You’re so close to getting married that now is the time to start the process of changing your name. As if the to-do list for your wedding planning isn’t already overwhelming and long enough, now you have to change your name with endless accounts and companies. Have no fear, we’ve given you a comprehensive name change checklist to ensure you don’t forget any account or document.
We’ve also created a printable PDF name change checklist that you’ll find at the bottom of this post to make it easy for you to check off as you go.
When to legally change your name
With a destination wedding the big question is when you should legally change your name. You don’t want to run any risk of travel issues, but aren’t sure if you should start the process before your trip. Also, what if you legally get married before your destination wedding?
The most important thing to know is this: Your ID and passport MUST match your travel documents. If you decided to legally get married you can wait to update your passport and social security card until after your destination wedding. Make sure your travel documents have your maiden name that matches your current legal documents and you’ll be just fine. You can also wait to legally get married until you’ve returned from your trip and start the name change process right away.
It can be tempting to get a head start on this stuff early, but we all know how long the SSA and DMV can take, and you don’t want to risk any issues with security, customs, or boarding your plane.
Before you start checking these off, we’ll give you a general list of what they might require from you in order to change your name.
Items that may be needed:
- Original marriage license
- Copy of your marriage license
- Social security number
- Visit to a specific location
We’ve broken this name change checklist up by category, starting with the big and time consuming stuff.
Legal documents
These are usually the most daunting and time consuming. Since they’re legal documents they typically require the most information as well. Some of these require a visit to a location (like the DMV or post office) while others can be completed online or through your employer.
- Social security
- Driver’s license (DMV)
- Postal service
- Passport
- Work (tax forms like your W2)
- Registrar of Voters
Financial
Updating your financial accounts will prevent any problems down the road as you and your husband join finances. This will also be beneficial for any loans or mortgages you apply for together if you haven’t already.
While you’re updating your investment accounts make sure to double check that your beneficiaries are up to date as well. Personally, I waited to add my husband as a beneficiary until we were married and then everything was updated at the same time.
- Bank accounts
- Investment accounts
- 401k’s
- IRA’s
- Stocks or mutual funds
- Debt accounts
- Car loans
- Student loans
- Mortgage
- Credit cards
- Store cards
General Services
Some of your insurance policies may be through the same company, making that list a little easier to cross off. Make sure to get a new ID card for your car, health, and dental insurance as well.
- Insurance policies
- Car
- Home
- Renter’s
- Health
- Dental
- Life
- Utility bills
- Cell phone
- Water
- Heat
- Electric
Medical
If you go to the same facility for most medical services you’ll only need to update it with that facility, not each individual doctor/department. We advise updating your health insurance first so that you can then take your updated insurance cards/information to the below facilities and that should be all they need.
- Primary doctor
- Dental office
- Pharmacy
- Chiropractor
Entertainment
Most of these just require you to log into your account and change. While you’re there, double check the credit card you use to pay for them and make sure those have been updated as well. Credit cards are listed above, but one can be easily missed if you only use it for one service.
- Gym
- Netflix/Hulu/HBO
- Spotify/Amazon Music
- Social Media
What did you guys think of our name change checklist? Anything we missed that you feel should be included? Comment below or contact us here!