okay… now what?! When am I officially Mrs. Blankenship?” On my honeymoon I signed the credit card receipt with my new name, but my airplane boarding pass was still my maiden name. If you too are feeling overwhelmed with where to begin this process, keep reading:
1. Copies of Marriage Certificate
Before you can do anything, you must purchase certified copies of your marriage certificate. These are usually a nominal fee and can be purchased wherever you got your marriage license. Get multiple copies because some agencies won’t return them.
2. Social Security Card
Armed with your certified marriage license, it’s time to fill out form SS-5 to change your Social Security Card. This process can be done online or in-person and there is no charge. This must be done before you can change your name other places. You must have the following documents:
- Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card)
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Proof of identity (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport)
3. Driver’s License
Take your updated Social Security information and head to your local DMV to update your driver’s license. You’ll need the following documents:
- Current driver’s license/ID
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Updated SSA confirmation or card
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, etc.)
4. Passport
When your most recent passport was issued dictates which form you’ll need to complete:
- DS-5504 – If your passport was issued less than 1 year ago (free name change).
- DS-82 – For passports older than 1 year.
- DS-11 – If your passport is expired beyond service requirements or if first-time.
You’ll need:
- Current passport (if applicable)
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Passport photo (2×2)
- Fee (unless using DS-5504 and under 1 year)
5. TSA Pre-Check
Submit your name change via email or fax to TSA. You must include:
- Updated government issued photo ID
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Known Traveller Number
I may take up to 45 days for the change to be processed.
6. Tax Documents
You don’t need to notify the IRS of your name change, the Social Security Administration will do this automatically. However, make sure your tax documents reflect your new name and new filing status.
7. Financial Institutions
Each bank and credit card company is different, so check with your specific institution, but generally you’ll need documents like:
- Updated government issued photo ID
- Certified Marriage Certificate
Some banks may require a completed IRS W-9 form. Additionally, you may be required to go to the bank in person, while some institutions will allow you to complete this change over the phone.
8. Insurance Providers
Each policy will be different, but don’t forget to change:
- Health insurance (often within 30–60 days of marriage)
- Auto insurance
- Life insurance
- Home/renter’s insurance
9. Reoccurring Bills
Don’t forget about your utilities and streaming services! Contact each one directly for specifics.
10. Professional Licenses & Memberships
Update any state professional licenses or memberships (medical boards, engineering licenses, bar associations, etc.) with required forms and your certified marriage certificate.
11. Voter Registration
Visit vote.gov to change your voter registration card. Submit your changes before your state’s registration deadline. The registration deadline for your state can be as early as 30 days before Election Day for a local, state, or national election. Your state may also require you to provide an updated driver’s license or ID card when you register.
12. Student Loans
Visit studentaid.gov and update your name in the Personal Information section of your account. Then contact your loan servicer directly.
13. Medical Providers
Notify your doctor, dentist, pharmacy, and any specialists so billing and medical records match your new name and insurance information.
Name Change Assistance
Still feeling overwhelmed? There are plenty of name change services out there like NewlyNamed, MissNowMrs, and Easy Name Change to assist you! They all vary in price and services, so compare which one will work best for you!
If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke, Richmond, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia, or Charlottesville/ Lynchburg, Virginia, we can help with your wedding planning and ideas.
