Researching how to change your name in Montana? The name change experts at MissNowMrs created this step by step guide to help you save time and stress as you navigate your name change with state and government agencies.
The Montana Name Change Process
1. The Social Security Administration
Step one in your name change process is notifying the SSA of your married name. Complete the SS-5 form and decide if you wish to file in-person or by mail. You will need to file your form with a certified marriage certificate and either your driver’s license or U.S. passport.
Around 2 weeks after your form is processed, your new SS card will arrive in the mail. It will have your new married name on it, but your SSN will remain the same. If you chose to file by mail, your supporting documents will be returned in the same envelope as your new card.
2. The Internal Revenue Service
Step two is changing your name with the IRS. You are not required to file the IRS 8822 form, but it’s free and ensures that there will be no mix ups with your tax returns. Simply fill out the form and mail it to the appropriate office listed on the back with a photocopy of your marriage certificate.
3. The State Department
Step three in the Montana name change process is updating your name on your 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 appropriate form, file it with your current passport, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, two passport photos, and the designated processing fee.
On average, U.S. passports take 5-6 weeks to be processed and issued. With COVID delays, that timeline can be extended. So, it is important to take any upcoming international travel into account, before filing your passport paperwork. Heads up: TSA will not authorize travel under a name that is different from your current reservation.
4. The Montana DMV
To change your name on your driver’s license, first wait for your updated Social Security card to arrive in the mail. Then, schedule an appointment with the Montana DMV. Be sure to being a certified copy of your marriage certificate, your new SS card, your current driver’s license and $10 in cash or check to pay the processing fee. You will walk out of the DMV with your new license the same day you apply!
5. The Montana Voter Registration Bureau
Step five is to update your name on your voter registration. Simply answer the 9 questions on the Montana Voter Registration Application form. Then mail it to the Election Administrator for your county. This ensures that you have the right to vote under your married name next election!
6. ALL of Your Creditors and Accounts
As you finish filing your government name change 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. Montana Name Change Simplified!
Now that you understand how to change your name in Montana, do you wish your spouse had to change their name instead?! Don’t worry! Use the MissNowMrs app or online service to save 13 hours of name change hassle. We’ll take you from Miss to Mrs. in a matter of minutes!