4 Tips for Changing Your Name After Marriage

Changing your name is a deeply personal decision and this information is meant to make things a bit easier for those who have decided to change their names. So once you say "I Do' here are 4 tips for helping you go from Miss to Mrs.

Different states have different rules regarding things such as taking your maiden name as your middle name. Knowing your options in your state is a great way to start. Note: Men who live in CA, GA, HI, IA, IL, LA, MA, NY, or ND can use the married name change process to take their spouse's name. If they live elsewhere, they'll need to petition the court system for a legal name change. Same-sex couples who live in states that recognize their marriage can also use the married name change process to change their last names, or petition the court system for a legal name change if their state of residence does not recognize their union.

Multiple certificates will allow you to file more name change forms simultaneously and will prevent you from losing your only copy. Who doesn’t want to spend less time dealing with the DMV?

First file your name change forms with Social Security, the State Department, and the IRS first. Then file for your new state driver’s license, vehicle/title registration, and voter registration updates. Finally alert your creditors, employer, subscriptions, and medical providers of your new moniker.

Consider using an online name change service such as Hitch Switch that auto-completes all of the necessary paperwork to help you go from Miss to Mrs. in a matter of minutes!