by Emily Hechler 
When I was engaged to my now-husband, I was excited to change my last name to his. However, no one warned me about the daunting process. From Social Security to car titles and more, I didn’t know where to begin. Many people go through this process every year and still have questions. This guide will help you navigate how to change your name while you still have bills to pay.
Legally Change Your Name
The first step to changing your name on your accounts is to legally change your name. To change your name, you first have to contact Social Security. Their website has an online form so you can start changing your name from home. Note that many states take 30 to 60 days to send the marriage license to Social Security online. In the meantime, you can fill out the rest of your name change application online.
Regardless of whether you started the name change process online or not, you’ll need to visit your local Social Security office with:
- An official copy of your marriage license
- Your current ID or driver’s license
You can speed up the process by bringing your marriage license instead of waiting for the online version to be sent to Social Security. At your appointment, they’ll finalize your name change and arrange for your new Social Security card to be mailed to your home.
After you visit Social Security, you can go to the DMV to update your driver’s license. Your documentation from Social Security will serve as proof of your name change. Fortunately, changing the name on your driver’s license is pretty simple. Check with your state’s Department of Revenue to ensure you bring all the documents you need. When you leave the DMV, you’ll have a temporary license with your new name to use while you wait for your new card to arrive.
Update Your Bank Account Information
After legally changing your name, the first accounts you should update are your bank accounts. Since your other accounts and loans are paid through your bank accounts, it’s key to update your bank account first to make updating the rest of your account updates go smoothly.
When you visit the credit union, you’ll need to bring:
- An official copy of your marriage license
- Your new driver’s license
- Your new Social Security card
When you update your accounts at the credit union, you’ll need to replace your debit cards too. We can issue instant cards during the same visit. Make sure you ask before you go.
If you have loans without collateral from the credit union, like a personal loan or credit card, you should update your name on these accounts too.
Change Your Housing Information
Now that you have a new legal name, you need to update your landlord or lender about the change to avoid any complications proving your residency. If you are renting a home or apartment, contact your landlord to see what documents they need to make the change. If you are paying for a mortgage, contact your lender instead. No matter your housing situation, they’ll likely want your new ID and marriage license, especially if you and your spouse just moved in together.
Tip: If you are a homeowner, you can contact your county recorder to change your name on your tax records for a smooth upcoming tax season.
Update Your Car Loan and Title
After you legally change your name, you need to update your name on your car title and car loan. First, you should update your loan. Your lender will likely ask for:
- An official copy of your marriage license
- Your new driver’s license
Next, you can update the name on your car title and registration. Visit your DMV again to make this name change. When you go, you’ll need:
- An official copy of your marriage license
- Your new driver’s license
- Your car title
Once you update the name on the title, the DMV can quickly update your name on your registration to ensure that your personal property tax bill is billed to your new name at your current address.
Tip: When I got married, I needed to remove my dad’s name from my car title, since he cosigned for me years ago. Before I visited the DMV, he had to sign the title to have his name removed. Then, I updated my name at the same time. If your cosigner doesn’t ask for their name to be removed, their name will still be on your new title with your new name.
Update Your Insurance and Other Bills
Now that you have the loans out of the way, you can update your name with your various types of insurance. This includes health, car, home or renters, life, and others. Every insurance company will have a slightly different process. However, they will likely all want an official copy of your marriage license and driver’s license.
Finally, you can update your name on other bills, like utilities, student loans, and other subscriptions. Many of these companies will have an online process that can be done in minutes.
Need Help?
We know that changing your name after saying “I do” can seem like a daunting task. Plus, all your other accounts and loans have to be updated too. We’re here to help keep your newlywed stage fun and lighthearted. Don’t hesitate to contact us before you visit if you have any questions about what you need to bring or expect when you update your name with us.
