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Kala’s Real Name Change Story

Kala's Real Married Name Change Story

It’s time for Kala’s Real Name Change Story! Today we’re pleased to share the story of how Kala Z. met the man of her dreams. How they bonded over a love of “nerdy stuff,” planned a Harry Potter themed wedding. And, finally settled on a name change option that honored both her spouse’s name and her Scottish family heritage.

The Love Story

I met my husband Jared almost 2 year before we got married. I had a then 1.5 year old from a previous relationship and started talking to Jared because I had known him through an old friend. We never planned on actually getting together. We just both knew that we have a love of nerdy things. Quickly we realized that there was more than just friendship between us and we started dating pretty soon after that.

We moved into together 3 months later and almost a year later we were engaged. Our wedding went back to the roots of the nerdy things we both loved. It was Harry Potter themed, and magical in every sense of the word. Not a big wedding, but simple and elegant.

Kala's Newlywed Name Change

The Name Change Narrative

We had talked about getting my name changed as soon as we got engaged. In the area we live in, his family is fairly large so someone, some where knows his family. So there were half-jokes from him about taking my name, but we both knew that I wanted to take his. For me there was also the matter of my family’s history, we have deep rooted connections in Scotland and I am very proud of that heritage. I did not want to lose my last name and the history that was connected to it. I ended up deciding to move my maiden name to my middle name and take on his last name.

The Best Part of Name Change

I would say the best part about changing my name was getting my social security card and seeing it printed out for the first time. Getting my driver’s license done was a close second though. The hardest part about changing my name actually wasn’t the hardest part thanks to MissNowMrs. When I got the list of places I needed to officially change my name, I was overwhelmed quickly. Luckily, my state’s DMV referred me to MissNowMrs and everything became a lot easier.

The Worst Part of Name Change

The worst part was going to be finding all the form for all of the different places I needed to change. The IRS was the most confusing one for me and there were forms and everything I needed right there on the website. I had a conversation with my sister-in-law (who had become such just 3 months before I had my wedding) and she had told me that most of her documents still had her old name just because of how complicated the whole process was. I have found myself in a unique position among my recently married friends where my name change was done quickly while some of them (a year later) still have things listed in their maiden name.

Kala's Bride Name Change

Newlywed Advice

My best advice for a newlywed couple, don’t take life too seriously. It is something my husband has taught me. There are a lot of things in life that are overwhelming and can bring you down so easily. Taking time to have fun and be yourself with each other in the midst of all that is what will keep you sane and together.

Kala's Real Name Change Story

3 Tips for Florida Name Change

Name Change After Marriage Florida

Most Florida newlyweds queue for paperwork the state has already done. Two of the steps that cost money and an afternoon almost everywhere else happen here on their own: the first certified copy of your marriage certificate is mailed to you, and your vehicle record updates itself the moment your license changes. Knowing that up front is worth more than any checklist, so here are the three tips that matter most, and then the whole process in order.

The Three Tips That Save Florida Newlyweds the Most Time

1. Do not order that first certified copy

In most Florida counties the first certified copy of the recorded marriage certificate is included and mailed to you. Hillsborough County states it plainly: there is no charge for the first certified copy, and once the marriage is recorded the copy is mailed to the couple within 7 business days. Broward sends a certified copy to the address on the application. Wait for the post before you pay for anything.

2. Your vehicle record updates itself

Change the name on your driver license and the electronic title updates automatically. There is no second counter to visit for the vehicle record. The printed title is the only thing that lags, and you are allowed to leave it alone.

3. Take the premarital course before the wedding, not after

A registered premarital preparation course cuts the marriage license fee from $86.00 to $61.00 and waives the three day waiting period. That is a decision you can only make before the license is issued, which is why it belongs on a name change page rather than a wedding planning one.

What a Florida Name Change Costs

Cost & Time at a Glance

Cost$25.00 for the replacement driver license or ID card, plus a $6.25 service fee on any credential issued in a tax collector office. Extra certified copies of the marriage certificate run $3 in Hillsborough and Broward and $9 first, $7 each additional in Miami-Dade. Social Security is free. There is no state income tax step at all.
TimeSocial Security first, then 24 to 48 hours before Florida can see the change. One in person visit after that.
Deadline30 days. Florida applies it to both the driver license and the title and registration, which is the part people miss.

Florida is a cheap state for this and a strict one about doing it in person. Once the license is sorted, our name change checklist handles the banks, cards and accounts that no government office will tell you about.

Ready for a New Name? Order Now!

Step 1: Wait for the Certificate to Arrive

Every later step needs a certified copy of the recorded marriage certificate, and the single most common Florida mistake is paying for one that was already on its way. The license you signed before the ceremony is not the certificate. The certificate is what the Clerk of the Circuit Court records afterwards, and in much of the state the first one is included in what you already paid. Hillsborough County Clerk · Broward County Clerk · our guide to certified marriage certificates

One warning that matters later: several Florida agencies will not accept a plain photocopy. The Board of Nursing and DBPR both require the marriage license to carry the original signature and seal from the Clerk of the Court. Order two or three extra certified copies while you are in the system rather than discovering this at renewal.

Step 2: Social Security, Then Wait 24 to 48 Hours

Florida will not touch your license until Social Security has moved first. FLHSMV is explicit: name changes must first be made with the Social Security Administration, and you should allow 24 to 48 hours after that before applying. The form is SS-5, it is free, and your number never changes. SSA: change your name · our Social Security name change guide

That waiting window is the real constraint on your calendar, not the paperwork. Book the license appointment for two days after the Social Security visit, not the same afternoon. There are 40 Social Security offices in Florida:

OfficeAddressCityZIPPhone
Belle Glade925 Se 1st StreetBelle Glade33430(855) 257-0983
Carrollwood10050 N Florida AveTampa33612(855) 433-5873
Clearwater2340 Drew StreetClearwater33765(888) 397-5325
Cocoa310 Canaveral GrovesCocoa32926(866) 964-0798
Dade City36630 Adair RoadDade City33525(866) 562-1325
Deland1629 S Adelle AveDeland32720(866) 964-7396
East Hillsborough2027 S Parsons AveSeffner33584(866) 593-8721
Fort Myers4220 Executive CircleFort Myers33916(888) 318-9114
Ft Lauderdale East3201 W Commercial BlvdFt Lauderdale33309(877) 253-4720
Ft Lauderdale W8501 W Sunrise BlvdPlantation33322(866) 331-9093
Ft Walton Beach111-B Racetrack Rd NwFort Walton Beach32547(866) 331-2194
Gainesville4562 Nw 13 StreetGainesville32609(877) 219-8323
Jacksonville North1685 Dunn AveJacksonville32218(866) 635-0789
Jacksonville South7185 Bentley RoadJacksonville32256(877) 409-8424
Kissimmee4030 West Vine St.Kissimmee34741(866) 614-4754
Lake City1348 Sw Bascom NorrisLake City32025(877) 600-2859
Lake MarySuite 2001Lake Mary32746(866) 964-7379
Lakeland550 Commerce DrLakeland33813(877) 604-9387
Leesburg900 N 14th StreetLeesburg34748(866) 836-3623
Little Havana3663 Sw 8th StMiami33135(877) 714-0373
Marianna4227 Lafayette StMarianna32446(888) 397-4815
Melbourne1715 W Nasa BlvdMelbourne32901(866) 716-7667
Miami Beach1801 Alton RdMiami Beach33139(877) 714-0374
New Port Richey7601 Little RoadNew Port Richey34654(866) 593-5679
Ocala933 E Silver Spgs BlvdOcala34470(877) 626-9911
Orlando500 N Orange AveOrlando32801(866) 964-6146
Panama City3215 Hwy 77Panama City32405(866) 348-5833
Pensacola411 W Garden StreetPensacola32502(877) 505-4550
Perrine11100 Sw 211th StMiami33189(866) 964-6593
Port Orange4990 S Clyde Morris BlvdPort Orange32127(866) 210-8089
Port St Lucie6810 S Us Hwy 1Port St Lucie34952(866) 366-1627
Pt Charlotte4054 Beaver LnPort Charlotte33952(877) 405-0490
Sebring3700 Commercial DriveSebring33870(877) 405-0415
St Augustine2428 Old Moultrie RoadSt Augustine32086(877) 405-5867
St Petersburg30 Dr Mlk St SSt Petersburg33701(866) 613-3965
Tallahassee2002 Old St AugustineTallahassee32301(866) 248-2088
Tampa7012 W Hillsborough AveTampa33634(866) 331-2317
Vero Beach724 20th StVero Beach32960(866) 964-7414
West Palm Beach801 Clematis StreetWest Palm Beach33401(866) 783-7339
Winter Haven1395 Nw Havendale BlvdWinter Haven33881(877) 457-1739
Ready for a New Name? Order Now!

Step 3: The License, In Person, Within 30 Days

Florida gives you 30 days to update the name on your driver license or ID card, and every name change must be done in person at a local office. Address changes can go through the MyDMV Portal online. Name changes cannot. A replacement license or ID costs $25.00, plus the $6.25 service fee that may apply to any credential issued in a tax collector office. FLHSMV: name and address changes · FLHSMV fee schedule · our driver license name change guide

What to bring, and the passport shortcut most people miss

Florida issues REAL ID compliant credentials, so the document list is longer than you expect. From the official what-to-bring list:

  1. Primary identification. An original US birth certificate, valid US passport or passport card, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. The birth certificate must come from a county health department or the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Hospital birth certificates are not accepted.
  2. Proof of Social Security. Your card showing the current name, or a W-2, pay stub, SSA-1099 or any 1099. Handwritten documents are refused.
  3. Two different proofs of residential address. Not one. Your current license does not count. Utility bills, payment booklets and medical bills must be dated within the last 60 days.
  4. Your certified marriage certificate, which is what links the name on your primary identification to your new name.

The shortcut

FLHSMV puts it in one sentence: if a valid US passport already shows your current name, you are not required to present additional name change documents. If you renewed your passport into your married name first, the marriage certificate stops being necessary at this counter. For everyone else it is the linking document, so bring it.

How the passport name change works · Find a Florida service center

Step 4: The Vehicle Record Has Already Updated

This is the part of Florida that nobody explains, and it saves an entire trip. Updating the name on your driver license automatically updates your electronic title. The department vehicle ownership record is changed the moment your license is. You do not queue twice.

WhatWhat Florida actually doesWhat you do
Electronic titleUpdates automatically when your license name changesNothing. It is done
Printed titleStill shows the previous name until a new one is applied forOptional. Form HSMV 82040 if you want a fresh printed title
RegistrationA new registration must be issued showing the new nameForm HSMV 82101
Title with a lien on itThe lienholder may not allow a new title to be printedLeave it. Florida permits this

FLHSMV states outright that it is permissible to leave the amended name unchanged on the printed title, because the ownership record is already correct. If your car is financed and the lienholder will not release the title, that is not a problem you need to solve. The 30 day clock still covers the registration, so handle form HSMV 82101 while you are at the counter for your license. Questions go to the Customer Service Center on (850) 617-2000.

What Extra Certified Copies Cost by County

The first copy is usually free and mailed to you. Extra copies are priced by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county that issued the license, and the spread is real:

CountyFirst certified copyEach additionalWorth knowing
HillsboroughFree, mailed within 7 business days of recording$3The cheapest large county in the state
BrowardSent to the address on your application$3.00Records from 1915 to 1997 are in person only, at the Marriage Central Courthouse. 1998 onward from any courthouse. Marriage line 954-831-7283
Miami-Dade$9$7Add a $2 per year search fee if you do not know the year. Online ordering covers 1971 to the present. Earlier records by mail or in person

Married outside your home county? It does not matter where you live now. The certificate is held by the county that issued the license, and a Florida license may be applied for in any county and used to marry in any Florida county. Miami-Dade certified copies

The License Fee, the Course Discount and the 60 Day Rule

Decisions that only exist before the wedding

  • A Florida marriage license costs $86.00.
  • Complete a registered premarital preparation course and present the printed certificate to the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and the fee drops to $61.00 and the waiting period disappears.
  • Without the course, Florida residents wait three days. There is no waiting period for non residents, which is why destination weddings here are simple.
  • Under Fla. Stat. 741.041 a license is valid only for 60 days after issuance, and the clerk must print the final valid date on the license itself. Check that date before you travel.
  • Fees can vary a little by county, so confirm with the clerk you plan to use.

Fla. Stat. 741.041, marriage license valid for 60 days

Ready for a New Name? Order Now!

Voter Registration

Update the name on your registration at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov, or use the same system to prepopulate, print, sign and mail a paper application if you would rather leave a signature on file. The general registration deadline is 29 days before an election, so do it well ahead of any vote you care about. The Voter Assistance Hotline is 1-866-308-6739, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Register to Vote Florida · Division of Elections: update your information

There Is No State Tax Step

Florida has no state personal income tax, so there is no state revenue department to notify and no state tax profile to update. Several states put a whole extra form in front of newlyweds at this point. Florida simply does not have one. Give your employer an updated W-4 so your federal withholding matches your new name at Social Security, and you are finished with tax.

Professional Licenses

Two agencies cover most licensed Floridians, and one of them is dramatically faster if you go online:

Who you areWhere it goesHow long it takes
Nurses and health care practitionersThe MQA Online Services Portal. Upload the marriage license showing the original signature and seal from the Clerk of the CourtWithin 48 hours online. 5 to 7 business days by mail
Real estate, cosmetology, construction, CPAsDBPR, either as an online transaction or on the board form for your profession, such as DBPR RE 10 for real estateMail to 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. Contact Center 850.487.1395

One catch worth planning for: a name change on its own does not produce a new physical nursing license. If you want a card showing your married name you have to request a duplicate license separately. DBPR licenses, by contrast, print free from your online account. Board of Nursing name change form · DBPR online services

Concealed Weapon License

Florida concealed weapon licenses are handled by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, not by law enforcement. Send a written request and a copy of the legal document proving your name change to Division of Licensing, P.O. Box 6387, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6387. A revised license can be printed for $15, by check or money order.

You are not obliged to do it now. FDACS says you may keep your current license until it is time to renew, and send the name change document with the renewal application then. No deadline is published, so this is one you can genuinely defer. FDACS: how to notify us about a name change

Florida in Order

  1. Wait for the certified marriage certificate to arrive in the post. Order extras only if you need them.
  2. Social Security, form SS-5, free.
  3. Wait 24 to 48 hours.
  4. One in person visit for the driver license, $25.00, within 30 days. Bring primary identification, proof of Social Security, two address documents and the certificate.
  5. Your electronic title is now already correct. File HSMV 82101 for the registration.
  6. Voter registration online, professional license through your portal, concealed weapon license whenever you like.

That is the whole state process, and the expensive parts of it are the ones Florida hands you for nothing. The banks, cards, insurers, employer records and airline profiles are where the real hours go, and no government office will remind you about any of them. Our name change checklist covers those, and you can compare how other states handle it if you have moved recently.

Ready for a New Name? Order Now!

Brittany’s Real Name Change Story

Brittany Real Newlywed Name Change

The Love Story

We’re happy to share Brittany’s Real Name Change Story! Read on for the story of how she met her husband on the way to a pin-up contest, planned her surprise pseudo-elopement while in medical school, and how her name-change almost didn’t happen.

I had recently moved to Los Angeles, and it was the day before I was competing in a vintage modeling/pin up contest and I needed to pick up some red lipstick. I made my way up the street, in downtown Los Angeles, passing a restaurant called Riorden’s Tavern. As I passed the window, I peered into it and tucked a few wisps hair behind my ear. Looking beyond the window, I saw a large group of guys. After becoming stuck on a particularly handsome one, I noticed the one next to him. A guy with very little hair, mimicking/mocking my hair adjustment. I did a big hair flip and had a good laugh with them through the window. I figured I’d stop in for a laugh with them on my way home.

The Flirtation

Being that I went shopping, it was at least an hour or more before I headed home. A few yards from the restaurant I heard, “Hey! You with the hair,” Turning to see Jonathan and his friend, Steve. They said they had been looking for me and were now headed to coffee and invited me along. As I had just finished my OB/GYN core, and begun my psych core, I poured all the gruesome facts about delivering babies. Stories about the first one I delivered and the details about electro-convulsion shock therapy that I had just learned. The guys didn’t bat an eye, and kept up with the conversation.

Little did I know, he’d been to war and back. And, was building the 62 story skyscraper behind us. After talking about the pin-up competition, vintage cars, and good breweries around town the following day, Steve asked how best to get a hold of me. Thinking that was quite the creative way to ask, leaving it open even to emails, I decided to give him my number. This is something I didn’t typically do. My phone had died. But, I soon received a text saying, “Hi, this is Jon, your window gawking Starbucks escort. Here’s my number, good luck tomorrow.”

The Proposal

Brittany’s Real Name Change Story gets even more interesting here! After winning Miss Moon Eyes 2015, we arranged to meet for drinks that coming Wednesday. I was running a few minutes late and Jon said that when I walked in, a little voice in his head said, “You’re late, you’re 34 years late, but this is what I’ve been waiting for.” After skipping through the streets of Downtown LA it didn’t take much longer before plans were being laid for the rest of our lives.

I initially wanted a two year engagement as I was in the thick of medical school, and felt it would be impossible to plan the wedding of my dreams during this time. However, as the days crept on we were getting more and more excited about our union. And while dress hunting I ended up with three dresses for under $1,000, and we thought ‘hey, let’s put them to use!’

And just like that, we began planning our surprise pseudo-elopement. With the help of Aloha Maui Dream Weddings we invited just our parents and headed out to Maui. They created the wedding of my dreams on a medical student’s budget with Penny Palmer Photography built right in. It was absolutely stress free, and the only regret I have is not ordering the bigger photo package!

Brittany Newlywed Married Name Change

The Name Change Narrative

Somewhat of a traditionalist, I always knew I wanted to take my husband’s name. Especially after I heard the perfection of MY husband’s name and introducing myself as, “Dr. Brittany ********.” Oh, it made my heart flutter! However, I still had major exams to take registered under my maiden name. With this 9 hour beast (exam) between me and my married name, I patiently waited to change my name.

Intimidated by the process, when the time came, I reached out to MissNowMrs after seeing it advertised on my DMV’s website. Their process was so streamlined. It also appeared to read my mind, as each question crossed my mind, I hovered the cursor over the prompt and the answer popped up!

The Name Change Twist

I printed my sheets and headed to my local Social Security office to start the process… where I was promptly told I could not change my name because my maiden name was on my marriage certificate/license… but that was me… that’s who got married wasn’t it? She said I hadn’t changed my name yet, I wasn’t married!?  I was told I had to pay $600 to file to have the court change my name, publish the request in the paper and it would take 4+ weeks.

I was crushed but began filing with the court, was denied a fee waiver and was again disappointed. After a friend of mine came by and told me she had her maiden name on her marriage certificate too and had no problem, she suggested I try a different office. I gathered what hope I had left and gave it a shot. Low and behold – they didn’t even comment on it! In and out in less than an hour, free of charge!

With the big wedding on the horizon in a few months, we’re putting the final touches on things, struggling with budgets, and researching florists… but I couldn’t be more excited!  I can’t wait to share our love and excitement for the adventure ahead with all our extended family and friends.

Brittany Married Name Change
Newlywed Advice

My advice to anyone, especially, newlyweds, is to roll with the punches and take everything in stride. Attitude is everything. Sometimes life is just about luck and timing. If you always keep a positive attitude, with perseverance, things will line up eventually and you’ll be perfectly happy passing the time until they do.

Newlywed Name Change

Beautiful wedding photos by: Penny Palmer Photography

Mrs. Ring Dish: Our Newlywed Giveaway

Newlywed Giveaway | Mrs Ring Dish

We thought we’d spice up your Thursday with a newlywed giveaway! This super cute Mrs. ring dish is the perfect place to put your wedding ring and engagement ring when they’re not on your finger!
To earn a chance to win, simply follow us on Instagram and comment on our giveaway post! We’ll pick one lucky winner and send you your cute little dish. If you’re looking for other ways to celebrate being a Mrs., don’t miss the About That Wedding shop on Etsy. She has everything from custom floral tumblers to Mr. and Mrs. hats!

Good luck ladies and don’t forget to share this Mrs. ring dish giveaway with your engaged and newlywed friends! Should you have questions about transitioning to Mrs. we have name change answers for you.  We also have MissNowMrs gift cards, which make the perfect gift for busy newlyweds. Who doesn’t want to skip 13 hours of name change hassle?!

Top 5 Black Friday Deals For Newlyweds

Top 5 Newlywed Black Friday Deals

It’s time for turkey, shopping, and the holidays! As you look for gifts, don’t miss out on the top 5 Black Friday deals that will help you celebrate your newlywed status and your new married name.
 

Newlywed Black Friday Deals |mrs wine glass

Tis the season to be jolly… so why not order a stemless wine glass with your new married name to enjoy your cup(s) of cheer? This elegant glass is 50% off with the code: EVERYTHING at Shutterfly!

Newlywed Black Friday Deals | miss to mrs ring dish

Where are you keeping your wedding rings when you’re not wearing them? If the answer is not in a special/safe location. Then, you are in dire need of this adorable ring dish! It’s a stylish way to celebrate your transition from Miss to Mrs.  And, the best part? This ring dish is 30% off with the code: GIVEJOY for Black Friday!

Black Friday Newlywed Deals | Mr and Mrs Towels

Mr. & Mrs. towels are a cute, yet practical way to celebrate your marriage and spruce up your master bathroom. So, use the code: SCORE to save an extra 15% on your purchase. You’ll smile every time you dry off after a shower or bath.

Newlywed Black Friday Deals | Mrs Earrings

Kate Spade has newlywed chic on lock, and Macy’s has a Black Friday deal on these gold Mrs. earrings. They’re an understated way to celebrate your new married name and status at work and on the weekends.

Newlywed Black Friday Deals | family pillow

Looking for a way to celebrate the day you became a family? This custom pillow from West Elm lets you showcase your new name and new family status with style. It’s perfect for your living room couch or as an accent pillow in your master bedroom. If you can’t decide, buy two! They’re 30% off with the code: SAVEMORE for Black Friday!

Get Your New Name Before the Holidays

We hope our list gets you excited about shopping as a Mrs. And, if you haven’t quite made the switch. We’d love to assist you with your name change. Our easy online name change app and service streamline the process into  minutes. So, you have time to officially become a Mrs. before your purchases and the holidays arrive!