Danielle Tate

Do you have a resolution around married name change in 2021? You’re not alone! Over 88% of newlyweds opt to change their names after marriage. The start of a new year can often trigger the decision to move forward with a new married name. The MissNowMrs experts have compiled what you need to know!

Understand the Process in Your State

The first step of changing your name is understanding the process. Unfortunately, your name doesn’t change when you say, “I do.” You will need to file a series of state and federal name change forms. The order of these forms is dependent upon your state of residence. So, if you have a friend who has gone through the process in a neighboring state, you may have to do things differently.

Select Your Best Married Name Change 2021 Option

Married name change in 2021 gives you tons of name change options. You can hyphenate, take two last names, take your maiden as a new middle name, or take your maiden name as a second middle name. In California, you can blend your last names into a new name as long as you put that name on your marriage license application. Please note that each state has different laws regarding which name change options are legal. So, it is wise to do your research before completing all of your forms.

Be Aware of Tax Season

Affecting a married name change in the new year is a great idea! Just keep in mind that tax season is coming, and be sure to move through the process. Procrastination can lead to some tax filing headaches. If you have an accountant, be sure to alert them of your name change plans, so they can prepare your documents accordingly.

Consider a Name Change Service

Name change after marriage can take upwards of 13 hours. Does researching forms, calling government agencies, standing in long office lines, and worrying about if you did everything right sound stressful? If so, there’s a solution! Use the MissNowMrs name change app or online service to transition to your new married name in a matter of minutes. Our technology and experts have helped over 500,000 newlyweds and we would love to help you too!

Curious about COVID and married name change? Whether you’re a newlywed or about to tie the knot, now is an interesting time to be changing your name. The MissNowMrs experts have pooled their knowledge to help you navigate through the process in a pandemic.

Use Technology to Skip Government Office Paranoia

No one likes to stand in crowded government office lines to file paperwork. So, when you factor in COVID-19 the thought is nightmare inducing. Instead of masking up and freaking out, you can use an app or online service to change your name from the safety and comfort of your home.

The COVID DMV Silver Lining

Despite all of the bad things coming from this pandemic, there is a silver lining for name change. Usually, newlyweds have to spend hours waiting in line to file for their new driver’s license. Now, most state DMVs are accepting appointments. It’s as easy as going online to your state’s transportation website and selecting a slot. You will need to complete a health survey and have your temperature taken before being allowed in the building. This means WAY less wait time and exposure for you!

Travel Bans = Perfect Timing for Name Change

The State Department is currently taking 10-12 weeks to process and issue a new passport in your new married name. This time gap can pose a real problem for anyone who travels for work. TSA will not allow anyone to travel with documents that do not match their tickets. So, now that most of us are working from home it’s a perfect time to file for your new passport! We highly recommend paying $60 for expedited processing/shipping to speed up the timeline to 4-6 weeks.

Something to Celebrate

This is a time where many of us feel like we’re accomplishing less than we planned. Crossing something like married name change off your to do list can give you a mental health boost and something to celebrate. Pop a bottle of champagne and take some selfies with your new driver’s license or passport. Or, order in a romantic meal and savor this step of your newlywed life!

At MissNowMrs we’re seeing a surge of newlyweds making the most of working from home and getting their name change taken care of. We’ve helped over 500,000 customers change their name with less stress, and would love to help you too!

Looking to learn how to change your name in New Hampshire? You’re reading the right article! The experts at MissNowMrs created this 7 step guide to help you save time and stress as you navigate your name change.

The New Hampshire Name Change Process

1. Social Security

Ready to take the plunge? Fill out the SS-5 form and file it with your current driver’s license or U.S. passport, a certified marriage certificate, and $0. There is no fee to file this name change form!

2-3 weeks after your form is processed your new social security card will come in the mail. The card will have you new married name and your original SSN on it.

2. The Internal Revenue Service

Next up is notifying the IRS of your new name. Complete the IRS 8822 form, it’s brief but a bit tricky. Then mail it to the appropriate office address listed on the second page with a photocopy of your marriage certificate. You are not required to file this form, but it gives you the peace of mind that the Internal Revenue Service has your maiden and married names on file before tax returns are issued.

3. The State Department

Now it’s time to change your name on your U.S. passport. The State Department has three different forms, depending on your current passport status. They are the DS-11, the DS-82, and the DS-5504. After completing the appropriate form, file it with your current passport, a certified 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. So, be sure to take any upcoming international travel into account, before changing your name on your passport. TSA does not allow you to travel under a name that is different from your current reservation.

4. New Hampshire DMV

To change your name on your driver’s license you will need to fill in the New Hampshire Driver’s License Application and bring it to your local DMV. To file, you will also need to present your current license, a certified marriage certificate, and proof of residence if you have moved. New Hampshire is one of the only states that does not charge a fee for name changes!

5. New Hampshire Voter Registration

Changing your name with the NH Voter Registration Bureau is a straight forward process. Complete the New Hampshire Voter Registration Application and mail it to your city or town clerk’s office. No additional supporting documents are needed. Filing this one page form gives you the right to vote under your new married name in all elections.

6. ALL of Your Creditors and Accounts

Now that your government forms are filed, it’s time to focus on your creditors. We advise starting with your employer and your banking institutions. Usually, they will ask you to file a form in-person and show a certified copy of your 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. 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. Every company’s policy will vary, but many will allow you to login and make the update on your own.

7. The Easy Way to Change Your Name in New Hampshire

Now that you understand how to change your name in New Hampshire are you more stressed then when you didn’t know? MissNowMrs to the rescue! Use our name change app or online service to save 13 hours of hassle. We’ll take care of all of the paperwork and give you insider filing tips so you can transition to your married name in a matter of minutes.

Researching how to change your name in Hawaii? 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 with state and government agencies.

The Hawaii Name Change Process

1. The Social Security Administration

The first official document to change your name on is your Social Security card. Fill out the SS-5 form, and decide if you will file by mail or in person. You will need your current driver’s license or U.S. passport and a certified marriage certificate for the filing process. Fortunately, it is free to file for this update!

Approximately 2 weeks after your paperwork is processed, your new SS card will arrive in your mailbox. Your new married name will be listed on the card, but your SSN will stay the same.

2. The Internal Revenue Service

The second agency to inform of your new name is the IRS. Complete the IRS-8822 form. Then mail it to the appropriate address listed on page 2 with a photocopy of your marriage license. This form is not required, but it makes sure that the IRS has a record of your maiden and new married name when they issue tax returns. This helps avoid any hold ups!

3. The State Department

The third step is updating your name on your passport. Your current passport status decides 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 by mail. But, the DS-5504 has to be filed at a Passport Agency in person.

When filing, 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 married name will arrive in the mail 5-6 weeks after filing. So, we advice taking into account any international travel you have planned before filing.

4. The Hawaii DMV

Now it’s time to change your name on your license. Complete the Hawaii Driver’s License Application and take it to your local DMV or satellite city hall. Be sure to bring your current license, a certified marriage certificate in English, and $6 for the processing fee. Your new license will be issued the same day you apply for it!

5. The Hawaii Voter Registration Bureau

The next place to change your name is on your voter registration. Fill out the Hawaii Voter Registration Application. Then mail it to your city or county clerk for processing. By doing this, you ensure that you have the ability to vote using your married name.

6. ALL of Your Creditors and Accounts

Now that you’ve updated your name with all of the government agencies, it’s time to notify all of our creditors and revise all of your accounts. We advise starting with your employer and your banking institutions. Usually, they will ask you to file a form in-person and show a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

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

7. The Hawaii Name Change Solution

Now that you understand how to change your name in Hawaii are you overwhelmed? There are A LOT of forms to figure out and endless offices to file with. Fortunately, you can use the MissNowMrs name change app or online name change service to save 13 hours of hassle! It’s like pressing the easy button for the whole process.