Curious how to change your name in Delaware? The name change experts at MissNowMrs created this step by step guide to save you time and stress as you navigate your name change with state and government agencies.
The Delaware Name Change Process
1. Your Social Security Card
To change your name on you SS card, first fill out the SS-5 form. Then decide if you wish to file by mail or in person. You will need to include a certified copy of your marriage certificate along with your U.S. passport or driver’s license. *Photocopies will not be accepted.
Approximately 2 weeks after your form is processed by the Social Security Administration your new card will be mailed to you. Your new married name will be on your card, but your SSN will remain the same.
2. IRS
Updating your name with the Internal Revenue Service involves completing the IRS 8822 form. This 2 page form isn’t required, but filing it ensures that the IRS has your married name on file when they issue tax returns. Simply file it by mail with a photocopy of your marriage certificate. It’s free and we think it’s totally worth your time to have peace of mind!
3. Your U.S. Passport
The State Department has three different name change forms, depending on your current passport status. They are the DS-11, the DS-82, and the DS-5504. After filling in the correct form, file it with your current passport, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, two passport photos, and the listed processing fee.
Usually U.S. passports take 5-6 weeks to be processed and issued. With COVID delays, that timeline can be even longer. So, it is important to take any upcoming international travel into account, before changing your name on your passport. TSA will not authorize travel under a name that is different from your current reservation.
4. Your Delaware Driver’s License
Before you can file for your new driver’s license you must first file for your new SS card. Wait 72 hours after filing in person before heading to the DMV. Be sure to bring your current license, registration card, valid proof of car insurance, you certified marriage certificate, and proof of address if you have recently moved. It will cost $1.15 to change your name on your license, which will be issued the same day you apply!
5. Your Delaware Voter Registration
To update your name in Delaware, you will need to complete a Voter Registration Application with your new married name. Then send it to your county’s Department of Elections for processing. This ensures that you have the ability to vote with your new name.
6. ALL of Your Creditors and Accounts
As you wrap up filing all government forms, it’s time to update all of your creditors. We advise starting with your employer and your banking institutions. Typically, they will ask you to file a form in-person and show a certified marriage certificate (and occasionally your new SS card.)
Next, update your name with your loan providers, credit card companies, mortgage providers, utilities, and professional licensing boards. Most of them will change your name by phone, or via an online form. Finally, change your name on of your accounts, memberships, periodicals, frequent flyer programs, and on social media. Every company’s policy will be different, but many will allow you to login and make the update on your own.
7. Delaware Name Change Made Easy
Now that you know how to change your name in Delaware are you feeling uneasy? Name change can be a total nightmare of red tape, but fortunately there’s a simple solution! Use the MissNowMrs name change app or online service to go from Miss to Mrs. in a matter of minutes.
