Some useful advice for name change

MiniBride Posted: Nov 14, 2001 08:18 PM

Some useful advice for name change

For those of you brides-to-be that are planning to change your names, I thought I'd offer some friendly advice. :)

Start the process as soon as you recieve your marriage license. Go to the Social Security office first (it take 5 minutes). Be sure to go first thing in the morning, or right before they close - it's less busy during those times and you don't need an appointment.

Go to the DMV next - if possible, make an appointment in advance! It should only take 15 minutes if you have an appt. The SS office will give you a note stating that you have already changed your name with their agency. You will need to take a new picture.

Once you have these items changed, the rest is pretty simple. Make a list of all agencies that you'll need to contact about the change. Here's a suggested start:

Friends and family
Employers/payroll
Health insurance
Doctor’s Office
Post office
Phone Company and other utilities
Banks
Car Lease
Student Loans
Credit cards
Schools and alumni associations
Supermarket coupon programs
Registrar of voters

Frequent Flyer Programs:
American Airlines – fax 1-817-963-7882; Attn; Advantage Customer Service

United Airlines - change by mail only
Delta Airlines – fax 1-404-773-1945; Attn: Frequent Flyer Center

Hotel Frequent Stay Programs:
Marriott Rewards - fax: 801-468-4033
Hilton Honors - fax: 972-490-6818

Other documents to change:
US Passport
Mortgages and leases
Wills
Insurance policies
Magazine subscriptions

staci Posted: Nov 14, 2001 08:20 PM

MiniBride

Thank you so much. This really helps a lot!!

Teri Posted: Nov 14, 2001 08:41 PM

what a great list - thanks!! NM

Kel Posted: Nov 14, 2001 09:55 PM

My experience...

I had read on some lawyer`s website to change the driver`s license first, then Social Security. So, that`s the order I did them in. However, we had actually done my bank accounts first so we could deposit the wedding money, nearly all of which were checks written to both my husband and me, with the new last name. My husband and I didn`t have any joint accounts prior to the wedding, so after we got back and settled in, we added his name to one of my accounts, and I changed my name. All I needed for this was the marriage certificate, and I believe my old driver`s license, to show proof of who I used to be.

The DMV and Social Security also wanted to see the marriage certificate. But, as for which to do first, driver`s license or Social Security .. in my opinion, it didn`t seem to really matter. Although, the DMV does give you a new temporary license with the new name on it .. but, just remember, the actual driver`s license, with your new photo and new name, doesn`t come for a couple of weeks. Most importantly, no matter where you go to make a name change, take your marriage certificate along .. the original, unless they tell you they`ll accept a copy.