Name change help

I am changing my name. Where do I begin? I feel like there is so much to do, but don't know where to start. Please help!

Re: Name change help

You cannot do anything until you have the marriage ceritificate..this is what you are referring to?? correct??? Once you have that then the next place would be social security office, to get a new SS card with your new name, after that it is all easy. Reminder, keep everything consistent, b/c if you don't there will be problems. My job was not willing to change anything for me tax or 401K related until they have proof of it with my SS card. I am taking it all step by step. I hope I helped some how

Re: Name change help

Can I use a copy of the marraige certificate?
I am not sure if the one I got in the mail is a copy or the original. I am confused...do I get an original? How long does it take to come? HELP!!!

Re: Name change help

Dear Nicole

I got the Name change kit listed on this site in the lagal category. It was so helpful and helped me stay organized. I needed that. It's reasonable also. Love a good deal

Re: Name change help

Nicole,
I recieved my ML in the mail about 2 weeks after the wedding. Its the orginial. YOu need to bring the ORIGINAL to SS and DMV.

Re: Name change help

I am assuming the original has our original signatures on it...right?

I think I'm still in lala land after the wedding and honeymoon. Sorry!

Re: Name change help

Hope this helps:

A few frequently asked questions with answers provided to assist in understanding the name change process.

Q. Can I change my name before I get married?
A. No. You must have your marriage certificate to change your name, this
comes after the wedding from the county or country in which you were married and has an embossed county/country seal on the document.

Q. When can I start the name change process?
A. After you receive your certificate of marriage, approximately 2-3 weeks
after your wedding.

Q. I am getting married in a couple months, we are going to honeymoon out of the country, do I need to change my passport?
A. You will have to wait until you get back from your honeymoon to
change your passport. Therefore, you will still be using your maiden
name when traveling on your honeymoon. Make your flight reservations
in your maiden name so your passport/drivers license match.

Q. What if I want to hyphen/non-hyphen my maiden and married name, do I still need to make a name change?
A. Yes, even if you are hyphenating/non-hyphenating your maiden with
your married name you must notify the appropriate government agencies
and your personal records to effectively change your name.

Q. What record do I change first?
A. The kit walks you through six steps and provides all the official forms
and addresses of your area taking you through a complete name change
process. Our recommendation is to start with your social security record
(our 1st step).

Q. Can I change my name by mail?
A. Most all records can be changed through the mail. All forms and addresses are included in the kit to facilitate your mailing option. The record you must make a personal appearance for will be your State Drivers License or State Identification Card.

Q. Do I have to change my name on everything?
A. Our recommendation is that you make a complete and comprehensive
name change, the reason being there can be considerable confusion if
you do not. Our kit is designed to take you through every conceivable
record you may have and provide a name change form for those records.

Q. What is the time frame for changing my name after marriage?
A. Most agencies want to be notified within a reasonable period of time
(one month); however, some brides find that a large amount of time has
passed before they actually have the time to devote to this process. We
have helped many women who have waited up to 5 years to change their
name.

Re: Name change help

Thanks! That was a big help!