- 1). Review your state's process for changing your last name after marriage. While most states do not require new brides to file any document stating their intention to change their last name to that of their husbands', your state may have differing requirements. Your county Office of Vital Statistics can tell you more about your state's specific requirements for surname changes.
- 2). Obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You are usually presented with one after you officially register your marriage. If not, obtain one through the county Office of Vital Statistics where your marriage was registered. Typically, the office is in the county where you were actually married, regardless of where you reside. There is a nominal fee for requesting a certified copy of your marriage certificate; a certified copy is required for a name change after marriage.
- 3). Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles and obtain a name change form. Complete and submit the form along with a certified copy of your marriage certificate. There may be a fee for obtaining a driver's license with your new surname, although most agencies waive this fee for new brides.
- 4). Visit your local Social Security Administration office and complete a modification form. Again, you must present a certified copy of your marriage certificate to change your last name and obtain a Social Security card reflecting the change. The Social Security Administration will alert the Internal Revenue Service about the change.
- 5). Bring your new driver's license and Social Security card, along with the certified copy of your marriage certificate, to any additional agencies or businesses where you need to change your last name. Update bank accounts, passports, credit cards, mortgages/leases, loans, and car, health and homeowner's insurance policies.
- 6). Request new credit cards, bank checks and other similar instruments with your new last name. Update your new surname with your employer, your local post office, the voter registry, and other city and county agencies.
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