You just finished unpacking from your tropical honeymoon and are still in the midst of that after-wedding euphoria; you keep re-living the magical day over and over again and are anxiously awaiting to see all of the beautiful photos (we’re working on edits, promise!). As you lovingly gaze at your new KitchenAid mixer and think about all of the homemade muffins you will be baking for your new husband, it hits you… YOU NOW HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR NAME! (gulp)
It is true what they say: changing your name is no easy process and can be a bit stressful once you begin to realize just how many things your maiden name is attached to. Before having a panic attack and enlisting in the help of your married friends (who, while they mean well, commonly give incorrect advice), it is best to make a checklist and go through each point (one at a time so you don’t feel overwhelmed!). My advice would be to try and tackle two or three items per week; before you know it, you’ll be done and ready to enjoy married life with your new name!
Here’s the list of documents you’ll want to consider for changing your last name:
- Social security card
- Driver’s license
- Banking information
- Checks
- Credit cards
- Email address
- Social media profiles (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Twitter etc]
- Health insurance
- Car registration
- Insurance cards (auto, home, medical, etc)
- Utility companies
- Passport
- Student loans
- Mortgages/apartment rental contracts
- Voter registration
- Gym membership (or any other memberships for that matter)
- Payroll (talk to HR)
- Business cards
- Email signature
- Store/shopping accounts (Costco, Amazon, etc)
Don’t worry, it will be worth it in the end! The quicker you get through the list, the sooner you can get back to living in newlywed bliss.
Please let us know if we have missed something to add to this list!
