How to Change Your Last Name After the Wedding

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.) There's a shortcut, though: Make it easy on yourself and fast-track your paperwork with the brilliant and easy Hitchswitch Name Change kit. 

Rather do it the old-school way? See below:

• Get your marriage license.

Before you can change your name, you'll need the original (or certified) marriage license with the raised seal. Call the clerk's office where your license was filed to get copies if one wasn't automatically sent to you.

• Change your Social Security card.

Visit the Social Security Administration's website and fill out the application for a new Social Security card. You'll keep the same number—just your name will be different. Mail in your application to the local Social Security Administration office, or just go through the process while you're there. You should get your new card within 10 business days.

• Change your license at the DMV.

Take a trip to the local Department of Motor Vehicles office to get a new license with your new last name. Bring every form of identification that your local DMV instructs you to—including your current license, your certified marriage certificate and, most importantly, your new Social Security card.

• Change your bank accounts.

This one's a biggie, especially if you're setting up a joint bank account, or if you have one already set up. The fastest way to change your name at your bank is to go into a branch location, bringing your new driver's license and your marriage certificate. You should request new checks and debit and credit cards on top of changing the name attached to your accounts. Something to note: You might get hit with fees for requesting a new debit card.

• Fill in the blanks

Once you have a Social Security card and driver's license in your married name, other changes should be fairly easy. Some places only require a phone call; others may ask for a copy of your marriage certificate or social security card. Be sure to notify:

1. Employers/payroll
2. Post office (if your address has changed too)
3. Electric and other utility companies
4. Credit card companies
5. Schools and alumni associations
6. Landlord or mortgage company
7. Insurance companies (auto, home, life)
8. Doctors' offices
9. Voter registration office
10. Investment account providers
11. Your attorney (to update legal documents, including your will)
12. Passport office
13. Airlines (to transfer over your miles)

• Feeling overwhelmed? Ignore two to five and let us help.

Trust us, there's a much easier way to officially change your name. Go to Hitchswitch Name Change, choose the package you want, and with a few simple steps, all of the paperwork you need is sent to you filled out with your information (that only takes filling out one form). This service is so worth it, since it cuts down on all the time it'd take to track down every single form you need and fills it out for you. It doesn't get simpler than that!

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