Starting the Name Change Process!

My advice is to use a name changing service, such as "hitch switch" they walk you through everything, send you the paperwork and a check list and let you know when to do what and in what order. I started last month and I'm only on step 3 or so.. Getting my passport updated. My final steps will be going to the DMV for a new license and changing my bank account name. its quite the process. The SSC was the easiest part thus far.

Woohoo! #marriedlife

We got ours yesterday too!! I'm so excited! i also get to start all the fun stuff with name changing.

I actually procrastinated this part .... I want to change my name, but DH an I will be going to Canada in less than a month, so I don't want to start the process and then have problems at the border.

Do you think I would have time before 9/8/15 to get it changed? Or should I just put off some more.until we get back in the states, to avoid border problems? .lol..(.part procrastination, part figuring out if I wanted to keep my maiden name as my middle name..and part busy schedule....lol)

I think the passport process could take a little longer @julie so it might be best to wait since that's just a couple weeks away. I have so far now changed my name in social security and at the DMV which were both pretty easy. We almost didn't have everything for the DMV though, they wanted TWO proofs of address, luckily DH had his car registry with the address on it, and I happened to still have the address from the SS office.

Now I'll have to do my banks, insurance, credit cards, and my passport. I also have to change my name through the university which might not happen now until the end of the semester. I thought about doing a name-changing service but didn't feel like spending the money on it.

Our wedding was a year and 6 days ago, and I am STILL going through the name change process. Southwest makes it especially difficult to change your maiden name. >=(

All financial stuff was done asap, though. I think...

@SunshineJenn, oh I completely forgot about airlines...grrrr that doesn't sound fun! Thanks for reminding me!!

I actually went to DMV this morning. DL wasn't a big deal but they said to transfer the title since we have a car loan I have to get approval from the bank. UGH seriously? I haven't started the financial stuff yet but it looks more complicated than it really should be.

After we got married last week DH and I handed our paperwork in, in person and walked away with 5 certified copies. We already got my military ID and updated on DEERS. Next week will be; DMV, SSA, and passport submittion. Banking, insurance, and misc. bills should be quick and some what painless. I too made my maiden name my second middle name and added DH's. I hope to get it all done be the end of September.

I am in the middle of this process and I hate it. I really wanted to make my last name a second middle name, but when I researched the process it seemed like people had all sorts of hassles. So as much as it kills me I dropped my last name. SS and Sec. of State (DMV) were easy, they just took forever. I waited at SS for 1 hr 15 min. When I was called back it took all of 4 minutes to change my name. The biggest pains have been banks. I still haven't tackled my passport or retirement accounts. Even Delta (the airline) wants me to send in a marriage certificate.

I haven't even started. I'm really not looking forward to changing it with the State Bar, so I'm sort of dragging my feet.

@ana, you're the second person I've "heard" say that the name change on MD lisence is a pain in the ass.

What do they actually want vs what is on the website?

I'm so silly. I'm reading all of your post and thinking that I can't wait to be in your position. I still have 211 days to go to be a Mrs.

So many things lately. The official adoption of my daughter will be completed in 19 more days and I'm dreading doing her name changes everywhere.

I've literally only changed it at the SS office. Getting a new drivers license is pointless because I have to get another new one when we move states in 3 weeks. My bank is easy, I just have to bring in the marriage license and the teller can do it right there. Then I just have 2 credit cards and my car title (paid off) that I can change when I get a new license plate after we move. Then I'm done!

You ladies know you can mail in SS right? Takes longer to process but then you don't actually have to go. And credit cards-the first one I called did it over the phone!

I was able to change my name with SS, the DMV and then my bank in a matter of an hour and a half. Notified my employer and had my health benefits and life insurance changed that day. Called my utilities and credit card companies and was able to change everything over the phone & email with the exception of one card and my cable bill. I started the process on a Friday morning and have everything switched over by the following Monday afternoon. I have no idea how the hell I lucked out like that.

I was able to do majority of mine in one day. I went to the SS office first, then DMV, Banks- all I had to do was show receipts from DMV with my new name and they were able to change it that very moment. I had taken my passport picture the weekend we got back from our honeymoon so I mailed off my passport on that Monday and have already received my renewed passport back in the mail so it was less than 4 weeks. I changed my name at work, got my updated badge, changed my name on all of my rewards cards for example: hotels. I dropped my last name completely and took H's last name.

I mailed my passport in for my new SS card (via Fedex so I could track it!) so that made it super easy. I've gotten my new DL but haven't gone to the bank yet. Haven't decided what to do at work yet...and yes I've been married almost a year!

The weirdest part is knowing WHEN you are really your new name. Some places I'm still Staci Maiden and some I'm Staci Married...so who am I ???

Yay! I got my marriage certificate 2 weeks after we got married so I already did Social Security and DMV and stuff. Changing my name at my university has been annoying. The bank so super annoying. And I have two insurances so I'm dreading that but should probably do that soon. The SS and DMV were fun...the rest isn't so much.

Not sure if you remember me hih, but I can back to see your wedding photos.

Congrats!!

I hope you had a wonderful day.