Social Security

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!

How the Government Shutdown Impacts Your Name Change

How the Government Shut Down Affects Married Name Change

The MissNowMrs phones have been ringing with questions regarding the government shut down and how it could affect the married name change process. We’ve compiled everything you need to know regarding the government shut down and how it affects name change forms filed with Social Security, the IRS, the State Department, and your state driver’s license bureau.

Social Security

Social Security cards will still be issued during the government shut down. However, due to a decrease in Social Security Administration personnel it may take longer than the customary 2 weeks for your SS-5 form to be processed and your new Social Security card issued. During the government shutdown in 2013 there were delays in the issuance of new Social Security Cards. If you’d like to talk with someone at the Social Security Administration, please call their customer support line at 800.772.1213.

The IRS

The IRS is still accepting and processing the IRS-8822 form that notifies their office of your new name and new address (if applicable.) Again, there may be delays due to fewer personnel in the IRS office but as they do not send you any paperwork after processing your form, don’t stress about it!

The State Department
There’s conflicting information floating around about how the government shut down may affect the issuance of new passports. ABC News reported that passport processing employees will be sent home during the shutdown. This could cause delays in the 200,000 passport applications currently pending. In a conflicting statement, the State Department has stated that the office will press on and process passport and foreign visas. They’ll do this as long as the fees paid for the applications will pay for the processing of paperwork and staff. We’re all for mitigating risk, so if at all possible, book your upcoming travel in your maiden name. Then, wait to apply for your new passport in your new married name until after the government reopens.

State Driver’s License
The offices that issue driver’s licenses are run by the state government, not the federal government. So, there will not be any delays or issues. That being said, it’s wise to visit mid-week and mid-day to avoid long office lines.

Now you have the full scoop on how the government shutdown will affect your name change. So, you can move forward eyes wide open. If you have any questions please feel free to give our name change experts a call!

Help Me Change My Name

3 Tips for Florida Name Change

Help Me Change My Name

Florida Name Change

Thinking about changing your name in Florida? If you’re engaged or a newlywed, knowing these three specific things about name change after marriage in Florida, will save you a great deal of time and effort!

Florida Marriage License

When filing for your marriage license in Florida, keep in mind that the name you write on your form is the name that will appear on your marriage license AND your certified marriage certificate. This can affect your name change options. So, try to make your name-change decision before you file for your Florida marriage license. Also, Florida residents have a 3-day waiting period before marriage licenses can be issued. But, if provide proof of completing an accredited premarital course the wait time will be waived and your fee will be decreased!

Social Security Name Change

The Social Security filing process is the same in all 50 states. Complete the SS-5 form and either file it in-person at your local Social Security Office. Or, you can choose to file by mail. If you file by mail, you will need to include your current U.S. Passport, and you will be unable to file for you new driver’s license until your Social Security card with your new married name arrives in the mail. Depending on your situation and name-change time line, it may be easier to file in-person.

Florida Driver’s License

Updating your married name on your Florida driver’s license requires a little more documentation that most other states. Along with the certified marriage certificates, Florida newlyweds need to bring their new Social Security cards showing their new name. Or, you can bring a filing printout from the Social Security office (which is issued when you file the SS-5 form in person.) Also bring a certified United States Birth Certificate, Certification of Naturalization or Citizenship or a valid United States Passport, along with two proofs of residence, such as utility bills. *Heads up: your proof of residence cannot be over 2 months old.

Florida Name Change Simplified

Feeling a little freaked out about name change? Don’t worry! The MissNowMrs name change app and online name change service can help. We streamline the 13 hour name change hassle into a matter of minutes. Over 500,000 newlyweds have chosen to let us change their names. You should too!

Help Me Change My Name

Don’t miss our video covering 3 Tips for Florida Name Change!

4 Tips To Make Your New Year’s Name Change Resolution Happen

Did you make a name change resolution to make your married name change a reality in the New Year? Whether you were a New Years bride or have been procrastinating for months, January is an ideal time to change your name after marriage. So, if you’ve made the decision to officially switch to Mrs. how do you get started? Below are a few tips to ensure your name change resolution actually happens this year.

Name Change Resolution Tip #1

Decide on the last name that is perfect for you. You can take your spouse’s last name, hyphenate, take two last names, take your maiden as an additional middle name, or replace your middle name with your maiden name. Undecided? Play the Married Name Game and let its patent-pending algorithm suggest your ideal married last name(s) and factor in state laws, as some states do not allow all forms of married name change.

Name Change Resolution Tip #2
Request 2-3 certified copies of your marriage certificate. This is the legal document that you will need to file with your name-change forms. Having several copies will allow you to file at several offices simultaneously, and become a Mrs. that much faster. *Trust us, the faster you go through the process, the less hiccups you will encounter.

Name Change Resolution Tip #3

Determine the filing order for your state of residence. Different states require different forms of ID to be filed first. Some want you to file with Social Security 24-48 hours before filing for your new driver’s license. Some states want to see your social security card in your maiden name to process your new driver’s license application, and still others require that you bring your new Social Security card with your new married name (which take 2 weeks to process) before they will issue your new driver’s license. Understanding the filing order where you live will help you plot where you file first, second, and third. That knowledge will also help you avoid making mistakes that can result in standing in long government office lines several times. Feel free to use our detailed married name change checklist as you map out your transition to Mrs

Name Change Resolution Tip #4
Skip the stress of re-creating the name-change wheel and use the MissNowMrs.com easy online name change service. Sure we’re a little biased (it is our company) but honestly…wouldn’t you rather spend $30 to save 13 hours of tedious form research, completion, and filing? There’s a reason we have over 350,000 customers. Smart busy brides see the value in outsourcing their name change so they can spend more time doing fun newlywed things like decorating, celebrating, and spending time with their spouses!