How to Change Your Name After Marriage

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B and I got engaged in 2018, and our wedding date was scheduled for October 26, 2019.  I was so excited to become his wife. Although I had a few years of experience in the hospitality industry, planning your OWN wedding is daunting and stressful! 


Once the wedding is finally over (once you’re married you’ll understand this relief!) it is now time to settle into real married life. This means the boring stuff like DMV trips and post office visits.


My sister-in-law Candace suggested I use a company called HitchSwitch to easily get everything I need to change my name. I am SO glad I did! 


Recommended by the knot, Wedding Wire, and David’s Bridal to name a few, HitchSwitch streamlines the name change process by locating and organizing paperwork needed. I love how they make everything organized so you’re not wasting time trying to research what forms are needed to change your name. I appreciated this service because it made me prepared for when I went to the DMV and SS office, and I could mail many of my forms without having to wait in a long line. 


HitchSwitch offers three unique name change packages:

  1. $39 Print at Home
  2. $69 Full Service
  3. $99 Platinum

What Each Service Includes:


Print at Home
  • Forms included: Social Security, Passport, Driver's License, Vehicle Title & Registration, Voter Registration, IRS Change of Address, TSA/Global Entry, Credit Cards, Most popular name change services, Most popular airlines, Credit Cards, Official Name Change Notices, etc. 
  • Lifetime access to your name change forms.
Full Service
  • Forms included: Social Security, Passport, Driver's License, Vehicle Title & Registration, Voter Registration, IRS Change of Address, TSA/Global Entry, Credit Cards, Most popular name change services, Most popular airlines, Credit Cards, Official Name Change Notices, etc. 
  • Lifetime access to your name change forms.
  • 2 Pre-stamped envelopes
  • Customized name change checklist.
  • Email Support.
Platinum
  • Forms included: Social Security, Passport, Driver's License, Vehicle Title & Registration, Voter Registration, IRS Change of Address, TSA/Global Entry, Credit Cards, Most popular name change services, Most popular airlines, Credit Cards, Official Name Change Notices, etc. 
  • Lifetime access to your name change forms.
  • 4 Pre-stamped envelopes
  • Customized name change checklist.
  • Complimentary Passport photo mailed directly to your home
  • Personal name change concierge.


I got the Platinum service, but I think the lower priced services would work perfectly fine. Their customer service is great, and even if you don’t have a personal concierge, just shoot them an email at CustomerService@hitchswitch.com HitchSwitch is secure and protects all your sensitive information to give you peace of mind.


Where do I need to change my name?


Highly important and urgent: 


  • Social Security
  • Driver’s License/Real ID
  • Bank accounts
  • Credit cards
  • Your employer
  • Insurance
  • Medical/dental providers
  • 401K, investment accounts


Important but not incredibly urgent:


(I say this because these can be changed at any time, and there generally are no consequences in waiting)


  • Social media platforms
  • Email address
  • Your phone contact info
  • New mailing address
  • Your desktop/laptop contact info
  • Phone carrier
  • Passport (not too urgent unless you plan on traveling out of the country)
  • Gym membership
  • Voter registration 
  • College/University (if applicable)
  • Paypal, Venmo
  • Resume/Linkedin
  • Car title (if you still have a car loan, double dip by changing your name at the bank and submitting the cart title application same day). 
  • Landlord/Mortgage company 


How long does the name change process take? 


I would give yourself a year after your wedding date for your name to be completely changed. The DMV, Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk and Social Security offices take longer than they estimate. For me it was about 2-3 months to get my driver’s license, and SS card. Note: You can’t change your name without first having your marriage certificate THEN getting your Social Security card to then get your ID and all the other important things. I wish most places just took the marriage certificate (I got that the fastest) to start the name change. Some of my name change stuff had to wait until I got my SS card. 


Even after I got the most important things out of the way, my maiden name seemed to come out of the woodwork months later, just when I thought I changed my name everywhere. Here is a list of the things I am talking about: 


Not important/Not Urgent (but kind of annoying)
  • Apple ID
  • Dry cleaning 
  • Google Pay
  • Streaming services: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+
  • Car mechanic shops
  • Library 
  • Travel programs: Hilton Honors, Marriott Rewards, AirBnB, Vrbo
  • Uber/Lyft 
  • Restaurant rewards 
  • Personalization websites Etsy, Minted, Zazzle
  • Fitness apps FitBit, Achievement, Runkeeper
  • Religious/charitable giving 
  • Music streaming: Spotify, Pandora, Amazon music
  • Coffee clubs/rewards: Starbucks, Peets, your local coffee shop
  • Ice cream/Frozen yogurt rewards: Menchie's, Cold Stone, Baskin Robbins
  • Food delivery services: DoorDash, Uber Eats, GrubHub, Postmates, Instacart 
  • Investment apps: Robinhood, Acorns, STASH
  • College diploma (completely optional) 
  • Anything else you signed up with your first and last name lol! 


I hope this article helped you on your mission to go from Miss to Mrs! Congratulations on marrying the love of your life, and taking all those steps to claiming your new name. 


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