Weddingbee boards

Hi All, 

My Driver's license is about to expire, so I was thinking of  changing my name now.  Does anyone know what needs to be done? What sequence I should be contacting  government departments?  Or how long does it usually take? 

Has anyone used an on-line service to do it?  Is it a lot less work?

Thank you!

All the online services do are populate the forms you will need with your data (name, dob, etc.).  They won't actually do the mailing or leg work for you which is really the biggest part of the job. Personally I thought all the forms were easy to find and fill in so I wouldn't think paying a service to do it is necessary. But if you aren't internet savvy or don't have the time to find the forms you need perhaps it's worth it. 

As far as order it really depends on your state. I know in VA you can change your driver's license with just your marriage license. In general though I'd say the most important thing is getting your new social security card. Most everything else will be easy once you have that. You will have to visit your local SS office and wait (mine was quick and easy and I got a new card in less then 2 wks in the mail). 

I agree that the legwork is the hardpart. I haven't found changing my name difficult, just time consuming and I doubt an online program will help with that. I'll give you the tips I have from doing it in Oregon. Might be different in your state.

First, you'll need a certified copy of your marriage licence. The pretty certificate won't get you anything. I had to go in person to the county office and purchase copies. I was recommended to get two copies, so that you don't have to go back to the county if an institution keeps a copy.

The first place to go is Social Security. It was surprisingly easy. There's a simple form, and I just showed them my marriage certificate. I received a letter that day stating that I had changed my name, and a new copy of my SS card arrived in the mail a few days later.

Next, DMV. Since I did it the same day that I went to SS (and therefore did not have my new card), I showed them my marriage licence, my old SS card, and my letter from SS saying that I had changed my name with them.

I had to wait until my actual SS card arrived before I could change my name at work, because they needed to make a copy of it for their records. 

Then there's the banks, retirement funds, health insurance, car and house title, frequent flyer programs, etc. You'll have to check with all your own institutions to see how they do it. Some will require you to mail a copy of your marriage licence. Do the ones that only need to see a copy in person first, to reduce the number of copies that you need. That hasn't been too bad, since I have to contact them all anyway to add my husband to the accounts.