NAVIGATING THE NAME CHANGE

You’ve got that shiny new ring, but now its time you show off that new name! Just because you have a marriage license with your new last name, doesn’t mean you’ve officially changed your name. If you thought that was the hard part, wait until you see the lines at the social security office and DMV. It’s a lot of work and by that we mean you’re about to spend a lot of time filling out government forms, listening to automated messages and standing in long lines. By the time you’ve worked your way through the process, you’ll have a wallet full of cards flaunting your new name. It will all be worth it in the end... but where to start? To save you some of the hassle we’ve put together a guide of what you’ll need to do, the order you’ll need to do it in, and exactly what you’ll need to have with you to make the process as painless as possible!

Diana Mcintrye Photography

There’s a shortcut to all of this! Make it easy on yourself and fast-track your paperwork with name changing kits from sites like:

• Hitchswitch.com • Newlynamed.com • namechangekit.com GET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE & CERTIFIED COPIES These documents are the most important part, and you can’t move on to step two without them. When you’re applying for your marriage license, ask if you can purchase certified copies in advance. (We recommend buying three to start.) This way, instead of having to go back to get copies once you’ve received your marriage certificate after your wedding, you’ll get your certificate and your certified copies all at once. Stash the certificate somewhere safe, but keep the certified copies onhand. You’ll need them.

UPDATE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD Now that you have proof of your marriage, you’ll need to let the government know which name you’d like to go by. You can either apply for a new social security card by mail or in person at your local Social Security office. If you plan on going to the Social Security office in person, save yourself some time by filling out the application for a social security card in advance. You will also need to bring the following documents:

• Proof of Citizenship: your valid passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate. • Proof of Name Change: a certified copy of your marriage license. • Proof of Identity: This must show your name, date of birth or age, and have a recent photograph. (valid driver’s license, your valid passport, or a valid state-issued identification card) • Your current Social Security card. You will keep the same number when your card is replaced.

GET A NEW DRIVER’S LICENSE After you’ve gone to the Social Security office, you will want to complete the “Application for renewal/Replacement/Change of A Texas Drivers License Or Identification Card” online. You can do so by clicking drivers license forms at the bottom of the dps.texas.gov website. Take the application and $11 with you to the DPS office (it can only be done in person). Some DPS offices also let you book an appointment, so be sure to check beforehand. When you go to the DPS office, bring the following documents with you:

• Your receipt from the Social Security office (just in case) or your new Social Security card if you already have it. • Your current driver’s license. • A certified copy of your marriage license. • Your checkbook or cash or they now also take debit and credit cards.

PASSPORTS Now that you have your social security card and your drivers license, now you can get your new passport! All passport changes must be done by mail! You will need to complete a passport application online. (www.us.state.gov) You then will need to send the application and other documents to the U.S. Department of State. • Send your original passport, certified copy of your marriage license and one passport photo with the application. You will want to send this by traceable mail. • Your new passport should arrive in 4-6 weeks unless you expedite it!

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