If you haven’t done the deed yet, it’s time! Yep, we’re talking about making the decision to change your name or not. Maybe you just haven’t gotten around to it, or maybe you’ve been putting it off because you really don’t know what to do. Whatever you settle on, it should be soon – you’re officially married and the name you choose will affect your credit cards, bank accounts, taxes, and the way you sign your documents.
Weighing Your Options
1. Tradition: While many women still follow the tradition of taking her husband’s name, this is only one option. Assuming his name is not mandatory and it is certainly not a legal requirement.
2. Hyphenating: Before hyphenating, consider the length of your last name. It may symbolize your unity, but it can also be a hassle to write 20 letters every time you fill out a form or sign a receipt.
3. Maiden to Middle: This is a great option for the gal who wants to maintain the tradition of taking her husband’s name, while still retaining her maiden name in some form.
4. His and Hers: You both keep your birth names and you don’t have to worry about the changing your name on any documents.
5. He Changes: Although this is not a common practice, the husband can certainly change his name to the wife’s surname.
6. New Name: Remember, this is your marriage and you don’t have to adhere to what society dictates. You can create a new last name for yourselves: mix your names, jumble the letters, or even choose an entirely unrelated name that you like.
Steps To Take
If you’re taking your husbands name, you don’t need to go to court to get an official order. Institutions will recognize the new name just by “common usage”, but you need to remember to sign all documents in a consistent manner. If you are using another form of name change, consider a court proceeding, which leaves a public record of the change. To avoid any identity confusion, you need to inform all of your important financial and government agencies of your new name. You can get all the necessary forms online, and most of the time, it can be done via mail. They will need proof of your union, so be sure to order extra copies of your marriage certificate.
The most important agency to inform is the Social Security Administration (SSA). You must have your original marriage certificate or a certified copy, proof of U.S. citizenship, and proof of identity. You will need to file a Form SS-5, which is conveniently available on the SSA website or by mail. The SSA will also notify the IRS so that your new name and identification number on your tax forms match your Social Security records.
Next, head down to the Department of Motor Vehicles to correct your driver’s license. Changing this important identification card will make it easier to complete the process with other companies. Follow this checklist of important financial and government agencies you should inform:
- Banks
- Investment accounts
- Mortgage lender or landlord
- Employer
- Credit card companies
- Insurance companies
- Doctors
- Utilities (phone, electric, gas)
- Passport office
- Voter registration
- Miscellaneous accounts and memberships such as cable, DSL, magazine subscriptions, auto club, and gym
- Lawyer, if you need change your legal documents, such as your will or any other contracts.