Danielle Tate

Looking for name change advice or some tips for newlywed life? The MissNowMrs experts have created state-specific name change articles and checklists for you. We’ve chronicled our recommendations for how to travel while changing your name AND how to handle voting during the transition.

We’ve also compiled our best guidance for how to handle difficult sister in laws, holidays as newlyweds, the ever-annoying baby questions, and much more. Why? Because, while we are name change experts, we’re also newlywed wives, moms, and sisters.

We hope our name change advice articles help smooth your transition to your new name, and a whole new phase of life. Congratulations and best wishes from the entire MissNowMrs team!

Apr 13 2021

How to Change Your Name in Vermont | 2021

Want to know how to change your name in Vermont? The name change experts at MissNowMrs wrote this 7 step guide to save you time and headaches as you navigate your name change.

The Vermont Name Change Process

1. Your Social Security Card

The best way to begin your Vermont name change is by notifying the Social Security Administration of your married name. To do this, fill out the SS-5 form and decide if you want to file by mail or in person. You will need to provide a certified marriage certificate and your Vermont Driver’s license or U.S. passport for your form to be processed. *Please note that photocopies will not be accepted.

Around 2 weeks after your form is process you will receive your new SS card in the mail. The card will show your new married name, but your SSN will remain the same.

2. The Internal Revenue Service

Changing your name with the IRS in the next step. You will need to complete the IRS 8822 form and file it with a photocopy of your marriage certificate. This form is not mandatory, but it ensures your name change will not cause any issues related to your tax returns.

3. Your U.S. Passport

The State Department has 3 alternate name change forms, tied to your current passport status. They are the DS-11, the DS-82, and the DS-5504. After filling in the appropriate form, file it with your current passport, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, two passport photos, and the listed processing fee.

Typically, U.S. passports take 5-6 weeks to be processed and issued. With COVID delays, that timeline can be several weeks longer. So, be sure to take any upcoming international travel into account, before changing your name on your passport. TSA will not allow travel under a name that is different from your current tickets/reservation.

4. Your Vermont Driver’s License

Changing your name on your driver’s license starts with filling out the Vermont Application for License or Permit. Then, head to the closest Vermont DMV. You will need to bring your current license, a certified marriage certificate, proof of address (if you have recently moved,) and $15. Your new Vermont driver’s license will be issued the same day you apply!

5. Your Vermont Voter Registration

Next up is changing your name with the Voter Registration Bureau. Simply complete the Vermont Voter Registration form and mail it along with a photocopy of your new VT driver’s license to your town or city clerk.

6. ALL of Your Creditors and Accounts

As you finish filing all your government forms, it’s time to notify all of your creditors. We advise starting with your employer and your banking institutions. Typically, they will ask you to file a form in-person and show a certified marriage certificate (and occasionally your new SS card.)

Next, update your name with your loan providers, credit card companies, mortgage providers, utilities, and professional licensing boards. Most of them will change your name by phone, or via an online form. Finally, change your name on of your accounts, memberships, periodicals, frequent flyer programs, and on social media. Every company’s policy will vary, but many will allow you to login and make the update on your own.

7. Vermont Name Change With Zero Stress

Now that you’ve learned how to change your name in Vermont, are you feeling anxious? You don’t have to! Use the MissNowMrs app or online service to go from Miss to Mrs. in a matter of minutes!

Mar 12 2021

How to Change Your Name in Montana | 2021

Researching how to change your name in Montana? The name change experts at MissNowMrs created this step by step guide to help you save time and stress as you navigate your name change with state and government agencies.

The Montana Name Change Process

1. The Social Security Administration

Step one in your name change process is notifying the SSA of your married name. Complete the SS-5 form and decide if you wish to file in-person or by mail. You will need to file your form with a certified marriage certificate and either your driver’s license or U.S. passport.

Around 2 weeks after your form is processed, your new SS card will arrive in the mail. It will have your new married name on it, but your SSN will remain the same. If you chose to file by mail, your supporting documents will be returned in the same envelope as your new card.

2. The Internal Revenue Service

Step two is changing your name with the IRS. You are not required to file the IRS 8822 form, but it’s free and ensures that there will be no mix ups with your tax returns. Simply fill out the form and mail it to the appropriate office listed on the back with a photocopy of your marriage certificate.

3. The State Department

Step three in the Montana name change process is updating your name on your passport. The State Department has three different name change forms, depending on your current passport status. They are the DS-11, the DS-82, and the DS-5504. After filling in the appropriate form, file it with your current passport, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, two passport photos, and the designated processing fee.

On average, U.S. passports take 5-6 weeks to be processed and issued. With COVID delays, that timeline can be extended. So, it is important to take any upcoming international travel into account, before filing your passport paperwork. Heads up: TSA will not authorize travel under a name that is different from your current reservation.

4. The Montana DMV

To change your name on your driver’s license, first wait for your updated Social Security card to arrive in the mail. Then, schedule an appointment with the Montana DMV. Be sure to being a certified copy of your marriage certificate, your new SS card, your current driver’s license and $10 in cash or check to pay the processing fee. You will walk out of the DMV with your new license the same day you apply!

5. The Montana Voter Registration Bureau

Step five is to update your name on your voter registration. Simply answer the 9 questions on the Montana Voter Registration Application form. Then mail it to the Election Administrator for your county. This ensures that you have the right to vote under your married name next election!

6. ALL of Your Creditors and Accounts

As you finish filing your government name change forms, it’s time to update all of your creditors. We advise starting with your employer and your banking institutions. Typically, they will ask you to file a form in-person and show a certified marriage certificate (and occasionally your new SS card.)

Next, update your name with your loan providers, credit card companies, mortgage providers, utilities, and professional licensing boards. Most of them will change your name by phone, or via an online form. Finally, change your name on of your accounts, memberships, periodicals, frequent flyer programs, and on social media. Every company’s policy will be different, but many will allow you to login and make the update on your own.

7. Montana Name Change Simplified!

Now that you understand how to change your name in Montana, do you wish your spouse had to change their name instead?! Don’t worry! Use the MissNowMrs app or online service to save 13 hours of name change hassle. We’ll take you from Miss to Mrs. in a matter of minutes!

Mar 10 2021

How to Change Your Name in Alaska | 2021

Wondering how to change your name in Alaska? You’re reading the right article! The MissNowMrs name change experts put together this 7 step guide to help you save time and stress as you navigate your name change.

The Alaska Name Change Process

1. The Social Security Administration

The first step in your name change is completing the SS-5 form to notify the SSA of your married name. Then decide if you will file by mail or in-person. You will need to include or show your certified marriage certificate and Alaskan driver’s license or U.S. Passport for your form to be processed.

Approximately 2 weeks after your form is processed, you will receive your new Social Security card in the mail! The card will show your married name, but your SSN will remain the same. If you opted to file by mail, your certificate and form of ID will be returned in the same envelope with your new card.

2. The IRS

Second, it’s time to notify the Internal Revenue Service of your new name. Complete the IRS 8822 and mail it with a photo copy of your marriage certificate to the appropriate address listed on the second page of the form. It is free to file this form, and it prevents any tax return holds due do your name change!

3. The State Department

Next up is changing your name with the State Department. Your current passport status dictates if you should complete the DS-11, DS-82 or the DS-5504 form. You have the option to file the DS-11 and DS-82 via mail. But, the DS-5504 should be filed at a Passport Agency in person.

When filing, be sure to include your completed form with a certified copy of your marriage certificate, two 2×2 photos, and the correct processing fee. Your new passport with your new name will arrive in the mail 5-6 weeks after filing your form. So, take any international travel into account before you file!

4. The Alaska DMV

To change your your name on your Alaska driver’s license, first wait to receive your new SS card in your married name. Then complete the Application for Alaska Driver’s license and head to the DMV. You will need to bring a certified copy of your marriage license, your current driver’s license and $15. Your new license will be issued the same day you apply for it!

5. The Alaska Voter Registration Bureau

Don’t forget to update your married name on your voter registration account. Simply complete the State of Alaska Voter Registration Application. Then mail it to your Regional Elections Office with a photocopy of your ID or passport (showing your new married name.) This gives you the ability to vote under your married name in the next election.

6. ALL of Your Creditors and Accounts

Now it’s time to change your name with all of your creditors and accounts. It’s intelligent to begin with your employer and your banks. Typically, they will ask you to file a form in-person and submit a certified marriage certificate (and sometimes your new SS card.)

Next, change your name with your loan providers, credit card companies, mortgage providers, utilities, and professional licensing boards. Many of them will change your name by phone, or using an online form. Finally, update your name on of your accounts, memberships, periodicals, frequent flyer programs, and on social media. Every company’s policy will differ, but a majority will allow you to login and make the update on your own.

7. Alaska Name Change the Easy Way!

Did just reading how to change your name in Alaska wear you out? There’s a simple solution! Use the MissNowMrs app or online service to skip 13 hours of name change hassle. There’s no need to waste time in long office lines!

Mar 04 2021

How to Change Your Name In Delaware | 2021

Curious how to change your name in Delaware? The name change experts at MissNowMrs created this step by step guide to save you time and stress as you navigate your name change with state and government agencies.

The Delaware Name Change Process

1. Your Social Security Card

To change your name on you SS card, first fill out the SS-5 form. Then decide if you wish to file by mail or in person. You will need to include a certified copy of your marriage certificate along with your U.S. passport or driver’s license. *Photocopies will not be accepted.

Approximately 2 weeks after your form is processed by the Social Security Administration your new card will be mailed to you. Your new married name will be on your card, but your SSN will remain the same.

2. IRS

Updating your name with the Internal Revenue Service involves completing the IRS 8822 form. This 2 page form isn’t required, but filing it ensures that the IRS has your married name on file when they issue tax returns. Simply file it by mail with a photocopy of your marriage certificate. It’s free and we think it’s totally worth your time to have peace of mind!

3. Your U.S. Passport

The State Department has three different name change forms, depending on your current passport status. They are the DS-11, the DS-82, and the DS-5504. After filling in the correct form, file it with your current passport, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, two passport photos, and the listed processing fee.

Usually U.S. passports take 5-6 weeks to be processed and issued. With COVID delays, that timeline can be even longer. So, it is important to take any upcoming international travel into account, before changing your name on your passport. TSA will not authorize travel under a name that is different from your current reservation.

4. Your Delaware Driver’s License

Before you can file for your new driver’s license you must first file for your new SS card. Wait 72 hours after filing in person before heading to the DMV. Be sure to bring your current license, registration card, valid proof of car insurance, you certified marriage certificate, and proof of address if you have recently moved. It will cost $1.15 to change your name on your license, which will be issued the same day you apply!

5. Your Delaware Voter Registration

To update your name in Delaware, you will need to complete a Voter Registration Application with your new married name. Then send it to your county’s Department of Elections for processing. This ensures that you have the ability to vote with your new name.

6. ALL of Your Creditors and Accounts

As you wrap up filing all government forms, it’s time to update all of your creditors. We advise starting with your employer and your banking institutions. Typically, they will ask you to file a form in-person and show a certified marriage certificate (and occasionally your new SS card.)

Next, update your name with your loan providers, credit card companies, mortgage providers, utilities, and professional licensing boards. Most of them will change your name by phone, or via an online form. Finally, change your name on of your accounts, memberships, periodicals, frequent flyer programs, and on social media. Every company’s policy will be different, but many will allow you to login and make the update on your own.

7. Delaware Name Change Made Easy

Now that you know how to change your name in Delaware are you feeling uneasy? Name change can be a total nightmare of red tape, but fortunately there’s a simple solution! Use the MissNowMrs name change app or online service to go from Miss to Mrs. in a matter of minutes.

Feb 25 2021

How to Change Your Name in New Mexico | 2021

Researching how to change your name in New Mexico? The name change experts at MissNowMrs designed this guide to help you understand the process in your state AND save countless hours of frustration!

The New Mexico Name Change Process

1. The Social Security Administration

It is best to begin your name change by notifying the SSA. You will need to fill out the SS-5 form and decide if you want to file in-person or by mail. Filing is free, but you must show/include your current passport or driver’s license and a certified marriage certificate.

In approximately 2 weeks your new SS card with your married name will arrive in the mail. Your name will be updated in the agency’s database, but your SSN will remain the same.

2. The IRS

Next up, complete and file the IRS 8822 form to notify the Internal Revenue Service of your new married name. This form isn’t required, but we recommend sending it. Why? Because it’s free, and it ensures the IRS has your maiden and married names on file when they issue tax returns.

3. The State Department

Step 3 is changing your name with the State Department. Your current passport status determines if you should complete the DS-11, DS-82 or the DS-5504 form. You have the option to file the DS-11 and DS-82 via mail. But, the DS-5504 must be filed at a Passport Agency in person.

When filing, be sure to include your completed form with a certified marriage certificate, two 2×2 photos, and the appropriate processing fee. Your new passport with your married name will arrive in the mail 5-6 weeks after filing your form. So, take any international travel into account before you file!

4. The New Mexico MVD

To update your name on your New Mexico license head to your local MVD. Be sure to bring your new SS card showing your married name. You will also need your certified marriage certificate, current license, and proof of residence if your address has changed. The filing fee is $18 for a four year license and $34 for an 8 year license. Head up, these offices do not accept visa as a payment method!

5. The New Mexico Voter Registration Bureau

Changing your name on your New Mexico voter registration is pretty straight forward. Simply complete a voter registration application and mail it to your Secretary of State. Or, you have the option to fill out the form online. It takes 4 minutes and makes sure you have the right to vote under your married name.

6. ALL of Your Creditors and Accounts

Finally, it is time to change your name across all of your creditors and accounts. It’s wise to begin with your employer and your banks. Usually, they will ask you to file a form in-person and submit a certified marriage certificate (and sometimes your new SS card.)

Next, update your name with your loan providers, credit card companies, mortgage providers, utilities, and professional licensing boards. Many of them will change your name by phone, or via an online form. Finally, change your name on of your accounts, memberships, periodicals, frequent flyer programs, and on social media. Each company’s policy will differ, but a majority will allow you to login and make the update on your own.

7. New Mexico Name Change Simplified!

Did reading how to change your name in New Mexico have your anxiety levels climbing? Don’t stress! Use the MissNowMrs app or online name change service to save 13 hours. We’ve assisted over 500,000 newlyweds and can’t wait to help you too!