by Dawn Hawkins

Created on: August 30, 2011   Last Updated: September 01, 2011

Many women change their last name after marriage. Those who choose to do so should get it taken care of as soon as possible after the wedding. Now that the excitement of preparing for the wedding is over, it’s time to prepare for the rest of your life. There are several contacts that must be made in order to make a name change. The first thing to do is to prioritize the order in which the name change should take effect.

How to change your last name after marriage:

Social Security Card- The first name change should be with the social security administration. The process of changing your name on your social security card can take quite a bit of time. First go to the social security website. Information is available on the site about what is necessary to change a last name on a social security card. You will have to appear in person at the social security administration to complete the task. It pays to be prepared when making that appearance.

Bank Account- Banking information must be changed as well. Decide, as a couple, if bank accounts will be separate or if you will have the same account as a married couple. If closing old accounts, go to the bank together so everything can be taken care of in one day. Set up the new accounts (if bringing the accounts together), then close out the old accounts. The bank will transfer any money left in the old accounts to the new ones. Make sure to change the last name on any accounts that you wish to keep separate. If simply changing the name on the account, you may be able to do so through the banks website. It depends on the individual bank as to whether this option is available.

Creditors- All credit card companies must be notified of the name change. There are several ways to do this. It can be done online or through the mail. Even if you haven’t used the charge cards in a while, the name should be changed on all credit cards so there are no problems later on.

Work- Although you have probably been talking about your impending marriage for some time, the human resources department has to be notified of the name change. This is important for several reasons including social security benefits being credited properly to your name when you retire.

Driver’s License- The driver’s license must be changed. This has to be done through the motor vehicle administration in your area. Check online to find out what the administration will need in your state before you visit. This will save time and effort when you actually go to make the change.

The process of changing a last name after marriage can begin before the wedding. Check with all of the people that need to be contacted to gather all forms and organize the work before the wedding. After the wedding, all you have to do is finalize all the pre-work that you have done. Although you do not have to finalize it before you go on the honeymoon, it is urgent that it is done as soon after the wedding as possible.

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