Name Change After Marriage for Newlyweds

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!

May 26 2020

How to Change Your Name in Ohio

Trying to figure out how to change your name in Ohio? Good news! The MissNowMrs experts have created a checklist to help you navigate the name change process in your state.

Ohio Certified Marriage Certificate

The document you will need to file all of your name change forms is a certified marriage certificate. It will be issued approximately 2 weeks after your wedding and will be mailed to you. This certificate is your legal proof of marriage. We advise ordering 2-3 additional certified marriage certificates so you can file multiple forms simultaneously.

Social Security

The first government agency that needs to be notified of your new name is the Social Security Administration. Simply complete the SS-5 form and decide if you want to file in-person or by mail. You will need to file with your driver’s license or U.S. passport, certified marriage certificate, and completed SS-5 form. If you do not have a U.S. passport, it is best to file in person so you are not without your driver’s license while your paperwork is processed.

Internal Revenue Service

Next, file the IRS 8822 form with the Internal Revenue Service. While the form title is change of address, it is also used to notify the agency of new names. This form is optional, but since it ensures there will be no confusion regarding your name on tax returns we think it is totally worth completing. The IRS 8822 is free to file, and can be mailed to the IRS with a photocopy of your marriage certificate.

U.S. Passport

The passport name change process you follow is based on your current passport status. You will need to complete 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 passport filings should include your completed form with a certified marriage certificate, two 2×2 photos, and the appropriate filing fee. If you’ve had your current passport for less than 12 months, there is no fee to file for a new name on your passport!

Ohio Driver’s License

The Ohio Deputy Registrar’s office must see your new social security card with your new name before they can issue you a new license. So, be sure to file for your social security card and wait to receive it in the mail before you file for your new name on your driver’s license. This typically takes 2 weeks from the time you file the SS-5 form.

You will also need to bring your current driver’s license, certified marriage certificate, and proof of residence to file for your license. The good news is, your new driver’s license will be issued the same day that you file for it.

Voter Registration

Updating your married name on your Ohio voter registration is easy. Simply print and complete their brief form, sign it in your new married name, and mail it to your County Board of Elections. You can find the address for all Ohio county boards in this directory.

Creditors

Finally, it is time to notify all of the non-government agencies and companies of your new married name. These include employers, banks, credit card providers, loan providers, mortgage companies, and professional license boards. As well as utilities, memberships, subscriptions, and more. Many creditors will process your name change request by phone. But, some will require you to complete a form and/or file in-person with your certified marriage certificate.

The Ohio Name Change Solution

Now that you know how to change your name in Ohio, are you feeling stressed out? Instead of wasting 13 hours of newlywed life on your name change, use the MissNowMrs app or service. We streamline the tedious process into a matter of minutes!

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May 25 2020

How to Change Your Name in New Jersey

Wondering how to change your name in New Jersey? Every state has a different form, fee, process, and timeline. Fortunately, the MissNowMrs name change experts have broken name change in New Jersey into manageable steps for you!

New Jersey Marriage License

Before you say “I do” in New Jersey, you will need to file for your marriage license at the Registrar of Vital Statistics. This license will be signed by the individual who officiates your wedding ceremony and filed on your behalf.

Approximately 2 weeks after your signed marriage license is filed, you will receive your certified marriage certificate in the mail. This is the legal document that allows you to file for your married name change with all of the federal and state government offices.

Social Security

The Social Security Administration is the first office you will need to change your name with. You can file the SS-5 form along with your certified marriage certificate and your driver’s license or U.S. passport. The SSA will mail your new social security card to you two weeks after they have processed your paperwork. The good news is that there is no fee associated with your filing!

IRS

Next up is the IRS. Changing your name with the IRS is straight forward. Simply complete the IRS 8822 form and mail it to their office address. Include a photo copy of your certified marriage certificate. This form is not required. However, filing it ensures that there will be no confusion about your name when tax returns are issued.

U.S. Passport

Depending on your current passport status, you will need to complete the DS-11, DS-82 or the DS-5504 form to update your name. The DS-81 and DS-5504 forms can be filed by mail. But, if you do not have a passport, you will need to file your DS-11 form in-person at a local Passport Office. All offices require you to file your completed form with a certified marriage certificate, two 2×2 photos, and the appropriate filing fee. If you’ve had your current passport for less than 12 months, it’s free to file for a new name on your passport. It’s like a wedding gift from the State Department!

New Jersey Driver’s License

To file for your new name on your driver’s license in New Jersey, you will need to bring your social security card showing your new married name. You will also need to provide your birth certificate or U.S. passport along with proof of residence. Examples of proof of residence include utility bills or bank statements showing your New Jersey address. Your new driver’s license will be issued the same day you apply for it. This is the one office you must file your forms in-person. Why? Because they must take a new photo to issue a license in a new name.

Creditors

Finally, once you have updated your name with all of the federal and state government agencies, it is time to notify your creditors. This includes your employer, utilities, loan providers, banks, credit cards, insurances, mortgage providers, professional license boards, air line mile programs, gym members, etc. Many of these companies allow you to change your name over the phone. But, some require you to submit a form and a certified marriage certificate before they are able to update your accounts.

Name Change the Easy Way

Overwhelmed now that you know how to change your name in New Jersey? The entire process is incredibly complicated. And, it can take over 13 hours of your newlywed life. Instead of stressing, use the MissNowMrs name change app or online service to change your name in a matter of minutes. We’ve assisted over 500,000 newlyweds transition to their married names. Let our experts help you too!

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May 08 2020

REAL ID and Married Name Change

Wondering how to handle filing for a REAL ID and married name change? The MissNowMrs name change experts have done the research for you. Follow our advice for the easiest way to obtain a REAL ID with your new name.

To obtain a REAL ID you need to provide proof of identity, proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of residence in your state.

Change your name with Social Security first. Then wait for your new card with your new married name to arrive in the mail. It takes approximately 2 weeks for the Social Security Administration to process your request for a new Social Security Card.

You will also need to bring a certified marriage certificate to file for your REAL ID. Do not bring a photocopy. The DMV requires the original document to process your name change.

Heads up! You cannot use the same document as a proof of ability to drive, proof of identity, AND as a proof of Social Security number. You must have separate documents as each proof.

Real ID Proof of Identity

DMV offices have a very specific list of documents they will accept as your proof of identity. We’ve made a list of them below. Please note that your document must be original and must list your full legal name and date of birth. Remember, you only need one of these documents.

Unexpired US Passport or Passport Card
US Birth Certificate or Birth Certification Card filed with a state office of vital statistics
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the US Department of State
Unexpired Permanent Resident Card
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of US Citizenship
Unexpired Foreign Passport with accompanying Visa**
Unexpired Employment Authorization Card**

REAL ID Proof of Social Security Number

Next, each DMV requires proof of a Social Security number before they can issue a REAL ID. Any document you provide to prove your Social Security number must contain all 9 digits and your full name. We’ve made a list of acceptable documents below.

Social Security card bearing your full name, Social Security number, and signature
Pay statement reflecting full name and full Social Security number
W-2 (wage and tax statement) reflecting your full name and full Social Security number
1099 Form reflecting your full name and full Social Security number

REAL ID Proof of State Residence

Finally, Proof of residence is just that; documents that prove you live at your current address in your current state. The DMV requires that you provide two different documents showing your address that are not from the company, business, or agency. We’ve made a list of acceptable documents below! *Please note that each document must show your name and address and have been issued in the last 60 days.

Utility bill
Telephone bill
Deed, mortgage, or settlement agreement
Unexpired lease or rental agreement with your name listed as the lessee or renter. This may be a photocopy.
State property tax bill or tax assessment issued within the last 12 months
Unexpired homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy
Bank/credit card/investment account statement
Official mail—received from ANY government agency including the contents and envelope. *Except mail from the DMV.
Student loan statement
Car/personal loan statement

We hope this article has helped you better understand the REAL ID and married name change process. Please feel free to call or email our name change experts if you need additional help!

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Apr 22 2020

DMV Name Change

Trying to figure out the DMV name change process? Changing your name on your driver’s license can be complicated. Which form do you use? What items do you need to bring with you? And, when is the best time to go to the DMV? We’ve spent hours of researching the answers so you don’t have to!

How to Prepare for Your DMV Name Change

Each state has a different form and sequence in which you must file for your DMV name change. Depending on your state of residence, you may need to file to change your name on your Social Security Card before you can change your name at the DMV.

If you have moved, you will need to bring at least two proofs of new residence to the DMV. These include utility bills, pay checks, and insurance bills. It is also important to record your license plate number and VIN number so you have them to complete your form.

Looking to avoid long office lines? The best times to visit the DMV are mid-month and mid-week. Always avoid the DMV at the end of the month or after holidays.

Does name change seem like a hassle?

Wait until you begin the name change process on all of your other state and U.S. federal forms of identification! If you’d like to change your name in a matter of minutes, we can help! Use the MissNowMrs app or online service to streamline the 13 hour hassle into 13 minutes.

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The MissNowMrs experts have created a video with our best tips and tricks for changing your name at the DMV. You can watch it below!

What are your experiences with name change at the DMV or MVA? We’d love for you to share in a comment below!

Apr 22 2020

Driver’s License Name Change

Curious about driver’s license name change? Changing your name on your driver’s license can be complicated. Which form do you use, what are you required to bring with you & where do you file? Our experts have spent hours researching those answers so you don’t have to!

Which Driver’s License Forms Should You File?

Each state driver’s license office has a different form and sequence in which you must file for your name change. Depending on your state of residence you may need to file to change your name on your Social Security Card before you can change your name at the DMV.

Search your state DMV website to find the appropriate form. Usually you will need to complete an application for an updated license. Occasionally, you will need to complete a form for a new license or ID. There may also be a section of the form for you to update your name with your state’s voter registration bureau.

If you have moved, you will need to bring at least two proofs of residency. These typically include utility bills, pay checks, and insurance bills. It is also important to know your license plate number and VIN number to complete your form correctly.

Be prepared by bringing your current driver’s license, certified marriage certificate, the exact fee for your new license (check to see if it needs to be in cash.) And, to have a new photo taken. If you are applying for a REAL ID, there are additional documents that need to be provided.

Think driver’s license name change seems like a hassle?

Wait until you begin the name-change process on all of your other state and U.S. government forms of ID! If you’d like to skip the pain of name change, we can help. Use the MissNowMrs App or online service to complete all of your forms in minutes. You will also receive expert filing tips & advice to streamline your filing process.

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