Changing your name

You are getting married! Among everything else that needs to be done, you may need to consider changing legal documents to reflect your married status. Whatever married name you decide upon, please use the helpful check list below to make sure that the process will be a smooth and easy one.

The first step is to obtain a certified copy of your marriage license. You will need this official document when you go to various institutions and government offices. Your marriage license is your legal proof of the new name change.
Marriage records can be kept on the state, county, or town level. The best place to start is to contact the clerk’s office where you took out your marriage license application. They can tell you the fees and proper procedures. If that doesn’t work, the next best place is your state’s Vital Records Department: http://www.state.ia.us/



Social Security Card
You will need to obtain an Official Form SS-5. This form contains detailed instructions for both a name and address change. Fill it out and mail it in with a copy of your certified marriage license. There may be fees involved for this name change. http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html

Driver’s License
Your driver’s license and automobile registration will both need to be changed. You will need to appear in person to your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Bring your marriage license and another form of ID, such as your current driver’s license, a U.S. Passport, or a certified copy of your birth certificate. (Library cards and credit cards do not count as forms of official ID.)
There may be fees involved to change your Driver’s License.


Other changes to consider:
Internal Revenue Service
Official form 8822 http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/forms_pubs/forms.html

US Passport
Most U.S. Post Offices now offer this service. Remember to take your driver’s license and a certified copy of your Birth Certificate with you. There is a fee to obtain a passport.

Voter Registration
http://www.fec.gov/pages/electpg/html


There will also be other organizations that you will need to contact about your new name change. The enclosed Notice of Name Change Form should be filled out and taken with you. You should also take a copy of your new Social Security Card and Driver’s License as well as a copy of your Marriage License as many organizations have different criteria for name changes. It is a good idea to contact the organization first to find out what they need.

Medical Organizations: Medical Plan, Personal Doctors, and Dental.

Financial Institutions: Credit Cards, Banks, Insurance Companies, Retirement Plans, Investment Broker, etc.

Utility Companies: Cable, Gas, Electric, Water, Sewer, Phone, Cell Phone, Pager Company, etc.

Membership Organizations: Professional Associations & Recreational Clubs.

Legal Documents: Will, Living Will, Trust Documents, Power of Attorney, Contracts, Beneficiary Forms, Health Care Proxy, etc. Your attorney can help you take care of many of these changes.