• Skip to main content

MissNowMrs

Online Married Name Change Service + App

  • Our Story
  • Reviews
  • FAQ
  • Name Change FAQ
  • Gift Cards
  • Name Change Advice
  • How It Works
  • Log in
You are here: Home / Archives for State Name Change Tips

State Name Change Tips

name change advice

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!

How to Change Your Name in Alaska | 2021

Wondering how to change your name in Alaska? 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.

The Alaska Name Change Process

1. The Social Security Administration

The first step in your name change is completing the SS-5 form to notify the SSA of your married name. Then decide if you will file by mail or in-person. You will need to include or show your certified marriage certificate and Alaskan driver’s license or U.S. Passport for your form to be processed.

Approximately 2 weeks after your form is processed, you will receive your new Social Security card in the mail! The card will show your married name, but your SSN will remain the same. If you opted to file by mail, your certificate and form of ID will be returned in the same envelope with your new card.

2. The IRS

Second, it’s time to notify the Internal Revenue Service of your new name. Complete the IRS 8822 and mail it with a photo copy of your marriage certificate to the appropriate address listed on the second page of the form. It is free to file this form, and it prevents any tax return holds due do your name change!

3. The State Department

Next up is changing your name with the State Department. Your current passport status dictates 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 via mail. But, the DS-5504 should be filed at a Passport Agency in person.

When filing, be sure to 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 name will arrive in the mail 5-6 weeks after filing your form. So, take any international travel into account before you file!

4. The Alaska DMV

To change your your name on your Alaska driver’s license, first wait to receive your new SS card in your married name. Then complete the Application for Alaska Driver’s license and head to the DMV. You will need to bring a certified copy of your marriage license, your current driver’s license and $15. Your new license will be issued the same day you apply for it!

5. The Alaska Voter Registration Bureau

Don’t forget to update your married name on your voter registration account. Simply complete the State of Alaska Voter Registration Application. Then mail it to your Regional Elections Office with a photocopy of your ID or passport (showing your new married name.) This gives you the ability to vote under your married name in the next election.

6. ALL of Your Creditors and Accounts

Now it’s time to change your name with all of your creditors and accounts. It’s intelligent to begin with your employer and your banks. Typically, they will ask you to file a form in-person and submit a certified marriage certificate (and sometimes your new SS card.)

Next, change 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 using an online form. Finally, update your name on of your accounts, memberships, periodicals, frequent flyer programs, and on social media. Every company’s policy will differ, but a majority will allow you to login and make the update on your own.

7. Alaska Name Change the Easy Way!

Did just reading how to change your name in Alaska wear you out? There’s a simple solution! Use the MissNowMrs app or online service to skip 13 hours of name change hassle. There’s no need to waste time in long office lines!

Alaska Married Name Change Service

Written by · Categorized: Name Change After Marriage for Newlyweds, State Name Change Tips

How to Change Your Name In Delaware | 2021

How to change your name in Delaware

Curious how to change your name in Delaware? The name change experts at MissNowMrs created this step by step guide to save you time and stress as you navigate your name change with state and government agencies.

The Delaware Name Change Process

1. Your Social Security Card

To change your name on you SS card, first fill out the SS-5 form. Then decide if you wish to file by mail or in person. You will need to include a certified copy of your marriage certificate along with your U.S. passport or driver’s license. *Photocopies will not be accepted.

Approximately 2 weeks after your form is processed by the Social Security Administration your new card will be mailed to you. Your new married name will be on your card, but your SSN will remain the same.

2. IRS

Updating your name with the Internal Revenue Service involves completing the IRS 8822 form. This 2 page form isn’t required, but filing it ensures that the IRS has your married name on file when they issue tax returns. Simply file it by mail with a photocopy of your marriage certificate. It’s free and we think it’s totally worth your time to have peace of mind!

3. Your U.S. Passport

The State Department has three different name change forms, depending on your current passport status. They are the DS-11, the DS-82, and the DS-5504. After filling in the correct form, file it with your current passport, a certified copy 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. With COVID delays, that timeline can be even longer. So, it is important to take any upcoming international travel into account, before changing your name on your passport. TSA will not authorize travel under a name that is different from your current reservation.

4. Your Delaware Driver’s License

Before you can file for your new driver’s license you must first file for your new SS card. Wait 72 hours after filing in person before heading to the DMV. Be sure to bring your current license, registration card, valid proof of car insurance, you certified marriage certificate, and proof of address if you have recently moved. It will cost $1.15 to change your name on your license, which will be issued the same day you apply!

5. Your Delaware Voter Registration

To update your name in Delaware, you will need to complete a Voter Registration Application with your new married name. Then send it to your county’s Department of Elections for processing. This ensures that you have the ability to vote with your new name.

6. ALL of Your Creditors and Accounts

As you wrap up filing all government forms, it’s time to update all of your creditors. We advise starting with your employer and your banking institutions. Typically, they will ask you to file a form in-person and show a certified 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. Most 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 be different, but many will allow you to login and make the update on your own.

7. Delaware Name Change Made Easy

Now that you know how to change your name in Delaware are you feeling uneasy? Name change can be a total nightmare of red tape, but fortunately there’s a simple solution! Use the MissNowMrs name change app or online service to go from Miss to Mrs. in a matter of minutes.

Delaware Married Name Change Service

Written by · Categorized: Name Change After Marriage for Newlyweds, State Name Change Tips

How to Change Your Name in New Mexico | 2021

How to Change Your Name in New Mexico

Researching how to change your name in New Mexico? The name change experts at MissNowMrs designed this guide to help you understand the process in your state AND save countless hours of frustration!

The New Mexico Name Change Process

1. The Social Security Administration

It is best to begin your name change by notifying the SSA. You will need to fill out the SS-5 form and decide if you want to file in-person or by mail. Filing is free, but you must show/include your current passport or driver’s license and a certified marriage certificate.

In approximately 2 weeks your new SS card with your married name will arrive in the mail. Your name will be updated in the agency’s database, but your SSN will remain the same.

2. The IRS

Next up, complete and file the IRS 8822 form to notify the Internal Revenue Service of your new married name. This form isn’t required, but we recommend sending it. Why? Because it’s free, and it ensures the IRS has your maiden and married names on file when they issue tax returns.

3. The State Department

Step 3 is changing your name with the State Department. Your current passport status determines 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 via mail. But, the DS-5504 must be filed at a Passport Agency in person.

When filing, be sure to include your completed form with a certified marriage certificate, two 2×2 photos, and the appropriate processing fee. Your new passport with your married name will arrive in the mail 5-6 weeks after filing your form. So, take any international travel into account before you file!

4. The New Mexico MVD

To update your name on your New Mexico license head to your local MVD. Be sure to bring your new SS card showing your married name. You will also need your certified marriage certificate, current license, and proof of residence if your address has changed. The filing fee is $18 for a four year license and $34 for an 8 year license. Head up, these offices do not accept visa as a payment method!

5. The New Mexico Voter Registration Bureau

Changing your name on your New Mexico voter registration is pretty straight forward. Simply complete a voter registration application and mail it to your Secretary of State. Or, you have the option to fill out the form online. It takes 4 minutes and makes sure you have the right to vote under your married name.

6. ALL of Your Creditors and Accounts

Finally, it is time to change your name across all of your creditors and accounts. It’s wise to begin with your employer and your banks. Usually, they will ask you to file a form in-person and submit a certified marriage certificate (and sometimes 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. Each company’s policy will differ, but a majority will allow you to login and make the update on your own.

7. New Mexico Name Change Simplified!

Did reading how to change your name in New Mexico have your anxiety levels climbing? Don’t stress! Use the MissNowMrs app or online name change service to save 13 hours. We’ve assisted over 500,000 newlyweds and can’t wait to help you too!

New Mexico Married Name Change Service

Written by · Categorized: Name Change After Marriage for Newlyweds, State Name Change Tips

How to Change Your Name in West Virginia

How to Change Your Name in West Virginia 2021
Ready for a New Name? Order Now!

Working out how to change your name in West Virginia? You’re reading the right article! The MissNowMrs name change experts put together this 7 step guide to help you save time and headaches as you navigate your name change with state and government agencies.

The West Virginia Name Change Process

1. Social Security Administration

The first step in change your name after marriage is filing the SS-5 with the SSA. You will need to file this form in person or by mail 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 arrive 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 changing your name with the IRS. Complete the IRS 8822 form, and mail it to the appropriate address on the second page. You will need to include a photocopy of your marriage certificate in your filing. This form is not required by law, but it ensures the IRS has your maiden and married names on record when they issue tax returns.

3. The State Department

The third place to change your name is 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 completing the correct form, file it with your current passport, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, two passport photos, and the listed processing fee.

Typically, U.S. passports take 5-6 weeks to be processed and issued. With COVID delays, that timeline can be even longer. 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 West Virginia DMV

The fourth place to change your name is on your West Virginia driver’s license. Head to your local DMV with your current driver’s license, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, your new Social Security card in your married name, your U.S. passport or birth certificate and 2 proofs of residence. Your new license will be issued in your married name the same day you apply!

5. The West Virginia Voter Registration Bureau

It is important to update your name on your voter registration so you can vote under your married name. Simply complete the West Virginia Voter Registration application and mail it to your county clerk with a photocopy of your new driver’s license. The clerk will update their records with your new name.

6. ALL of Your Creditors and Accounts

Once your government forms are filed, it’s time to notify all of 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. Each company’s policy will be different, but many will allow you to login and make the update on your own.

7. The Easy Way To Change Your Name in West Virginia

Now that you know how to change your name in West Virginia are you feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry! You can use the MissNowMrs app or online name change service to save 13 hours. Let our experts and technology streamline your transition from Miss to Mrs. in a matter of minutes.

Ready for a New Name? Order Now!
West Virginia Married Name Change Service

Written by · Categorized: Name Change After Marriage for Newlyweds, State Name Change Tips

The 6 Steps of North Carolina Name Change

North Carolina Name Change Steps

Thinking about changing your name in North Carolina? Every state has different married name change laws and filing orders, but don’t stress! The MissNowMrs name change experts have broken the process into 6 steps to smooth your transition to your new married name.

Step 1: Change Your Name with Social Security

North Carolina requires newlyweds to file the SS-5 form with Social Security as the first step of their married name change process. Simply complete the form and file by mail (you will need to send your driver’s license or U.S. passport) or in-person. In approximately 2 weeks, your new social security card with your new married name will be issued and mailed to you.

Step 2: Change Your Name with the IRS

The next step in the North Carolina name change process is filing the IRS 8822 form with the IRS. The good news is it’s a one page form that is free to file. Not every opts to complete the IRS 8822, but we encourage our clients to file it to make sure the office knows their new name and maiden name when tax season arrives!

Step 3: Change Your Name with the DMV

To update your North Carolina driver’s license with your married name, you will need to first file your SS-5 form and wait at to receive your updated Social Security Card. Bring it, along with your completed DMV form, certified marriage certificate, car insurance card, and $10.00 in cash. Your new driver’s license will be issued the same day.

If you are applying for a Real ID, you will also need to bring a certified copy of your birth certificate or your unexpired U.S. passport (it can still be in your maiden name.) *There may be an additional fee for your Real ID.

There is a section of the North Carolina driver’s license form where you can elect to update your name on your voter registration. We highly encourage you to complete this section so you are able to vote locally and nationally.

Step 4: Change Your Name with the State Department

To change your name with the State Department, you will need to fill in the DS-11 passport form or the DS-5504 passport form, and file it with your current passport (or passport card,) your certified marriage certificate, two passport photos, and the listed processing fee. U.S passports take approximately 5-6 weeks to be issued, so it’s smart to give yourself 2 months to file before any international travel.

Step 5: Change Your Name with Your Creditors

After you’ve filed you name change forms with the state and federal offices, it is time to notify all of your creditors of your new name. The normal list of creditors includes your banks, credit cards, insurances, mortgage providers, student loan companies, medical providers, utilities, memberships, and magazines. Many of these companies can be contacted by phone, but some (especially banks) require you to come into a local office with your certified marriage certificate to change the name on your account.

Step 6: Simplify You Name Change with MissNowMrs

The typical name change takes approximately 13 hours. That’s 13 hours of newlywed life spent searching for forms, reading fine print, manually completing forms, and then figuring out what order to file them in (which is state-specific) and which offices you need to file them at. It’s a super un-fun process.

Fortunately, you can use the MissNowMrs App or online name change service to streamline your name change. We automate all the tedious repetitive parts of the name change process saving our clients over 13 hours of stress.

So, if you’re thinking about changing your name after marriage in North Carolina, the MissNowMrs app, service, and name change experts are at your service!

Written by · Categorized: State Name Change Tips

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Top 5 Honeymoon Travel Tips For Brides
  • Name Change Advice
  • How To Change Your Name After Marriage
  • Name Change After Marriage
  • State Married Name Change Information
  • Privacy Policy
MissNowMrs Instagram MissNowMrs Facebook MissNowMrs Pinterest MissNowMrs YouTube
Have a name change question? Call or text us at 800.301.9296 or email us at support@missnowmrs.com
Copyright 2025