AvantBride's Weblog

When I decided to change my name after getting married I didn’t want to get caught in what I called, “Last name purgatory”, in other words, trying to remember where I use my maiden and who knows me by my married.  I wanted a clean break.  I’d heard of friends taking months to switch everything over and didn’t want to take that route.  For me, within a week, I’d been able to make most of the changes.

 Step 1: Marriage License – get it and at least one certified copy.  This way you have one safely at home while you send the other one way for various things such as your new passport.

 Step 2: Social Security Office for a new Social Security Card- Bring your marriage license, driver’s license and passport (just in case.)  Yes, the Social Security Office is not a fun place to be, but it didn’t take too long in my case.  They’ll give you a receipt and send you the card within a couple weeks.

Step 3: WA State DOL for a new Driver’s License – Bring you marriage license.  They will take a new picture!  Check for wait times before you go, they’ve been over an hour for a while now. Cost $10

Step 4: US Dept of State for a new Passport – You’ll need to send you marriage license in, they don’t accept photocopies.  If you’re renewing you can send in your current passport, two new photos, the marriage license, the form, and fee and you’re good to go.  Passport processing is a lot faster than it used to be.  Cost $75

Those are the best steps to take first, and then the others can be done at home, online or on the phone!  Here is another list of places you may want to change your name with.  Most you can send a copy of the marriage license or driver’s license if required. 

• E-mail
• Facebook and other social networks
• Credit Card Companies
• Banks
• Academic Institutions – and student loans
• Utilities
• Insurance
• Employer/Spouse Employer
• Library
• Financial Institutions and Retirement Plans
• Voter Registration
• Cell Phone
• Your Doctor, Lawyer, Accountant etc
• Frequent Flyers