Season of Change: The Industry Professional's Guide to Officially Changing Your Last Name

Bride Holding Bouquet and Resting Head on Husband's Shoulder
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Going into the name change process for the first time, many newlyweds (understandably) have no idea what to expect.
Written by
Megan Simpson Teeter

Published:

Washington Wedding Day Fall/Winter 2024

While planning the big day, your focus is mainly on event details, guest list and your ensemble. However, for anyone who has decided to change their name post-wedding, the "adventure" continues long after the vendors have been tipped and the relatives have departed. 

Going into the name change process for the first time, many newlyweds (understandably) have no idea what to expect. Enter Colie Christensen, founder of NewlyNamed, a name change kit service designed to make officiating your new last name a breeze.  

Colie details the eight "places" brides and grooms must remember to change their names: 

  • Social Security

  • IRS

  • U.S. passport

  • Driver's license

  • Voter registration

  • Vehicle title & registration

  • Professional licenses & certifications

  • Personal Accounts such as banks, credit unions, credit cards, investment accounts, frequent flyer programs, travel programs (TSA Pre, Global Entry, etc.) and more. When couples work with NewlyNamed, Colie notes: "We have 3,000+ companies (personal accounts) in our database that our customers can select and add to their kit. Most select 20-30." 

PHOTO: Astrini Sie Photography

It's important to begin by updating your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) by filling out form Form SS-5, the application for a new social security card (can be done by mail or online). This step is foundational because your name officially and legally changes after it's updated with the SSA and the IRS, making it possible to change your name everywhere else. However, it's important to mention that even though your name is changed in the SSA's system, you'll still need to update it everywhere else to match. 

"Once your name is updated with the SSA, other entities can reference it to confirm your new legal name," explains Colie. This sets the stage for the next steps in the name change process. After updating your name with the SSA, the following locations typically require attention: 

  • IRS: Changing your name with SSA will update your name with the Internal Revenue Service, however, it's pertinent to note that you should wait about 10-14 days after you change your name with the SSA to file your tax return! 

  • U.S. Passport: Apply for a new passport with your updated name. This usually requires submitting Form DS-11 along with supporting documents like your marriage certificate and current passport. 

  • Driver's License: Make a DMV appointment and bring a document with proof of your new name on it and your marriage license, as well as your new-license fee. Visit dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/ for more details.

  • Voter Registration: Re-register to vote in the state of Washington – you can do this online eight or more days before an election. Learn more at olvr.votewa.gov.

  • Vehicle Title & Registration: Gather the original copy of your vehicle’s title (it cannot be a photocopy) or complete an affidavit of loss if you don’t have the title. Then, complete the Vehicle Title Application, which will ask you to provide proof of your name change, and then submit your documentation with a fee. Check out dol.wa.gov/vehicles-and-boats/ for more information.

  • Professional Licenses and Certifications: If you hold any professional licenses or certifications, such as a nursing license or teaching certificate, notify the issuing authority of your name change.

  • Personal Accounts: Update your name with all personal accounts, including banks, credit unions, credit cards, investment accounts, frequent flyer programs and travel programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.  

We get it; the list can be a little daunting. If you want to save yourself time (and the headache), NewlyName's comprehensive name change kit service streamlines this process and ensures you don't miss any accounts. With NewlyNamed's extensive database, you can easily navigate this process and select the entities you'll need to update within your own kit. Why can't wedding planning be that simple? 

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