How to Change Your Last Name After Marriage: A Complete Guide

Getting married often involves many changes, including potentially taking on a new last name. If you are changing your last name, or hyphenating, it may seem like a daunting task. It is a process that can take days, if not weeks, of your time, but with proper planning and organization you can make the process much smoother — and quicker! Our friends at Easy Name Change have helped us come up with a step-by-step guide on how to change your last name after marriage, along with some helpful tips and tricks to simplify the process.

Step 1: Decide if You Want to Change Your Last Name

Before diving into the name change process, take some time to consider whether you want to change your last name or keep your current name. Discuss this decision with your partner and choose an option that feels right for you. Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer, and it’s important to make a choice that aligns with your personal preferences.

Step 2: Obtain a Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate

To initiate the name change process, you will need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Contact the county recorder’s office where your marriage was registered and request a certified copy. Usually, it takes 1-2 weeks for the certificate to be ready. Ensure you have this document before proceeding further.

Step 3: Research and Prepare

Decide whether you have the time and patience to individually research each organization and company that needs to be updated with your new last name, or if you prefer a more streamlined approach. If you opt for the latter, consider purchasing a name change kit. Quality kits provides a comprehensive list of companies to notify and guarantees to save you countless hours of research.

If you choose to buy a name change kit, make the purchase at this stage. Otherwise, set aside dedicated time over the next few weeks to create a company checklist and begin researching the necessary steps for each entity. Depending on your circumstances, the number of places you need to notify may range from 5 to 40.

It’s crucial to complete the name change process within a month or two to avoid complications in financial matters, job applications, and other official documentation. Having various records in different names can cause unnecessary delays and confusion, so make it a priority to update all necessary records promptly.

Tips —

1. If you will be traveling internationally for your honeymoon, it’s advisable to book the trip under the name currently appearing in your passport and delay changing your passport until after you have returned. It’s also OK to update all your other records and only leave the passport until later.
2. Start by prioritizing bank accounts, credit and debit cards, as updating them will allow you to change your name and payment information simultaneously when dealing with digital subscriptions.
3. Stay organized by maintaining a checklist and documenting the companies and institutions that require name change notifications. If you purchased an Easy Name Change kit, you’ll get a personalized company checklist with instructions and can just check off any places you have completed.

Step 4: Streamline the Process with Easy Name Change

If you’re looking for an efficient and time-saving approach, consider using Easy Name Change. This service provides personalized letters and forms tailored to your name change requirements, saving you hours of paperwork. Easy Name Change customers have praised the convenience and efficiency of the service, with a 90% recommendation rate on TrustSpot and a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot.

Learn more about using a name changing kit like Easy Name Change on our other blog post.

Ready to purchase? Use code LOVE2SAVE5 for $5 your kit!*

Changing Your Name Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

Changing your last name after marriage may seem like a daunting task initially, but with proper planning and organization, it can be a smooth process. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this blog post, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the name change process successfully. Whether you choose to research independently or use a service like Easy Name Change, the ultimate goal is to update your name across all relevant entities efficiently. Remember, completing the process within a month or two will help you avoid potential complications down the road.  Changing your name isn’t the most fun task, but Easy Name Change at least makes it easy.

*Valid to June 30, 2024

Co-authored by ChatGPT.