Name Change After Marriage for Newlyweds

Curious about name change and your credit? You’re not alone! Many brides are curious about what happens to their credit when they make the switch to Mrs.  Do they lose their credit history and start over with a new name?  Do they need to notify the main credit bureaus of their decision?

When you change your name you do not need to notify the three U.S. credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experion.  When you update your name with all of your creditors (banks, credit cards, ect.) the bureaus will add your new name to your account and keep your maiden name as well.  This way you keep your established credit and build credit with your married name.

Curious how to change your name post-wedding? The MissNowMrs name change experts are continuing their list of newlywed to-do’s.

• Update your U.S. Passport.  You will need to fill out an application for a name change on your passport and have new photos taken.  The fee will depend on how long you have had your current passport.
• Notify the Post Office.  If you have moved due to your recent marriage make sure to notify the United States Postal Office of your new residence by filling out a brief form.
• Name Change the Easy Way.  Use MissNowMrs.com to complete all of your state and U.S. government forms in three easy steps: Questions, Forms, File.
• Change your personal paperwork.  This includes notifying your bank, credit cards, utilities, title and registration of your vehicle(s), all types of insurance (health, life, auto, home, ect.), professional certifications, voter registration, memberships, ect.
• Start using your new name.  Introduce yourself with your new name, change your name on your voice mail and answering machine, sign your new name on emails or letters, and consider buying yourself something with your new initials on it: jewelry, stationary, or clothing are great examples.

Here’s how to change your name post wedding:

• Get a few copies of your certified marriage certificate.  You will need to use them as legal proof of your marriage.
• Get a Social Security Card with your new name.  You will need to complete an application and submit it with proof of identity and proof of legal name change.
• Update your driver’s license or ID from your state DMV.  Each state has a process for name change on a driver’s license or ID card.  Make sure to bring your current license/ID, proof of legal name change, and proof of residence if you have moved.  It is also a good idea to wear something cute, since your photo will be re-taken.
• Notify the IRS of your name change.  You will need to complete a form to notify the IRS.  This ensures that when you file your taxes under your new name or jointly with your husband the IRS will not hold your returns while they investigate who you are (ex: We have Caroline Green on file, but not a Caroline Smith with this SSN).

Curious how to change your name pre-wedding? It’s not an uncommon question! So, follow our tips below!

• Take some time to consider what name-change avenue you will be taking and discuss it with your future mate.
• Tell your family and wedding attendants of your planned name change.  They will then be able to advise anyone asking monogramming or gift-personalization questions before the wedding.
• **Please make your honeymoon travel plans and reservations using your maiden name.  You will not have time to change your driver’s license and passport prior to your trip.**
• Inform your employer of your intended name change so they can begin the process of changing your email, business cards, and any other items bearing your maiden name.
• Consider using an app or service such as www.missnowmrs.com to help you prepare for your name change.

Did you decide to change your name pre-wedding? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience in a comment!

Here are several options to consider to make an easy name change compromise

• Hyphenate your last name with your spouse’s.  He can keep his name the same or add yours too.  You can also choose whose name should be first in the hyphenation.

• You can keep your maiden name as your middle name.  This option allows you to change your last name, but still keep your maiden name as part of your title.

• Adding your maiden name as a second middle name is also a great compromise.  If you have a long middle and maiden name, consider that this option may make your name quite a mouthful.

• Using your maiden name as your child’s first or middle name to preserve family history is also a popular choice.  If your name was Sophia Carlin you could name your child Henry Carlin Green or Carlin Henry Green.

• Your husband could take your last name.  While this is not the most common choice it is a great way for a man to support his wife and potentially escape a terrible last name of his own.

• Change your name legally and use it socially, but use your maiden name professionally.  You can be Mrs. Green at school and church, but still be addressed as Ms. Smith at work.

Ready to have some fun? Play the married name game to show what other brides with similar personalities have selected for their name change option.