Changing name question

I was having a weird discussion with my FI. (long story. we were talking about my friend who didnt change her name because everything would have taken so much time and she just couldnt be bothered)

anyway, when talking about waits and name changes he asked me do you have to change your SS card first meaning do you have to change SS before your drivers license or can you change your drivers license and then your SS.

I said honestly I just dont know. I always thought for anything to be done you had to have your SS done first and then everything else will fall into place as far as changing is concerned just as long as your SS was changed.

So I figured the best place to ask, the newlyweds...

can you change your drives license before your SS or do you HAVE to do SS first before you even think about changing anything else..

Re: Changing name question

I was told you HAVE to go to SS first and so i did..it takes like less than five minutes if no one is in there.. i have yet to battle DMV cause i just HATE it there... i called and changed my credit cards with no problem and i was able to do that right over the phone, i went to open a bank account with my new name and i had to show them my ss card cause i had not changed my licence yet..

Re: Changing name question

I changed both my SS card and my drivers license in the same day. The SS office was no problem, of course there was a wait at the DMV. You have to bring your marriage license to show both. Credit Cards can be done right over the phone. At my bank both me and my husband had to be there because we have a joint account.

Re: Changing name question

I changed my DL 7 months after we were married. We've been married for almost a year and a half and I have yet to make to to SS to change it. But I changed it with my bank and our bank (we have a joint account and they let me make the change alone, but I had to bring the original marriage license and not a copy) and all the other stuff. My taxes were done under my married name last year and this year. I may never get around to changing my name at SS. I'm not too worried about it.
Edit:
While you should probably change it with all necessary agencies, I dont think you have to change your name with any agency in any particular order.

Message edited 3/2/2003 2:28:31 PM.

Re: Changing name question

If you file your taxes under your married name and have not changed your SS # yet you may have a problem. IRS and SS exchange records with regard to your tax withholdings and if they do not match you may not be credited on your SS account with the money that was withheld for FICA. Also your bank records need to match the name on your SS card or IRS may think that you are not paying taxes on any interest you receive.

If you do not plan to change your name with SS you should really be using your maiden name on all the legal stuff just to avoid problems.

Re: Changing name question

How long does it take to get the marriage license in the mail? We sent it on Feb. 18 I'm assuming I should get it any day. I don't start my new job til next week so I have time this week to go to SS and DMV. I hope I get it soon.

Re: Changing name question

I guess the best thing to do is just change SS first.

Thanks for the info.

Now i can go to FI and say here it is, the proof from the experts

Re: Changing name question

metphan - we got our marriage license within two weeks.

chip - I changed SS first too. It was quick & easy.

Re: Changing name question

Reena ~ I share your attitude... I may change my name with SS, and I may not...
Right now I use Jennifer Renee MaidenName HisLastName (no hyphen) on all legal documents and haven't had a bit of a problem, so I figure why bother changing anything???

Message edited 3/2/2003 2:24:16 PM.

Re: Changing name question

exactly!!

Re: Changing name question

I think I am royally screwed...everything is in a different name...

I have to get my act together...where is the nearest SS office to Levittown...I could go after work tomorrow...

my taxes are all in different names...I'm sure to get audited!!!

Re: Changing name question

I did ss only - so far. I went in NYC and it was relatively painless. I went on my lunch hour and with my bus ride there and back (about 5 minutes each way) and the small wait it took me exactly an hour. I am dreading DMV.

Re: Changing name question

just fyi, my mom JUST changed her ss card after 32 years of marriage!

Re: Changing name question

I did DMV first so I had the tempory license to show SS
I think, now I cant even remember!! just make sure you have the original certificate of marriage from the town.... I remember dmv wouldnt accept a copy/ they wanted the letter from the town