5 Step Name Change Checklist After Marriage or Divorce

Name Change Checklist

During the preparation for a wedding, there is so much going on in your daily life from choosing the bridal gown design to finding the right venue and much more. One of the most important things that get overlooked during this hectic time is a legal name change. While everyone has a right to change their name at any point in their life, marriage is the main reason people finally get to do this. Truth be told, the legal name change can be tedious and it is no wonder most newlyweds postpone it to the last minute. However, the name change checklist is going to help make the process easier by providing invaluable tips on how to get this done.

A wedding is one of the most defining moments in your life and it is thus the most appropriate time to make an equally important decision by choosing to change your name. Now that a name change has a life-long impact in your life it is only fair to give it the attention it deserves. There are a lot of misconceptions about the whole name change affair and many people have stuck to their old names to avoid the hassle.

The first thing you need to understand is that you can change your name to any other that you might want. However, there are exceptions; for instance, you cannot pick an offensive term or racial slur, for fraudulent purposes or to mislead. If you are going through a life changing situation necessitating a name change such as a wedding or divorce, have a look at this checklist and use it to understand the process:

• Start With A Marriage Certificate
  
  If you are changing your name for marriage purposes, a marriage certificate will smooth the process. You need to differentiate between a marriage license which is authorizes your wedding and a marriage certificate which proves you are married. Make sure you use the new name you have picked in the marriage license which is what is then submitted to the county and state before issuance of a marriage certificate. This is a powerful tool in the legal name change process during marriage.
• Notify Government Agencies
  
  The government needs to know you and in case of a name change, different agencies have to be notified. This is also important for issuance of new documents including:
  
  • Driver’s License or State I.D. card: Visit the local license center or DMV with your marriage certificate. Here you will get a new driver’s license, car title and registration.
  • Social Security card: You need your marriage certificate, photo ID and the old card. To save time, download the Form SS-5 and fill it prior to heading to your local Social Security Administration offices.
  • U.S Passport: I tis important to get a new passport from the State Department using your new name. This will save you lots of trouble in future.
• Job and Employment
  
  It is important to notify your employer, unions and professional organizations about the name change. This is necessary to ensure you take advantage of job perks, retirement contributions and health insurance among others. Update your employee benefits, W2 forms, 401k, business cards, life insurance and other work related documents which carry your old name.
• Financial/Utility Institutions
  
  Finances form a big part of your life and you need to update your bank, credit card providers, mortgage provider, credit union, creditors, debtors, IRS, investment accounts, IRAs, landlord, utility services providers and other institutions that have an implication on your financial life. Notifying these institutions early enough about this name change saves you a lot of trouble in future when you need to make a transaction.
• Social Media and the Internet
  
  Like most folks, you most likely have a footprint on social media and the internet in general. Some of these accounts might be used for professional services. It is thus important to update your email accounts, online accounts including eBay, PayPal, Netflix, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn among others. If you have online accounts with service providers including stores, healthcare providers, spa among others, take time to notify them about the name change.

Looking at the legally change your name, the process looks intimidating but luckily, HitchSwitch an online name change service will streamline the process for you. We take the guesswork and legwork out of the name change process and provide you with insight you cannot find anywhere else. If you are ready to start the legal name change process, this checklist demystifies the whole process.