Newlywed Needs

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!

Jan 02 2018

5 New Years Name Change Tips

Happy New Year! Here are 5 New Years name change tips! Was changing your name part of your New Year’s resolution? If so, you’re joining the millions of newlyweds who opt to change their names after marriage. As with any resolution, to be successful you need to break the goal into small steps. Below are steps to changing your maiden name, and our suggestions on how to check this resolution off your list in the next two weeks and spend the majority of 2018 as a Mrs.!

Step 1: Find your certified marriage certificate.

Order 2-3 additional certified marriage certificates from the county clerk’s office. This is the legal document you need to file all of your federal and state name-change forms. By having more that one copy, you can file several forms at the same time and become a Mrs. much faster!

Step 2: Select the name change option that best suits you and your life.

You can option to hyphenate, take two last names without a hyphen, take your maiden name as a second middle name, replace your middle name with your maiden name, or take your spouse’s last name. If you’re torn between choices, play the Married Name Game to learn your ultimate last name.

Step 3: File your federal forms.

We suggest filing the SS-5 with the Social Security Administration first, and then file the IRS 8822, notify the USPS, and file the DS-11, DS-82, or DS-5504 with the State Department for your new passport in your new married name.

Step 4: File your state-level name change forms.

These include forms to update your name on your new driver’s license, voter registration, and vehicle title. Each state has different requirements, so we highly recommend researching what you need to file with your name change forms. Many states require proof of residence, your certified marriage certificate, and another form of ID such as your new Social Security Card or U.S. passport. Knowing the office requirements in advance will save you from making multiple trips to change your name.

Step 5: Notify your creditors.

Call the 800 numbers on the backs of your credit cards, go in-person to your bank branch, and then begin notifying your employer, utilities, mortgage providers, professional licenses, loan providers, etc. of your new married name.

Newlywed Life Hack.

Instead of re-inventing the married-name change wheel, use the MissNowMrs easy online name change service. They condense the tedious 13 hour process into 30 minutes… and after assisting over 400,000 brides with their name changes, they’re experts that can help you with any difficult situations or questions!

Dec 14 2017

Name Change After Marriage in New York: 4 Things You Need to Know

Getting married in New York? As a bride or newlywed in the Big Apple there are a few pieces of name change protocol that will help you navigate the married name change process with ease. So, as name-change experts we’re happy to share New York specific name change tips with you!

1. Maiden to Middle Name Change Is Possible in New York

Despite New York law regarding maiden to middle name change, it is possible if you file your name change forms in a specific order. First, file your Social Security form and your U.S. Passport forms first. Next, wait to receive both of those new documents back in your new name. Then, you can go to the New York DMV and file for your new driver’s license.

Your Social Security card and U.S. Passport with your new name will serve as the required 6 points of identification. AND, since they show your maiden name as your middle name, you won’t have any issues getting your new license to match.

Your Marriage Certificate Must Be In English

While New York is a diverse melting pot, the DMV is very clear that a married name change cannot be affected without a certified marriage certificate in English. So, if you were married outside the United States you should have your marriage certificate translated and authenticated before you apply for your new driver’s license.

3. Understand & Manage the New York Name Change Timeline

Unfortunately, changing your name after marriage is not a one day event in New York. Once you file for your new Social Security card, it will take the Social Security Administration 2 weeks to issue your new card by mail. Please note that your name will change, but your social security number will stay the same. The State Department averages 5-6 weeks processing time before issuing your new passport by mail. So, if you are planning to take your maiden name as your middle name, know that it will be 6 weeks until you have the appropriate documents needed to file for your new driver’s license.

While you wait on your new Social Security card and U.S. Passport, you can notify all of your banks, credit cards, insurances, mortgage provides, professional licenses, and utilities of your new name. This will streamline your name-change process and make the New York DMV your last stop before you officially have your new married name.

4. Married Name Change Help Is Available

If the laundry list of name-change in New York seems daunting, don’t worry! MissNowMrs is an awesome app and easy online name change service that condenses the tedious 13 hour process into a quick questionnaire. You can elect to print and file your forms immediately, or use our premium service to have your forms and envelopes printed, pre-addressed and posted. We’re on a mission to give every bride the option to go from Miss. to Mrs. in minutes! We’ve been called name-change fairy godmothers a time or two! 😉

Nov 29 2017

Name Change After Marriage In Texas: Tips & Tricks

Are you getting marred in the Lone Star State? If so, don’t forget to think about your name change. Not every bride changes her name, but 88% of women in the United States do elect to change their names after marriage. If you’re confused about your options or the process, don’t worry! We have all the insider tips and tricks you need to easily change to your married name in Texas.

Texas Married Name Change Options

Let’s talk options. As someone getting married in Texas, you can keep your maiden name. Take your spouse’s last name. Hyphenate your last names. Take two last names without a hyphen. Or, take your maiden name as a middle name. Uncertain which new last name is best for you? Answer a few questions at the Married Name Game. Your ideal option will be calculated based on key life indicators and your personal style.

Texas Marriage License Tips

One you’ve decided upon the name change that works best for you, the next step is filing for your marriage license. In Texas, you are not required to write your intended married name on the application, so no worries there. Once you get married, the county clerk’s office will issue you a certified marriage certificate. This is the legal document you need to file your federal and state name change forms. We highly suggest purchasing one or two additional certified copies so you can file multiple name-change forms.

Texas Married Name Change Forms & Advice

Next up, is finding and completing the appropriate name change forms to update your name with the Social Security Administration, the State Department (for your new passport,) the IRS, the US Postal Service. The Social Security Administration will process your form and issue your new Social Security card within 2 weeks. *Please note that while your name changes, your Social Security number will remain the same. The State Department will process your request and issue your new U.S. passport within 5-6 weeks unless you elect to pay for expedited service.

After filing with the federal agencies, you will need to file your state-level name change forms. Texas was one of the only states that didn’t have a name change form for you to complete. But, now it does! Simply bring your completed DMV form, current driver’s license, your certified marriage certificate, proof of residence (ex: utility bill, paycheck,) and $11 for the processing fee.

You will also need to update your name with the Voter Registration Bureau, and on your vehicle title or lease. The last step before you are an official Mrs., is to notify all of your banks, credit cards, insurances, mortgages, and service providers of your new married name. Many times you can call these offices to request your name change. Or, you can send a notification letter requesting the new name on your account.

The Simple Name Change Solution

If the name change process seems overwhelming, or like it would take some of the fun out of your newlywed bliss, we have good news! MissNowMrs is the easiest way to go from Miss to Mrs. Our easy name change app or online name-change service condenses the tedious 13 hours process into minutes! You then choose whether you want to print your forms or have us print them for you. We’re happy to mail them to you along with pre-addressed pre-posted envelopes. Our goal is to make your new beginning easier!

Don’t miss our video about Texas Name Change!

Nov 21 2017

Top 5 Black Friday Deals For Newlyweds

It’s time for turkey, shopping, and the holidays! As you look for gifts, don’t miss out on the top 5 Black Friday deals that will help you celebrate your newlywed status and your new married name.

Newlywed Black Friday Deals |mrs wine glass

Tis the season to be jolly… so why not order a stemless wine glass with your new married name to enjoy your cup(s) of cheer? This elegant glass is 50% off with the code: EVERYTHING at Shutterfly!

Newlywed Black Friday Deals | miss to mrs ring dish

Where are you keeping your wedding rings when you’re not wearing them? If the answer is not in a special/safe location. Then, you are in dire need of this adorable ring dish! It’s a stylish way to celebrate your transition from Miss to Mrs. And, the best part? This ring dish is 30% off with the code: GIVEJOY for Black Friday!

Black Friday Newlywed Deals | Mr and Mrs Towels

Mr. & Mrs. towels are a cute, yet practical way to celebrate your marriage and spruce up your master bathroom. So, use the code: SCORE to save an extra 15% on your purchase. You’ll smile every time you dry off after a shower or bath.

Newlywed Black Friday Deals | Mrs Earrings

Kate Spade has newlywed chic on lock, and Macy’s has a Black Friday deal on these gold Mrs. earrings. They’re an understated way to celebrate your new married name and status at work and on the weekends.

Newlywed Black Friday Deals | family pillow

Looking for a way to celebrate the day you became a family? This custom pillow from West Elm lets you showcase your new name and new family status with style. It’s perfect for your living room couch or as an accent pillow in your master bedroom. If you can’t decide, buy two! They’re 30% off with the code: SAVEMORE for Black Friday!

Get Your New Name Before the Holidays

We hope our list gets you excited about shopping as a Mrs. And, if you haven’t quite made the switch. We’d love to assist you with your name change. Our easy online name change app and service streamline the process into minutes. So, you have time to officially become a Mrs. before your purchases and the holidays arrive!

Nov 10 2017

3 Ways to Know You Chose the Right Married Name

Changing your name after marriage is a very personal choice. You have to consider your heritage, career, and how you feel deep inside about changing your name. While 88% of U.S. brides opt to change their names, not all of them explore their options before making the switch. It’s important to use our 3 ways to know you chose the right married name.

Game Show Winner

You know the person the camera always pans to when a winner is announced during a game show? The crazy person jumping up and down and screaming. You can feel confident in your name change choice if you feel that same way whenever someone says your new name. Feeling that I-can’t-believe-how-lucky-I-am-right-now joy is a dead giveaway that you made a great choice.

Married Name Monogram Happy

Another indicator that you’ve chosen the perfect married name is your feeling toward monogramed or personalized items. Newlyweds who can’t help loading up on items like pillows, wine glasses, & ring dishes are typically happy with their new names. Think about it. If you’re purchasing items showcasing your new married name, you’re proud and excited about that decision and change!

Diner Delight

If you can contain your smiles as you make dinner reservations for Mr. and Mrs. Smith… guess what? You love your new married name! It is completely okay to revel in the newness of your marriage and name. Enjoy it! Hopefully as you are led to your 50th wedding anniversary dinner you will still smile as you hear your married name.

Now you know the 3 Ways to Know You Chose the Right Married Name. If you still haven’t changed your name, we can help! Use the MissNowMrs name change app or online service to streamline the process from 13 hours to 13 minutes.