Looking for guidance on how to change your name in Washington? You’re in luck! The MissNowMrs name change experts have put together this checklist to help you through the married name change process in your state.
The Washington Name Change Process
1. Social Security
As a Washington resident, the first place to file for your new name is with the Social Security Administration. Complete the SS-5 form and decide whether you wish to file in-person or by mail. The perk of filing in-person is that the clerk will give you your certified marriage certificate back immediately, so you can use it to file alternate name change forms.
Approximately two weeks after your SS-5 form is processed, your new SS card will arrive in the mail. The card will show your new married name, but your social security number will remain the same. Heads up: you will need your new SS card to file for your driver’s license.
2. U.S. Passport
To file for your new married name on your United States passport, you will need to complete the DS-11, DS-82 or the DS-5504 form. The DS-81 and DS-5504 forms can be filed by mail. But, if you have never had a passport, you will need to file your DS-11 form in-person at a local Passport Office.
All passport forms need to be filed with a certified marriage certificate, two 2×2 photos, and the exact fee. If you’ve had your current passport for less than a year, it’s free to file for a new name on your passport. It’s like a wedding gift from the State Department!
3. IRS
The IRS 8822 form is free to file. While it is not required, we highly recommend completing it. By doing so, you ensure that the IRS knows your maiden and married name. This prevents any mix-ups when tax returns are issued.
4. Washington Driver’s License
Before you can file for your new Washington driver’s license, you will need to wait for your new Social Security card to be issued. Once you have it, you can head to your local DMV office to apply for a new license in your married name. Be sure to bring your certified marriage certificate, current license, and proof of residency if your address has recently changed.
5. Washington Voter Registration
There is a quick form to complete to update your existing Washington voter registration with your new name. Simply answer the few questions, sign it, and mail it to the office of the Secretary of State in your County. The addresses are listed on the second page of the form. Once that form is filed, you can rest assured that you will be able to vote with your married name.
6. Everybody Else
Once you have filed all of your government name change forms, you can begin notifying your creditors of your new married name. Start with your banks, credit cards, employer, and utilities. Most of these creditors will require you to complete a form and show your certified marriage certificate before they can change your name in their systems. Next, notify your loan providers, mortgage providers, professional license boards, associations, memberships, and all other entities that have your maiden name on record. Many of these creditors will allow you to change your name over the phone, but please note that each entity will have its own procedure for name change.
7. Washington Name Change Simplified
Does the process for how to change your name in Washington seem daunting? There’s a simple solution. Join 500,000+ newlyweds who opted to change their names with the MissNowMrs app or online service. We streamline the 13 hour name change nightmare into a matter of minutes!