4 Tips for Changing Your Maiden Name after the Wedding

Yay!!! You got married, signed the marriage license, are enjoying this new married life, but now you have to OFFICIALLY change your name. We’ve made a list of important steps to help you make this time-consuming process easier.

  1. Change your name on your Social Security Card by going to the Social Security Office. In Tennessee, you’ll need to bring a valid ID (Driver’s License or Passport) + marriage certificate. (It needs to be a certified copy with the raised seal. Call your local clerk’s office where your license was filed, if copies weren’t automatically sent to you.)
  2.  Next, it’s time to head to the DMV to get a new driver’s license. If you’re in Tennessee, bring your new Social Security card, marriage license, and current driver’s license. Pro tip – bring your Passport, if you want the gold circle with a star to indicate it’s a real ID.  If you’re changing your address as well, you’ll also need proof of address. (Bring a legit piece of mail with the new address.) 
  3. Request a new Passport. Here’s some insider insight: as long as the name on your flight ticket matches the name on your passport, you can still use it and don’t have to change your passport immediately.
  4. Let your bank, credit cards, employer, schools, insurance company, voter registration, attorney (to update legal documents such as your will), mortgage and utility companies know about your name change.

If this feels overwhelming, Newly Named has streamlined the process and handles the details for you!

Another benefit of hiring a wedding planner is the wealth of knowledge they have for you before, during, and after the ceremony. We hope this list helps you on your continued journey of wedded bliss!