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!

Jun 26 2020

How to Change Your Name In Wisconsin

Trying to understand how to change your name in Wisconsin? The MissNowMrs name change experts have fashioned this step by step list to save you name change headaches in Wisconsin!

The Wisconsin Name Change Process

The Social Security Administration

The beginning of your name change project starts with the Social Security Administration. You will need to file the SS-5 form along with your certified marriage certificate and either your Wisconsin driver’s license or your U.S. passport. Fortunately, this office does not charge a processing fee for name change!

Two to three weeks after your form is filed, your new SS card will arrive in the mail. The card will reflect your new married name, but your SSN will stay the same. One less thing to memorize!

The State Department

Then, it is time to change your name with the State Department. They have three different forms for you to complete, based on your passport status. The forms are the DS-11, the DS-82, and the DS-5504. After choosing and completing the appropriate form, file it with your current passport, your certified marriage certificate, two passport photos, and the listed processing fee.

U.S. passports typically take 5-6 weeks to be processed and issued. So, it is important to take any upcoming international travel into account before filing to change your name on your passport.

The Internal Revenue Service

Filing the IRS 8822 form is a very smart (but not required) idea. This form is free to file, and guarantees the IRS has your married name on file when they issue tax returns. Simply fill out the form, add a photocopy of your marriage certificate, and pop it in the mail. Then check the Internal Revenue Service off your list!

The Wisconsin DMV

To change your name with the Wisconsin DMV, you will need to wait for your new SS card in your new name to be issued. Once you have that, you can complete the Wisconsin license application form and head to the DMV office. Be sure to bring your current license, certified marriage certificate, two proofs of residence from the last 90 days. Your new license will be issued the same day you apply!

Heads up: If you are exchanging an out of state license, you will need to bring your U.S. passport or certified birth certificate to receive a Wisconsin license.

The Wisconsin Voter Bureau

Updating your name on your voter registration is the last on your list of government agencies. Complete the Wisconsin Voter Registration Application and mail it along with a photocopy of your new driver’s license to your municipal clerk.

Every Other Entity

As government filings end, creditor name change notifications begin. It is smart to start your name change with your banks and your employer. Both tend to want you to file in-person with either your new SS card or a marriage certificate. Next, update your name with your professional license boards, investment accounts, credit cards, mortgage providers, loan providers, medical providers, and insurance providers. Most of these companies will change your name over the phone or via a brief update form. The last step is to update your name on all of your memberships, subscriptions, and social media accounts.

The Wisconsin Name Change Solution

Stunned by how to change your name in Wisconsin? Save 13 hours on your name change using the MissNowMrs app or online service. No need to worry about filing the wrong form or missing a supporting document when you let MissNowMrs change your name!

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Jun 26 2020

How to Change Your Name in Connecticut | 2020

Ready to discover how to change your name in Connecticut? The MissNowMrs experts made this step by step checklist to help you navigate towards your married name in Connecticut with minimal stress!

The Connecticut Name Change Process

1. Social Security

The Social Security Administration is the first government office to notify of your married name. Download and complete the SS-5 form. Then, file it with your certified marriage certificate and your Connecticut driver’s license or U.S. passport. There is not a fee to update your name with this agency.

Approximately two weeks after your paperwork is processed your new SS card will arrive in the mail. Your name will have changed on the card, but your SSN will stay the same.

2. Internal Revenue Service

Next up is updating your name with the IRS. Filing the IRS 8822 form is not required. However, this form makes sure the IRS knows of your married name when tax returns are issued. We think it’s totally worth the stamp to mail in the 8822 and a photo copy of your marriage certificate!

3. State Department

Step number three is filing for you name change at the State Department. Your passport status determines if you should complete the DS-11, DS-82 or the DS-5504 form. You can file the DS-11 and DS-82 by mail. But, the DS-5504 must be filed at a valid Passport Agency in-person.

When filing for your new passport, be sure to include the correct form with a certified marriage certificate, two 2×2 photos, and the corresponding processing fee. Your new passport will arrive in the mail approximately 5-6 weeks after filing your form. So, plan your international travel with that gap in mind!

4. Connecticut Driver’s License

To update your name on your Connecticut driver’s license, you should fill out the E-78 Change of Name Request Form and take it to your local DMV. Be sure to bring your current driver’s license, a certified marriage certificate, and proof of residence if your address has changed.

The best time to visit the Connecticut DMV are mid-day and mid-week. These are the best times to avoid long office lines. By having your form completed and knowing what supporting documents to bring, you ensure that you’ll walk out with your new license the same day!

5. Connecticut Voter Registration

Filing to change your name on your Connecticut voter registration is a straight forward process. Simply complete the Connecticut mail-in voter registration form and mail it to your town Registrar of Voters. Please don’t skip this filing, as it ensures your ability to vote under your married name.

6. All Creditors

Now that your new married name is on file with the federal and state government agencies, it is time to change your name with your creditors. Begin with your employer and banks. Typically, they will require you to file a form in-person to update your name in their systems. Then, move on to notifying your professional license boards, credit cards, investment accounts, insurance providers, mortgage providers, loan providers, professional license boards, and utility companies. Most of these companies will update your name over the phone or after you complete a brief form. Finally, update all of your memberships, subscriptions, and social media accounts with your new name.

7. The Solution to Connecticut Name Change

Is our checklist for how to change your name in Connecticut making you feel more stressed than less? You don’t have to change your name on your own. Use the MissNowMrs name change app or online service to save 13 hours. Let the experts take care of the heaving lifting for you.

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Jun 25 2020

How to Change Your Name in Oregon | 2020

Ready to learn how to change your name in Oregon? This step by step guide was created by the MissNowMrs name change experts to make your transition to your new married name easier!

The Oregon Name Change Process

1. Social Security Administration

Name change starts with notifying the Social Security Administration via the SS-5 form. Complete the form and then file it in-person or by mail with your certified marriage certificate and either your Oregon driver’s license or your U.S. passport. Fortunately, there isn’t a fee to change your name with this agency!

Approximately two weeks after filing the SS-5, your new SS card will arrive in the mail. Your new card will have your married name on it, but your SSN will remain the same.

2. Internal Revenue Service

You are not required to notify the IRS of your name change. However, filing the IRS 8822 ensures that the Internal Revenue Service has your maiden and married names on file so there are no questions when tax returns are issued. There’s only 11 questions, and the 8822 is free to file… so consider it a “CYA” decision!

3. The State Department

The passport name change process you follow is based on your current status. You will need to fill out the DS-11, DS-82 or the DS-5504 based on how long you have had your current passport. The DS-81 and DS-5504 forms can be mailed to the State Department. But, if you’ve never had a passport, you will need to file your DS-11 form in-person at a local Passport Office.

All filings should include the correct form with a certified marriage certificate, two 2×2 photos, and the necessary filing fee. If you’ve had your current passport for less than one year, there is no fee to file for a new name on your passport!

4. Oregon DMV

To issue your new driver’s license, the DMV will need to see your new social security card showing your married name. Also bring your completed Oregon Driver’s license application, current license, certified marriage certificate, your U.S. passport or certified birth certificate, and two proofs of residence if your address has changed.

Be prepared to have a new photo taken at the DMV, as it is a name change requirement. Your new license will be issued the same day you apply for it! Try to file mid-week and mid-month to have the shortest wait time.

5. Oregon Voter Registration

Updating your name on your voter registration ensure you won’t have any trouble casting your ballot. Simply complete the Oregon Voter Registration application and mail it with a photocopy of your new license (showing your married name) to your County’s Election Office.

6. Everyone Else

Once you’ve updated your name with all of the government agencies, it’s time to notify the rest of the world. Start with your employer and banks. Typically, they will require you to file in-person to change your name in their systems. Next up are your mortgage/loan providers, utility companies, insurance providers, investment accounts, professional license boards, and medical providers. Most of these companies will allow you to change your name via a phone call or update form. Finally, notify all of your memberships, frequent flyer accounts, subscriptions, and social media accounts of your new married name.

7. The Oregon Name Change Solution

Wishing you could skip the process of how to change your name in Oregon? The MissNowMrs name change app and online service can save you 13 hours of stress! Join the 500,000+ newlyweds who have elected to let us streamline their name changes today.

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Jun 25 2020

How to Change Your Name in Indiana | 2020

Pondering how to change your name in Indiana? The MissNowMrs name change experts have put together a detailed checklist to help you through each step in Indiana!

The Indiana Name Change Process

1. Update Your Social Security Card

First, notify the Social Security Administration of your new name. This involves filling out the SS-5 form and filing it with your Indiana driver’s license or U.S. passport, and your certified marriage certificate. There is no fee for your name change at this office!

Two weeks after your form is processed, your new SS card will arrive in the mail. The card will show your new married name, but your SSN will remain the same. If you filed by mail, your form of ID and marriage certificate will be included with your new card.

2. Notify the IRS of Your New Name

Second on the list, is changing your name with the Internal Revenue Service. Complete the IRS 8822 form and mail it to the office in your region with a photocopy of your marriage certificate. This form is not required, but it ensures you will receive your tax returns in your married name. It’s free and totally worth the peace of mind in our opinion!

3. Update Your U.S. Passport

Filing for your new passport, is the third step you need to take to legally change to your married name. There are three different application forms based on if, and how long you have had a passport. Fill out the form that is appropriate for your situation, and then file it by mail (unless it’s your first passport) along with two 2×2 passport photos, your certified marriage certificate, and the specific fee.

The State Department understands that many couples file for a passport right before their honeymoons. So, if your current passport is less than 12 months old, it’s free file for your new one! Consider it a surprise wedding gift from the State Department.

4. Change Your Name on Your Indiana Driver’s License

To change your name on your Indiana driver’s license you will need to wait at least 24 hours after filing for your new Social Security card. The DMV will need to see your filing receipt from that office, or your new card before they can update your name on your license. You should also bring your current license, certified marriage certificate, certified birth certificate, and two proofs of residence.

Your Indiana driver’s license will be issued the same day you apply for it. This is the only government office where you must file in-person, as they require a new photo for name changes.

5. Update Your Indiana Voter Registration

The last government entity to notify of your new married name is your County Voter Registration Office. Simply complete the Indiana Voter Registration Application in your new name and mail it to your specific County Voter Registration Office. The addresses are listed on the second to last page of your application or via the Indiana Voter website. Filing this brief form ensures your ability to vote under your married name in the next election.

6. Notify ALL of Your Creditors

Once you receive all of your federal and state forms of ID in your new married name, it’s time to notify your creditors. Start with your employer, banks, and professional license boards. They will most likely need you to file a form in-person to change your name. Then, move on to your mortgage/lease providers, insurance providers, medical providers, and utility companies. You should be able to change your name over the phone or with a brief online form with these entities. Finally, update your name on all of your memberships, associations, periodicals, and social media accounts.

7. Indiana Name Change Made Easy

Overwhelmed by how to change your name in Indiana? We can help! Use the MissNowMrs name change app or online service to save 13 hours on your name change. There’s no need to waste precious newlywed time standing in long office lines.

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Jun 24 2020

How to Change Your Name in Minnesota | 2020

Trying to understand how to change your name in Minnesota? Use our step by step checklist to save time and stress. It’s courtesy of the name change experts at MissNowMrs!

The Minnesota Name Change Process

1. The Social Security Administration

First on every newlywed’s list is changing the name on your Social Security card. To update your name, complete the SS-5 form and file it with your driver’s license/U.S. passport and your certified marriage certificate. There is no fee for your name change at this agency!

Two weeks after your form is processed, your new SS card will arrive in the mail. Your card will show your new married name, but your SSN remains the same.

2. The State Department

U.S. passports typically take 5-6 weeks to be processed and issued. So, it is important to take any upcoming international travel into account before filing to change your name on your passport.

3. The Internal Revenue Service

Changing your name with the IRS is not as bad as one might think. Answer the 11 questions on the IRS 8822 form, and then mail it to the appropriate office with a photocopy of your marriage certificate. That’s it! This form is not required, but it makes sure that the IRS has your maiden and married names on file when they issue tax returns.

4. The Minnesota DMV

Next up is changing your name on your Minnesota driver’s license. Be sure to bring your current license, and your certified marriage certificate. Also, be prepared to have a new photo taken, as they are required before a name change can be processed by this agency.

Insider tips: Head to the DMV mid-month and mid-week for the shortest lines. Also, the Minnesota DMV only accepts cash or checks for their $12.75 processing fee.

5. Minnesota Voter Registration Bureau

Notify the Minnesota Voter Registration Bureau of your new name by filling out their form. Then, mail it to your the Secretary of State in St. Paul to make sure you are able to vote using your new married name.

6. All of Your Creditors

Now it it time to change your name with all of the companies and offices that currently use your maiden name. Start with your employer and banks. Most of these entities will require you to file a form in-person to update your name. Then, move on to your utilities, insurances, investment accounts, medical providers, professional license boards, mortgage companies, and loan providers. Most of them will allow you to change your name over the phone, or by completing a brief form. Finally, update your name on all of your memberships, periodicals, frequent flyer accounts, and social media.

7. The Minnesota Name Change Solution

Did learning how to change your name in Minnesota stress you out? Don’t worry! The MissNowMrs app and online name change service have been saving newlyweds 13+ hours of hassle since 2007. We’d love to help you transition to your new married name with minimal hassle.

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