Name change services

If you look at past posts on this forum, the general consensus is that these services are a waste of time. They charge you a fee for gathering all the documents you need, whkch are all available for free. The form for Social Security is 1 page? Passport is also like 2 pages and actually fillable online, and DMV is also short bur varies state to state. Outside of those 3 places, I had no other forms to fill out. For everything else, I just sent an email with a scanned copy of my marriage certificate and updated driver's license. Bank has no forms but requires people to go in person. These services gather your 3 forms, maybe pre-fill a few pieces on info and give you the mailing addresses, all of which are available for free online with just a quick Google search. With Covid, the SS office has been a little more annoying from what others have said, but it's not that difficult of a process.

They charge you a fee for documents you can print for free, but you still have to do all the legwork and waiting. First, get your Social Security card (link below). That will take a few weeks, and you'll have to mail in your application since offices are still closed. Then, go to the DMV. Then, get your passport, if applicable (link below). Everything else you have to do yourself anyway (banks, accounts, loans, etc.). Most reviews on this site say save your money, Yelp reviews for Hitch Switch are terrible.

https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf

https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds82.PDF

View Quoted Comment

All of this. I was able to go in person to SS (pre-COVID) and it took maybe 5 minutes once I got my turn. I was even able to go in with a prefilled form. The same with the DMV. I wouldn't waste my money, were I you.

Running down to the least used social security office is quick and easy usually (depending on where you live) and that way you know it's getting done right by an entity you can trust. It's also cheap.

View Quoted Comment

Okay thanks everyone!! I wasn't sure what I'd be walking into in either situation, so I'll just do it all myself then. I'm sure I can handle it fine, I've already planned the whole wedding! Thanks for the advice I appreciate it