Changing Last Name Question

I changed my last name to DH's when we went to get our marriage certificate. Now Im too lazy to change my name on all official documents, credit cards, checks,etc.

Is it ok to leave my maiden name on everything even though my name was changed to his on our marriage certificate?
or will I run into problems down the road?

Re: Changing Last Name Question

You will run into problems down the road with Social Security. When and if you eventually claim benefits you will hae a problem collecting for the years you had two different names. They will not give you the benefit of the doubt that you are the same person so easily.

It's also a problem if you plan on traveling overseas and for some other transactions.

Have you had to show picture ID for anything? If your license is not in the name you use or your documents are not constent you can have problems.

Re: Changing Last Name Question

No, you don't have to change over everything. I have changed over all of my card except for two. I would just change the really important things like bank accounts, social security card (a must), passport, loans and any bills, such as phone bills, etc., that are in your maiden name. The credit companies have your maiden name on file so you can leave some cards, such as departments stores in your maiden name. You can use up all of your checks that are in your madien name, I still have some. But I still changed it just to be safe.

Re: Changing Last Name Question

Honestly the most important things you need to do you should really do...DMV and Social Security. You can run into issues with them down the road...and if you go first thing in the morning you can can both done by noon.

Everything else is such a breeze you can do it by mail (passport) or phone (credit cards).

The only one i am having issues with is my bank. I changed my name with them but they never gave me a new Debit Card so i sign it with my maiden name. I also kept the checks i had in my maiden name and just cross off my maiden name and write in my new name. It has not been an issue yet.

Re: Changing Last Name Question

The only one i am having issues with is my bank. I changed my name with them but they never gave me a new Debit Card so i sign it with my maiden name. I also kept the checks i had in my maiden name and just cross off my maiden name and write in my new name. It has not been an issue yet.

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Can you got to the bank in person? DH and I did that and it took 10 minutes. I got my new debit card in the mail 5 days later and the checks should be here any day now. All I had to show them was the marriage license because I already had an account there and we were just consolidating accounts.

Re: Changing Last Name Question

Thanks ladies..I didnt know about the SS being a problem. I guess I will go ahead and change everything over then.

Re: Changing Last Name Question

Honestly do it now, its just easier. I know its a pain but in the end it will all be done.

Here are some helpful websites for you.
Do your Social Security first!

Then your Driver's License

Some other things to remember to change (Just show proof, bring/submit your Marrage Licence and/or photo ID with new info, of course ):
-Passport
-Bank Accounts
-Work Documents: Paycheck, 401K, Beneficary Forms
-Credit Cards (call them, but I did it over the phone)
-Insurance: Medical, Dental, Car

Re: Changing Last Name Question

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Posted by May2004

Honestly do it now, its just easier. I know its a pain but in the end it will all be done.

Here are some helpful websites for you.
Do your Social Security first!

Then your Driver's License

Some other things to remember to change (Just show proof, bring/submit your Marrage Licence and/or photo ID with new info, of course ):
-Passport
-Bank Accounts
-Work Documents: Paycheck, 401K, Beneficary Forms
-Credit Cards (call them, but I did it over the phone)
-Insurance: Medical, Dental, Car

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Thanks for the links!!