How I Seamlessly Changed My Name After Marriage Using HitchSwitch
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B and I got engaged in 2018, and our wedding date was set for October 26, 2019. I was thrilled to become his wife, but planning a wedding—even with my hospitality industry experience—was daunting! One of the biggest post-wedding challenges I faced was changing my name. Fortunately, I discovered HitchSwitch, a name change service recommended by The Knot, WeddingWire, and David’s Bridal, which made the process so much easier.
Why Changing Your Name After Marriage Can Be Stressful
Once the wedding is over (you’ll understand the relief once you’re married!), it’s time to settle into real married life. This includes the mundane but necessary tasks like trips to the DMV and post office visits. Changing your name is one of those tasks that can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure of where to start.
How HitchSwitch Simplifies the Name Change Process
My sister-in-law Candace suggested I use a company called HitchSwitch to streamline the name change process, and I’m SO glad I did! HitchSwitch is highly recommended by major wedding platforms like The Knot, WeddingWire, and David’s Bridal, to name a few. This service organizes all the necessary paperwork and instructions you need to change your name, saving you the hassle of researching forms on your own.
HitchSwitch Name Change Packages Explained
HitchSwitch offers four unique name change packages:
- $39 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, and more.
Access: Lifetime access to your name change forms.
- $69 Full Service
Forms Included: All forms from the Print at Home package.
Bonus: Two (2) pre-stamped envelopes, a customized name change checklist, and email support.
- $99 Platinum
Forms Included: All forms from the Print at Home package.
Bonus: Three (3) pre-stamped envelopes, a customized name change checklist, two (2) passport photos mailed directly to your door step, and a personal name change concierge.
- $129.99 Platinum+
Forms Included: All forms from the Print at Home package.
Bonus: Five (5) pre-stamped envelopes, Platinum Concierge Team, four (4) passport photos mailed directly to your door step, complimentary 8x11 photo book from Shutterfly ($49.98 value)
I opted for the Platinum service, but I believe the lower-priced services would work perfectly fine for most people. Their customer service is excellent—if you don’t have a personal concierge, you can still get quick help via email at [email protected]. HitchSwitch is secure and protects all your sensitive information, giving you peace of mind during this process.
Where to Change Your Name After Marriage
Highly Important and Urgent:
- Social Security
- Driver’s License/Real ID
- Car loan
- Bank accounts
- Credit cards
- Your employer
- Insurance
- Medical/dental providers
- 401K, investment accounts
Important but Not Incredibly Urgent:
(These can generally be changed at any time without immediate consequences)
- 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 internationally soon)
- Gym membership
- Voter registration
- College/University (if applicable)
- Paypal, Venmo
- Resume/LinkedIn
- Car title (If you still have a car loan, you can change your name at the bank and submit the car title application on the same day.)
- Landlord/Mortgage company
Even after you’ve handled the most important changes, your maiden name might still pop up unexpectedly months later. Here’s a list of other places where you might need to update your name:
Not Important/Not Urgent (but Kind of Annoying):
- Apple ID (if applicable)
- Dry cleaning
- Google Pay (if applicable)
- Streaming services: Netflix, Hulu, Prime, 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, Peet’s, 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 using your first and last name!
How Long Does the Name Change Process Take?
I’d recommend giving yourself a year after your wedding date to fully complete the name change process. The DMV, Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, and Social Security offices often take longer than they estimate. For me, it took about 2-3 months to get my driver’s license and Social Security card.
Note: You can’t change your name without first obtaining your marriage certificate. Then, you’ll need your Social Security card to get your ID and take care of other important changes. I wish more places accepted the marriage certificate alone to start the name change process! Some of my tasks had to wait until I received my updated Social Security card.
Final Tip for Your Name Change Journey
Try not to get overwhelmed, and take your time! You have a lifetime to change your name haha. I hope this article helps you on your mission to go from Miss to Mrs.! Congratulations on marrying the love of your life and taking all the steps to claim your new name.
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Special thanks to Frankie Rose Photography for taking our wedding photos!
