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Name Change Advice

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!

Form 8822 & How To Change Your Name With The IRS

Form 8822 | How To Change Your Name with the IRS

The IRS excels at making things complicated. The IRS 8822 form is no different. Fortunately, as name change experts we’re happy to share what we know. Use our 3 IRS name change tips below!

Tip 1: Disregard the Form Name

Ignore the fact that Form 8822 is titled as Change of Address. When you read the purpose of the form on the second page it states that it can be used to notify the IRS of a name change. This is good news for newlyweds!

Tip 2: It’s a CYA Decision

The IRS 8822 form is not required. You can change your name after marriage without filing it. However, filing this 7 question form ensures that the IRS knows your maiden name and your intention to change to your married name. It’s free to file the form. So, we always encourage MissNowMrs clients to spend 4 minutes and complete Form 8822. By filing the 8822 you’re assured that the IRS knows of their name change and will not hold their tax returns due to “name change confusion.” After your wedding and honeymoon, newlyweds in particular need access to their tax returns!

Tip 3: Don’t Freak Out About The IRS Address

In a truly mysterious move, the IRS offices do not have street addresses. For real! So, when you’re mailing in your Form 8822 it is completely okay to only use the two address lines listed on the form. *If you’re using the MissNowMrs name change service or app, you’ll already have the appropriate address on your mailing label.

So there you have it. You now have the 3 tips necessary use Form 8822 to notify the IRS of your new married name. If you’re looking to save 13 hours of name-change form hassle, MissNowMrs is here to help you make the transition to Mrs. in a matter of minutes!

How to Change Your Name in Illinois

Illinois Name Change

Name Change Illinois After Marriage

Thinking about Illinois name change? If you’re considering changing your name after marriage in the Prairie State, we can give you 8 tips to simplify the process! Changing your name after marriage involves completing a series of federal and state name change forms. Interestingly enough, each state has different requirements, forms, and filing orders.

New Spouse, New Name, New Journey: Embrace Your New Married Life.

With Personalized Name Change Services for Every Newlywed.

Ready for a New Name? Order Now!

20% OFF the Ultimate Name Change Package for a limited time.

With over 15 years of dedicated service and having assisted more than 250,000 brides in their name change journey, MissNowMrs.com is a trusted authority in simplifying and streamlining the name change process. We have been mentioned in Martha Stewart Living and Forbes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of changing your name after marriage in Illinois, providing you with all the information you need to make this transition confidently. From obtaining your marriage certificate to updating your identification and documents, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive into this transformative journey together, ensuring that you can embrace your new name and the beautiful life you’re building with your spouse.

You made changing my name extremely easy. All the documents were clear and easy to fill out. So happy my friend recommended MissNowMrs!  
– Katie W.Company Name
Your app was very helpful. There’s just so much I didn’t even think about needing. Wow!  
– Katrina Z.Company Name
Great idea and definitely takes the confusion out of changing a name after marriage!
– Sara D.Company Name

Obtaining Your Marriage Certificate

Before you embark on the exciting journey of changing your name after marriage in Illinois, you’ll need to secure a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This document is your key to officially proving your marital status and initiating the name change process. Here’s how to get started:

Locate the Issuing County Clerk’s Office:

The first step is to identify the county clerk’s office in the county where you applied for and received your marriage license. This is the same county where you were married. Each county in Illinois has its own clerk’s office responsible for marriage records.

Request Your Certified Copy:

Once you have the necessary information, submit your request for a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You may need to fill out an application form, provide identification, and pay a fee. Be sure to double-check all requirements with the county clerk to avoid any delays. While you are there, we recommend getting three copies.

Receive Your Certificate:

After your request is processed, you will receive your certified marriage certificate. Ensure that all the information on it is accurate and matches your records.

This certified marriage certificate will be your crucial document as you proceed with the name change process. Therefore, keep it safe and readily accessible, as you’ll need it when updating your Social Security information and other official documents.

Social Security Name Change in Illinois

With your certified marriage certificate in hand, it’s time to tackle the next important step in the name change process: updating your Social Security information. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through this crucial process:

Download the SS-5 Form:

Start by downloading the SS-5 form from the official Social Security Administration (SSA) website. This form is specifically designed for applying for a new or updated Social Security card.

Gather Required Documents:

Before heading to the Social Security office, ensure you have all the necessary documents ready. These typically include your completed SS-5 form, your current Social Security card, proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate or passport), and your certified marriage certificate.

Complete the SS-5 Form:

Carefully fill out the SS-5 form with your updated name and relevant personal information. Make sure all details are accurate and match the information on your marriage certificate.

Visit Your Local Social Security Office:

Locate your nearest Social Security office and schedule an appointment if necessary. Remember to bring your completed SS-5 form and all required documents, including your certified marriage certificate.

Submit Your Application:

At the Social Security office, submit your application in person. The SSA staff will review your documents, process your request, and provide you with a receipt or confirmation of your name change request.

For your Illinois name change you can opt to file the SS-5 form in-person at your local Social Security Administration Office, or file by mail. *Please note that if you opt to file by mail you will need to send your actual driver’s license or U.S. passport, not a photocopy. If you don’t have a passport, we encourage you to file in-person. This prevents being without your driver’s license for the two week processing time.

Await Your Updated Social Security Card:

After submitting your application, you will receive your updated Social Security card by mail. This card will reflect your new name, officially acknowledging your name change.

Updating your Social Security information is a crucial step in the name change process, as many other organizations and institutions will require your updated Social Security card as proof of your new name. Once you receive it, you’ll be well on your way to embracing your new identity after marriage in Illinois.

US Passport Name Change in Illinois

Next on the Illinois newlywed name change to-do list is updating your U.S. Passport with your new married name. You will need to complete the DS-11, DS-82, or DS-5504 depending on your current passport status. Again, you’ll need to file this form with your certified marriage certificate, current US passport, two recent 2×2 photos of yourself, and the appropriate filing fee. It can take several months to receive your updated passport.

If your most recent passport is less than a year old, then there is no fee to update your name. Otherwise the US Department of State does charge for the new passport. There are also fees associated with expediting the process if you’re in a rush.

IRS 8822 to Change Your Name in Illinois

The IRS 8822 is an optional form. Its purpose is to notify the IRS of your name change. The form only has 7 questions and has no associated filing fee. Because of this, we encourage newlyweds to file it to prevent any tax mishaps from occurring.

USPS Illinois Name Change

Updating your name with the United States Postal Service can be done by completing form 3575. Or you can go online to update your address. Choose the option which is easiest for you to ensure that you receive mail sent to you in your new married name.

Illinois Driver’s License Name Change

Now that you’ve successfully updated your Social Security and Passport information, it’s time to ensure that your identification reflects your new name. In Illinois, this process involves updating your driver’s license or state ID card. Follow these steps to make this transition seamless:

Prepare the Required Documents:

Gather essential documents, including your current driver’s license or state ID card, your certified marriage certificate, and proof of residency (e.g., utility bill or bank statement).

Locate the Nearest Driver Services Facility:

Find the nearest Illinois DMV office. You may want to check their website or call ahead to confirm their specific requirements and operating hours.

Complete the Required Forms:

Fill out the necessary name change forms provided by the DMV. These forms can often be downloaded from their website or obtained at the facility.

Visit the Driver Services Facility:

Head to the Driver Services facility with all your documents, including your completed forms, certified marriage certificate, and current identification.

Submit Your Application:

Present your documents to the staff at the facility and inform them of your name change due to marriage. They will process your request and take a new photo if required.

Pay The Applicable Fees:

Be prepared to pay the required fees for updating your driver’s license or state ID. Payment methods may vary, so it’s advisable to bring cash or a credit/debit card.

Receive Your Updated Identification:

After processing your application, you will be issued an updated driver’s license or state ID card with your new name. Ensure that all the details are accurate before leaving the facility.

Updating your driver’s license or state ID is a crucial step, as it’s one of the primary forms of identification you’ll use in your daily life. With your identification reflecting your new name, you can confidently proceed with other updates, such as those with banks, employers, and insurance providers, ensuring a smooth transition into your new identity after marriage in Illinois.

Illinois Voter Registration

Your Illinois Voter Registration Application is the next state-level name change form to be completed and filed. Simply answer the ten questions on the form. Afterwards mail your application to the State Board. You will receive a new Voter Registration card in your new name. This ensures your ability to vote in upcoming elections.

Creditors

Now that you’re finished filing your federal and state level name change forms, you’ll need to notify all of your banks, credit cards, insurance providers, mortgage providers, student loan providers, employers, utilities, professional license boards, memberships, and subscriptions of your new married name. Some companies can update your name by phone. However, others require completion of a name change form. Still others require an in-person office visit to make the switch on your account.

New Spouse, New Name, New Journey: Embrace Your New Married Life.

With Personalized Name Change Services for Every Newlywed.

Ready for a New Name? Order Now!

20% Off the Ultimate Name Change Package for a limited time.

VI. Tips and Considerations

As you navigate the process of changing your name after marriage in Illinois, here are some valuable insider tips and considerations to keep in mind:

Start Early:

Begin the name change process as soon as possible after your wedding. While there’s no strict deadline, getting it done sooner ensures that your identification and documents match your new status.

Keep Multiple Copies:

Make several photocopies of your certified marriage certificate. This will save you time and effort when updating multiple institutions, as you can provide a copy instead of the original.

Be Patient:

Some government agencies and organizations may take time to update your information in their records. Be patient and keep copies of your old and new identification handy during this transitional period.

Notify All Relevant Parties:

Beyond updating your Social Security and driver’s license, remember to inform other institutions, including banks, insurance companies, employers, and any subscription services, of your name change.

Update Online Profiles:

Don’t forget to update your name on social media profiles and other online platforms if you choose to do so. This helps friends and acquaintances recognize your new identity.

Check Your Mail:

After submitting applications for name changes, keep an eye on your mailbox for updated identification cards and documents. Notify any discrepancies immediately.

Stay Organized:

Create a checklist or spreadsheet to track which organizations and institutions you’ve notified of your name change. This will help you stay organized throughout the process.

The Best Name Change Solution

If the name change process seems long and complicated, don’t worry! MissNowMrs is the easy name change solution. Our service and app were created by a newlywed fed up with the frustration and red tape associated with changing her name after marriage. Sign up today to go from Miss to Mrs. in a matter of minutes!
 

Don’t miss our video about changing your name in Illinois!

Depending on the Illinois County where you were married, you will have to contact that county for copies of your marriage certificate.

Other than that these instructions are the same for all cities in Illinois including Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Rockford, Elgin, Springfield, Peoria, Champaign, and Waukegan.

How long does the name change process typically take in Illinois?

The duration of the name change process in Illinois can vary depending on several factors, including the county you are in, how quickly you can gather necessary documents, and any waiting periods required for legal notices. On average, the process can take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks.

Can I change my first, middle, and last name through the marriage name change process?

In Illinois, the marriage name change process typically allows you to change your last name. If you wish to change your first or middle name, you may need to go through the legal name change process via the court system.

What documents do I need to start the name change process?

To start the name change process in Illinois, you will need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, a completed application for Social Security card, a completed driver’s license application form, and any other forms required by specific institutions for updating your name.

How do I change my name on my passport after getting married?

To change your name on your passport, you will need to submit a passport name change application, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, a new passport photo, and the applicable fees. If your passport was issued less than one year ago, the name change is free.

Is there a fee for changing my name in Illinois?

Yes, there are fees associated with changing your name in Illinois. These fees can vary depending on the county and the specific type of name change you are undergoing. Additionally, there may be fees for updating your driver’s license, passport, and other official documents.

New Spouse, New Name, New Journey: Embrace Your New Married Life.

With Personalized Name Change Services for Every Newlywed.

Ready for a New Name? Order Now!

20% Off the Ultimate Name Change Package for a limited time.

Ms. or Mrs.?

Ms or Mrs
Help Me Change My Name

When to use Ms., Mrs., or Miss

Name change is complicated, and can make introducing or addressing a new acquaintance tricky. When do you use Miss Ms. and Mrs.? Don’t worry, as name-change experts we are happy to share the proper use of Miss, Ms. and Mrs. with you!

Historically, Mistress was the feminine version of Mister. Obviously today’s use of that term makes it completely inappropriate to introduce any woman as a mistress. Skip the use of mistress completely to save yourself a faux pas!

Mistress was eventually divided into Miss and Mrs. Miss indicated an unmarried woman, and Mrs. indicated a married woman. Over time, Miss began to be associated with young women, and calling an older unmarried woman Miss was confusing. Thus the title Ms. was created.

Technically, Ms. is a title referring to an adult unmarried woman, not a young unmarried girl, or teenager. But, just to make thinks difficult, Ms. can be used by any adult woman who is married or unmarried. The use of Ms. started in the 1950’s and really took off in the 1970’s in the midst of feminism and equality conversations.

So here’s the modern day breakdown on using Miss, Ms. and Mrs.:

-When introducing a young unmarried woman, use Miss.
-When introducing a married woman who has previously introduced herself as a Mrs., use Mrs.

-When introducing an adult women of unknown marriage status or a woman who has called herself Ms., use Ms.
 
 

Jeny’s Real Name Change Story

Real Name Change Story

The Love Story

We’re excited to share the Real Name Change Story of newlywed, Jeny D. Read how this English teacher met the love of her life on stage in Baltimore, honored her late father with an ice cream bar at her wedding, and what made her decide to change her name as an ardent feminist.

Will and I met on the stage of a local theater, about 7 years ago. And although the stage was rife with mosquitoes and the sticky humidity of a Baltimore summer, I was instantly head over heels for Will. Will, on the other hand, barely noticed me*. The next summer, we again shared a stage, this time cast opposite each other.However, the following summer was different. The mosquitoes and humidity didn’t change, but I played opposite Will and we developed crushes on each other, which turned into friendship. Over the course of the summer we talked, flirted, and eventually had our first kiss. However, when the summer was over, he went back to college, and I back to work.  

The summer ended, but our friendship continued. A few years later, we reconnected when I interned just down the street from his apartment. They decided to get together for a drink. A drink turned into a date. A date turned into a relationship. And a relationship into a marriage.

*Will would like to say that is categorically untrue; that he most certainly did notice Jeny, he was just playing it cool for the first time in his life. A little too cool, it would seem.

Our wedding day was perfect. We’re both art/literature people, and our ceremony included 3 poems and a short message about the beauty of marriage. Will and I had our first dance to a jazz rendition of the Harry Potter theme. We stayed away from top 40 hits and chose our favorite 80s, 90s, and Elvis songs that kept everyone on the dance floor all night.

My dad passed away about a year before the wedding. Will and I wanted to include something that would honor and acknowledge him, and celebrate his life and influence on us without it seeming trite or morose. So we decided to have the “Dan Timmel Memorial Ice Cream Bar”, a true celebration for the slender man who ate ice cream every day. Will wore a kilt, in honor of his Scottish heritage, and we decorated with an art deco motif, because, as my dad told us, “the theme of any wedding should be marriage.”

Real Name Change After Marriage | Jeny

The Name Change Narrative

As an ardent feminist, I knew I would need a really cool last name to make me want to change my name! There are a few other factors: First of all, I am adopted, I am Italian, but “Timmel” is German, so while I am most certainly a Timmel, I’m not a Timmel, if that makes sense. My dad passed away a year ago, so to honor him, and the incredible impact he had on helping me become the strong, funny, independent woman I am today, I am changing my middle name to Timmel. Will, as in many things, was eternally supportive and said he would be happy whatever I chose, but he did encourage me to take Timmel as my middle name.

Honestly, the most exciting part of changing my name is getting called “Jeny Dalrymple”, especially when Will is around. We share a smile and it feels like we’re little kids in our own exclusive club.

The hardest part of changing my name was all the forms and the order in which they need to be filed. I’m a high school English teacher. I like to think I’m pretty smart and can figure things out on my own, but this was just too much for me to keep organized. It’s the kind of thing that I would have called my dad about and gotten his help, so I figured I had to either spend a couple Saturdays just pushing through or get some outside help.

I might not have ever changed my name without help from MissNowMrs. Not only supplying each of the necessary documents, but including information on what individual questions were asking, how to find information required, and a huge database. I can confidently say MissNowMrs saved me well over 15 hours of work. You’ve made it accessible, easy, and very user friendly.

IT’S WORTH IT! The stress of a wedding combined with the excitement, and stress of truly beginning a life together (whether you’ve lived with your partner before or not) can feel overwhelming. There are so many steps to take to change your name with everyone.

Newlywed Advice

My mom always told me with any major event (live moving) “Expect 3 things to go wrong. When the first one happens, you say, ‘There’s #1!’, and usually by the time you get to 3 problems, the move is over.” Don’t let glitches get to you. Remember, this is forever; the big picture is that you’re with the love of your life, for better or worse, don’t let little things become the “worse.”

Jeny Real Name Change After Marriage

MissNowMrs Featured on Dating Advice

MissNowMrs Featured on Dating Advice

As married name change experts, we love sharing tips for making name change easier. So, when the lovely ladies at Dating Advice reached out our founder, Danielle Tate, was happy to share how MissNowMrs got started, how we’ve added the MarriedNameGame and MarriageLicenseNow to our platform over the years. And, why she wrote a book to help other smart women start their own businesses.

Don’t miss the entire name change and entrepreneurship story at Dating Advice, and should any of your friends be single, send them over to this fantastic resource full of experts and advice!