I cut my husband and added my last name when I got married, but I used the same name (my first name, my last name) without a break, I never contacted SSA. Can I just continue to use my name or do I have to inform SSA or DMV of my new hyphen name? And between lines at the SSA office, DMV, and passport agency, you`ll likely spend at least a dozen hours (or more) changing your name. Most U.S. states have laws that require you to notify the licensing authority — DMV, DOT, DPS, BMV, etc. — that you`ve changed your name or address. You will use your marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order or other name change document to confirm that your name change has occurred. But this is not enough. But what does “notify” mean? An email, a phone call or a form? And what do “change” and “change affects” mean? The day you get married or divorced? Since most people`s primary form of identification is their driver`s license, you should also have your name changed. Again, motor vehicle department (DMV) rules vary slightly, so check what your state requires before embarking on this research.
For your trip to the local DMV, bring all possible IDs! These documents include your old driver`s license, marriage certificate, passport, proof of residence, and new Social Security card. Long lines are common at the DMV, so check online in advance to see if it`s possible to book an appointment. After you go to the Social Security office, wait at least 24 hours before going to the DMV. You don`t need to have your new Social Security card in hand to update your driver`s license, but the 24-hour window gives the system enough time to update with your new name. The most important document in the name change process is your marriage certificate. You will need several certified true copies, which you can request from the clerk of the county where you were married. 5. Fill in the blanksOnce you have a Social Security card and driver`s license in your married name, other changes should be pretty straightforward. Some places only require a phone call; Others may ask for a copy of your marriage certificate or Social Security card.
Be sure to advise: Updating your driver`s licence with a new name must be done in person. Most states consider this change part of the license renewal process, so you`ll need to take a new photo and pay the renewal fee. Visit your state`s DMV website to print the renewal application form. Filling this out in advance will save you time once you get there. Some DMVs also accept appointments, which speeds things up. When you go to the DMV, bring the following documents: The process of changing the name on your Social Security card is fairly straightforward. You must: Provide proof of your identity Complete and print a Social Security card application Send or personally deliver the application and supporting documents to your local social security office Once the application is processed, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue you a new Social Security card under your new name. Please note that your Social Security number will not change. You may receive a penalty if you do not report your change of address or name to the DMV within the specified time frame. For example, Texas imposes a fine of $20, while New York is $75.
Before you can start changing your name, you will need the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If a copy was not sent to you automatically, call the county clerk`s office where your licence was filed to obtain a copy. Keep this with you while changing all your official documents so you can have a smooth and easy transition. You don`t need to call your doctor`s or dentist`s office to switch to your insurance company. Instead, go to your next appointment a few minutes earlier (with your new insurance card and ID in hand) to make the changes in person. It is difficult to meet these tight deadlines, even if you intended to follow the spirit and letter of the law by expediting your name change. Your DMV`s name change deadlines may be difficult or impossible to meet because your Social Security name change should be made first. Here are some basic guidelines on how to change your name after marriage.
The good news is that there is no ugly outcome. But you still have to navigate through other deadlines and consequences of name change.
Recent Comments