Name Change After Marriage for Newlyweds

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!

Morgan’s Real Name Change Story

We’re so excited to share Morgan’s real name change story! How amazing is this first look photo?! Don’t miss how being best friends resulted in a 200 person wedding in Chicago, how Morgan cried (happy tears) the first time someone called her by her married name, and her advice for fellow newlyweds!!

Matt & I met when we were 18 through a mutual friend (who ended up being our best man). We remained acquaintances through college then when we graduated we both moved back to Denver & reconnected. We were both dating other people but we instantly became best friends. I could not get enough of him & we talked every single day. After about a year of being ‘best friends’ we realized we were supposed to be together. We went 0-100 which freaked some people out, but it was the best decision either of us ever made.

We got engaged in Nov 2015 the day before Thanksgiving. Matt was in law school so we set the wedding date for July 27, 2018 in Chicago, my hometown. We both come from huge families & have a lot of friends from over the years so it was a huge wedding at the Bridgeport Art Center in downtown Chicago. We had 20 people in our bridal party, 200+ guests & it was literally the best day of my life!

I always knew I wanted to take Matt’s last name – he is the most wonderful man I’ve ever known & his family is wonderful – I couldn’t wait to be a Bennett! We discussed hyphenating my maiden name & his last name, but ultimately I was set on changing it.The first time a stranger called me “Mrs. Bennett” I literally cried. I always called myself that among our friends/family but having someone who didn’t know me (and how obsessed I was with Matt & our wedding) but hearing it so organically was just the best.
I love my maiden name and I have a very big but close knit family. Not being a Kovacs anymore felt like I was separated from them for a while, but they know I’ll always be a Kovacs at heart. And they love Matt, so me becoming a Bennett was a big deal for all of us.
I’m what the call the ULTIMATE PROCRASTINATOR! I have lists & ideas for days but what I get accomplished is a whole ‘other topic! MissNowMrs put everything together for me, shipped it to me with the labels I needed to send them to the correct offices & all I had to do was sign & put it in the mailbox. They also covered things I didn’t think of like credit cards & other typical bills that I would have had to deal with. I’m so glad I found this site.

Being married is the best! The day after our wedding, waking up with my HUSBAND (and not having to plan a wedding anymore) was the best feeling I’ve ever felt. Cherish the little things and always remind yourself why you chose to marry that person.
Welcome to the club!

Photo Credit: Leslie Van Stelten Photography

Shaina’s Real Name Change Story

We all love a good love story, and as name-change experts we love the backstory of a good name change decision. Today’s Shaina’s real name change story has both! Read on for a story including high school sweethearts, broken bones, high heels, and a name change decision that spanned several years!

Mark and I went to the same grade school, junior high and high school. Our first date was in 2008 to his junior prom and we dated for 1.5 years after that. Mark went to college and I was still in high school, so we broke up for about 10 months. Then I went to the same college he did because I was continuing as an athlete, not just because of him. We dated off and on for most of my freshman year and then we took a long break, but we were constantly together, or texting, just like we were together. We officially got back together the second semester of my sophomore year of college, and have been going strong ever since!

I had thought about my wedding day for most of my life. I knew I wanted a late fall wedding, on a 3 day weekend and my heart was set on November. I did just that. We had our wedding and reception in the same building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. It was a very chilly day, but when you’re so excited to marry the best person in your life, you don’t really care. Also, two weeks before our wedding day we went to a Halloween party. My foot was stepped on by someone who had had too much to drink and they lost their balance, pushing me over, while my foot was stuck under theirs breaking the top of my foot. I was in a boot for 14 weeks, but you better believe I walked down the aisle in my wedding heels, significantly worsening the break, but it was 100% worth it

We talked about name changes long before we even got engaged. At the time, I was sure that I would just take his name and that would be the end of it. However, the closer we got to getting married, the less excited I was about getting rid of my maiden name completely. I went back and forth for a year on what I wanted to do. In our state you have to get a new license at 26, so I said I would wait until then to change my name. But when the time came, I didn’t change it at 26!

I said we had to move before I would change my name, but the 2 year window of only having to provide your marriage license was quickly approaching, so I really sat down and thought about what I wanted my name to be. I wrote it out every which way, I thought about if we had children how would I want them to have their names. I even thought about how I felt growing up when my mom married my step-dad and I was the only one who didn’t have the same name in their family. Did I want to spend the rest of my life feeling like that with my husband and children? Finally I decided, I was going to have two middle names. My middle name and my maiden name. It felt like the perfect combination of keeping who I am and my grandfather’s family name, but being a part of my family that I am creating with my husband.

I had finally come to a decision, filled out my MissNowMrs paperwork, took it to the DMV and every time (three times to be exact) they went to change my name the computer system froze! I was there over an hour and didn’t get to change my name. Talk about karma lol. I am returning this coming Saturday to try again. I think I will be excited about my name change once it happens, but I have a lot of apprehension when it comes to change. I am a creature of habit, so this will be out of my comfort zone for sure. I correct people when they call me Mrs. because that’s not my name. I think I’ll have to work hard to break that habit. All I had heard was how time consuming changing your name can be, probably can add that to the list of why I put my name change off. MissNowMrs got the paperwork completed in under 20 minutes, I printed it out and took it with me to the office and boom it was done! I honestly wish I would have done it sooner.

The advice I have for newlyweds is to enjoy your time together, don’t rush into what you think the next step needs to be, just be spouses for a while. It’s really awesome! Even though we lived together for a couple years before we got married, there is still some excitement and happiness that comes with even getting to say that you are going home to your husband. I just want us to build a life as two people and enjoy every part of that.

Photo Credit: Nick Goodin Photography

Gwyneth & Brad Faltrow | 3 Tips for Newlyweds Following the Blended Last Name Trend

Mr. and Mrs. Faltrow | Blended Last Name Tips

Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Falchuk just got married AND they decided to go with a blended last name change. They combined their last names into a new name: Faltrow! This story is making waves. But, as name-change experts we’ve been seeing the blended last name trend picking up steam for over a year now. Before you jump on the blended last name wagon be sure to read our tips below!

Tip 1: Talk about name change with your fiancé

It sounds dumb, but many people come into a marriage with name change expectations. By chatting about what you both want/envision BEFORE you get married, you can have a calmer discussion and more time to make a decision that works for you.

2: Consider your heritage

If you’re super other-oriented, it is smart to think about what your families may be hoping for regarding name change. In-laws and parents tend to want to see their legacy carried on. Are one of you the very last person to carry on the family name? If so, blending last names will mark the end of your former name. Depending on your situation that could be a good or bad thing! Again, by thinking big picture you can make a choice that makes you both happy.

Tip 3: Understand Your State’s Name Change Laws

Currently California is the only state that allows newlyweds to take a blended last name. *This is only possible if you write the blended name on your marriage license application. If you wait until after you’re married you will need to go through the legal name change process to created a blended last name.

Non-Californian residents who want to create a blended last name will need to petition the court system for a legal name change order. This is basically a legal document that allows you to file for your name change. The filing process includes being fingerprinted, running ads in papers, and appearing in court.

With more and more couples considering blended last names, we’re expecting to see more states change their name change laws in the future.

If you’re stuck on what name is best for you, play our Married Name Game. Or text/call one of the MissNowMrs name change experts at 800.301.9296. We’ve helped over 500,000 brides change their names, and we’re happy to assist you as well!

Original story credit: Inquisitr

Mrs. Shannon Shannon We’ve Got Expert Name Change Advice For You

Mrs. Shannon Shannon | Name Change Expert

I recently read about a bride-to-be who is named Shannon. She is getting married in September to the love of her life… who happens to have the last name Shannon. So, Shannon is facing the reality of possibly becoming Mrs. Shannon Shannon! She posted her situation on WeddingBee and advice has been pouring in.

As the founder of MissNowMrs, an online name change service for brides, my own name-change misadventures sparked the idea for the company that has now helped over 500,000 women transition from Miss to Mrs. with ease. Not only do I understand state name-change laws from all the research done to create our service, I have a decade of counseling newlyweds on the topic of name change. I’ve fielded calls from doctors, teachers, ladies in their 60s, divorcees, brides with hyphenated last names marrying men with hyphenated last names (facing the reality of FOUR last names,) individuals handling cultural expectations from their heritage (did you know it’s illegal for a woman to change her name in Greece?) and many more!

I didn’t set out to be a name-change expert, but my experience has made me the official married name change expert. I’ve ended up on FOX Business News, KTLA, and NBC to discuss the in’s and out’s of married name change and my tips to streamline the process.

When a woman contemplates name change she’s juggling her personal identity, her spouse’s hopes, her in-law’s and parents’ expectation and of course her personal style. Married name change is an intensely personal decision. However, from my experience and myriad conversations, there are few key factors that heavily influence name change choices. They are the age of the bride, her level of education, her occupation, her regional location, and if she has male siblings.

Using these factors and our data from more than 500,000 customers, I built the Married Name Game to help brides and newlyweds find their ultimate last name. It’s so accurate we have a patent pending on the algorithm that powers the Married Name Game. (It even predicted Amal Clooney’s name change!)

A name change experts weighs in on Shannon Shannon’s dilemma.

We’ve seen a large up-tick in women taking two last names without a hyphen in the last 12 months. This option allows one to use both names, or either name as they see fit. So you can avoid the mouthful of hyphenated last names, but still have the same name as your children. Many newlyweds see it as having the best of both worlds. This might be a great option for Shannon, but again we’d love to ask a few questions to give an official recommendation.

Mrs Shannon Shannon — Image Credit: WeddingBee

So, Shannon… if you’re reading this, please call or text the MissNowMrs office at 800.301.9296. We’d love to ask you a few questions and lend our expertise along with a gift card to use our online name change service or our new Name Change App when you’re ready to make the switch to the version of Mrs. that suits you and your life best!
The entire MissNowMrs team wishes you a lifetime of love, happiness, and adventure!

5 Social Security Card Name Change Tips

Looking for Social Security name change tips? Millions of newlyweds will opt to change their names after getting married this year. Typically the first thing that comes to mind is Social Security Card name change. Where do I go? Does my Social Security Number change? How do I get my new social security card? What form(s) do I file? Our customer support team at MissNowMrs hears these question every day. So, we’ve got the inside scoop on exactly what you need to know about Social Security name change.

Tip 1: Your Social Security Card does not automatically change.

There are many individuals who believe when their marriage certificate is filed with the County Clerk. This is not the case. Name change after marriage is a personal decision. So, none of the necessary legal name change form are automatically filed after your marriage.

Tip 2: Decide on your married name before filing with Social Security.

Once you file legal name change forms, you do not have the opportunity to change them without a legal name change order from the court system or a divorce decree. Yikes! So, be sure you know what name change option best suits you and your life style. If you’re unsure what options are available in your state, or are totally undecided, play the Married Name Game to find your ultimate married name change option.

Tip 3: File the SS-5 form first.

Many states, banks, and service providers require newlyweds to file for their name change with a certified marriage certificate AND an updated Social Security Card in their new married name. Did you know that the Social Security Administration takes approximately 2 weeks to issue new Social Security Cards? Your new card will arrive in the mail and will show your new married name. Your Social Security Number will not change. So, no need to memorize a new one and update it everywhere!

Tip 4: It’s free!

There is no fee associated with Social Security name change. You simply complete the SS-5 form and file in-person or by mail with your certified marriage certificate and photo ID (such as your driver’s license or U.S. Passport.) Then, your certificate and ID will be mailed back to you with your new Social Security card in your new married name!

Tip 5: Save time and hassle with a name-change service.

MissNowMrs is an online name change service designed to streamline the 13 hour name change process into 30 minutes online or 3 minutes via the name change app. If you want to change your name but don’t want to deal with the headache and paperwork, we’re here to help you transition from Miss to Mrs. in minutes!

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