Wondering how to change your name in Maine? You’re reading the right article! The MissNowMrs name change experts put together this step by step guide to help you change your name with all of the state and federal government agencies. The goal? To save you time and hassle.

The Maine Name Change Process

1. The Social Security Administration

Ready to say “I do” to your married name? 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

Changing your name with the IRS is next on your list. Complete the IRS 8822 form and file it by mail with a photocopy of your certified marriage certificate. This form is not required and has no filing fee. But, it insures the agency knows your maiden and married names to prevent confusion when tax refunds are issued. We consider it a total no-brainer!

3. The State Department

Now it’s onto changing your name on your U.S. passport. The State Department has three different forms, depending on your current passport status. The DS-11, the DS-82, and the DS-5504. After filling out 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. The Maine DMV

To change your name on your driver’s license, first file for your new SS card. Five days after filing, you can head to the Maine DMV. You will need to complete a brief form and sign it in front of the clerk. Be sure to bring your current license, marriage certificate, and your certified birth certificate or U.S. passport. The fee for your new license is $5, and it will be issued the same day you apply!

5. The Maine Voter Registration Bureau

To vote under your married name in Maine, you will need to complete a voter registration application. Then, simply mail it to the Elections Division in Augusta. They will update your name in their system so you are all set for the next election.

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. A majority 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 vary, but many will allow you to login and make the update on your own.

7. The Easiest Way to Change Your Name in Maine

Do the in’s and out’s of how to change in Maine cause the need for you to take deep calming breaths? We’ve got you covered! Use the MissNowMrs name change app or online service to streamline your name change. Don’t waste 13 hours researching forms, filling them out, and figuring out the filing process for your state. With MissNowMrs you’ll be done in a matter of minutes!

Need to understand how to change your name in Rhode Island? The name change experts at MissNowMrs created this 7 step guide to save you time and stress as you navigate your name change with state and government agencies.

The Rhode Island Name Change Process

1. Social Security Card

The first government issued document to change your name on is your Social Security card. Fill out the SS-5 form, and decide if you wish to 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. Guess what? It’s 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 IRS

The place to change your name is with the Internal Revenue Service. Complete the IRS 8822 form and mail it in along with a photo copy of your Rhode Island marriage certificate. This form is not required, but it’s free to file and ensures that the IRS know who to issue your tax returns to in the spring!

3. U.S. Passport

The third document that needs updating is 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 advise taking into account any international travel you have planned before filing.

4. Rhode Island Driver’s License

Next up is changing your name on your Rhode Island driver’s license. Head to your local DMV with your LI-1 form. Please note that you must wait at least 24 hours after filing for your new name with the Social Security Administration before you can file for your new license.

Be sure to bring your current license, certified marriage certificate, your new SS card, or a receipt from the SS office showing your new name. You will also need to bring 2 proofs of residence, such as a utility bill and bank statement. The fee for your new license is $6.50 and it will be issued the same day you apply.

5. Rhode Island Voter Registration

Your last state-level form to file is with the Voter Registration Bureau. Fill out the Rhode Island Voter Registration form. Then mail it to your city board of canvassers along with a photocopy of your new driver’s license and a utility bill or bank statement that shows your name and address. This filing will ensure that you have the ability to vote under 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. Start with your employer and your banking institutions. Typically, 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 online. Finally, change your name on all of your accounts, memberships, periodicals, frequent flyer programs, and on social media. Every company’s policy will vary, but most will allow you to login and make the update on your own.

7. The Easy Name Change Solution in Maine

Now that you’ve learned how to change your name in Rhode Island are you dreading the process? There are TONS 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!

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!