What's in a Name?

One of the oldest traditions when it comes to marriage is Name Changing.   These days it’s not just the wife taking his name, sometimes it’s the reverse or even a hyphenation of the names.  Below are 10 steps to help you along…

Step 1
Order extra certified copies of your marriage certificate.  Agencies like Motor Vehicles may require originals instead of a copy in order to change your name.

Step2
If you're a man changing your name at marriage, check your marriage certificate to see if there is a space to indicate a name change. If not, you will need court papers to legally change your name. Contact a local attorney to find out the procedure for name changing in your state. (This step is not necessary for women.)

Step3
Call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 to obtain the proper forms and instructions you will need to get your new Social Security Card.

Step4
Set aside time to visit motor vehicles for a new driver's license.   Here is what you will need: You must visit a local DMV office to change your name on all DMV records and documents.

Bring your NYSDMV photo document or other proof of identity that displays your previous name and has a value of at least six points.  Bring a US marriage certificate, US divorce documents, or other court papers issued in the US that prove your new name. Or, you can bring proof of identity that displays your new name and has a value of at least six points.  To change your name on a registration document and a title certificate, you must bring the registration document and the title certificate that display your previous name.

Use form MV-44 to change your name on your driver license, learner permit or non-driver photo ID card. There is a fee of $15 to get a new photo driver license or learner permit document that displays your new name, or $8 to get a new non-driver photo ID card.  Your new document arrives by mail in approximately four weeks.

You can visit this link to print out the proper form. http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/forms/mv44.pdf

Step5
To obtain a new passport you will need to:

Send a completed form DS-5504, application for US Passport: Name Change, Data Correction and Limited Passport Book Replacement Form, a certified copy of your marriage certificate or your name change court decree, two recent color photographs (2"x2") and your current valid passport to the address listed on the form.

Photocopies and notarized copies are not acceptable for passport purposes.

For more information click on the link below…
http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds5504/ds5504_2663.html

Step6
Order replacements for checks, business cards, credit cards and other documents that contain your old name.

Step7
Change your records with your employers.

Step8
Change your name on your car registration, with your insurance and mortgage companies.

Step9
Contact the post office, utility companies and registrar of voters.

Step10
Send out announcements to all your friends and family… you can even find name change cards for this special moment.

Click Here to Learn How to Get Your Marriage License
http://www.health.state.ny.us/vital_records/married.htm