Whether or not to change your name after marriage is a personal
decision that each person must make on his/her own. But once
you've decided to take the plunge, you need to be prepared for
the administrative tasks that await you. Trying to get all of your
IDs and accounts updated can be tedious, and even just knowing where
to start is a major task itself. The following checklist should make
this process much less worrisome, and hopefully hassle-free:

1. Certified copy of marriage license
Before you begin, make sure you get 2 or 3 certified copies of your
marriage license from the office where you applied for the license.
You will need to show this document several times as proof of your
name change. You really only need one copy - since most places only
need to see the copy, not keep it - but it's best to have a
few extras on hand.

2. Driver's License
The Department of Motor Vehicles is run differently in each state,
but it is most likely that you will need to go in person to the
local office and show a certified copy of your marriage license.
Some states will also have you update your name on your voter
registration at the same time that you change your name on your
license. If they do not, then make sure you contact the appropriate
state office to get this done.

3. Social Security Card
This will also require a visit in person, so locate the Social
Security Office in your area. They will need to see a certified copy
of your marriage license, as well as another ID with your new name.
If you have already completed step #2, then you will have the
necessary ID. The Social Security Administration will notify the IRS
and the Post Office of your name change, so you do not need to
inform these organizations separately.

4. Bank Accounts & 401k
Most banking institutions will need to see a copy of the marriage
license (just a regular copy, not a certified copy) along with a
written letter stating that you wish to change your name on your
accounts. You can either check your accounts online or call each
place to see exactly what is needed. Once you have made the change,
make sure to order checks with the new name.

5. Passport
You will need to mail in a certified copy of your marriage license
along with an application to the appropriate passport center. You
can obtain copies of this application from your local post office.
If you are not renewing the passport (name change only), there
should be no charge. You will get the same passport back, with a
stamp in the back with your new name. If you are also renewing the
passport, then there will be a fee, but you will get a new passport
with your new name on it.

6. Local government offices
In addition to notifying the state and federal governments (which
you have done in steps #2 and #3), you should call your local town
or county office to notify them of your name change. Since their
systems do not always get data from the regional and national
systems, it is best to make sure you have everything covered.

7. Employer
Be sure to tell your employer of your name change, since it is
important that your benefits and taxes are reported properly. Some
employers will change the name with no documentation, but others
will need to see the certified copy of the marriage license.

8. Business documents
If you own your own business (like I do), then you need to make sure
that all business documents and correspondence gets updated with
your new name. This includes business bank accounts, credit cards,
letterheads, email addresses, etc.

9. Bills and other statements
With most utilities, like cable, electricity, phone, etc., you can
either change your name online with no documentation required, or
make a quick phone call to the customer service department.

If you feel like this list is a bit overwhelming, then just make
sure you get through the first three steps. They require the most
time investment, so get them out of the way first. After that, just
pace yourself, and you'll get the rest done with ease.

About the Author

Rachel Greenberg has a background in business and finance, and she
received her MBA from Duke University in 1999. She writes fun and
informative pieces for her website http://www.bargainfamily.com,
which she created with her husband Lee. The website provides advice
and recommendations for families on various products and services
for their homes, lives, and businesses.

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