Pondering how to change your name in Indiana? The MissNowMrs name change experts have put together a detailed checklist to help you through each step in Indiana!
The Indiana Name Change Process
1. Update Your Social Security Card
First, notify the Social Security Administration of your new name. This involves filling out the SS-5 form and filing it with your Indiana driver’s license or U.S. passport, and your certified marriage certificate. There is no fee for your name change at this office!
Two weeks after your form is processed, your new SS card will arrive in the mail. The card will show your new married name, but your SSN will remain the same. If you filed by mail, your form of ID and marriage certificate will be included with your new card.
2. Notify the IRS of Your New Name
Second on the list, is changing your name with the Internal Revenue Service. Complete the IRS 8822 form and mail it to the office in your region with a photocopy of your marriage certificate. This form is not required, but it ensures you will receive your tax returns in your married name. It’s free and totally worth the peace of mind in our opinion!
3. Update Your U.S. Passport
Filing for your new passport, is the third step you need to take to legally change to your married name. There are three different application forms based on if, and how long you have had a passport. Fill out the form that is appropriate for your situation, and then file it by mail (unless it’s your first passport) along with two 2×2 passport photos, your certified marriage certificate, and the specific fee.
The State Department understands that many couples file for a passport right before their honeymoons. So, if your current passport is less than 12 months old, it’s free file for your new one! Consider it a surprise wedding gift from the State Department.
4. Change Your Name on Your Indiana Driver’s License
To change your name on your Indiana driver’s license you will need to wait at least 24 hours after filing for your new Social Security card. The DMV will need to see your filing receipt from that office, or your new card before they can update your name on your license. You should also bring your current license, certified marriage certificate, certified birth certificate, and two proofs of residence.
Your Indiana driver’s license will be issued the same day you apply for it. This is the only government office where you must file in-person, as they require a new photo for name changes.
5. Update Your Indiana Voter Registration
The last government entity to notify of your new married name is your County Voter Registration Office. Simply complete the Indiana Voter Registration Application in your new name and mail it to your specific County Voter Registration Office. The addresses are listed on the second to last page of your application or via the Indiana Voter website. Filing this brief form ensures your ability to vote under your married name in the next election.
6. Notify ALL of Your Creditors
Once you receive all of your federal and state forms of ID in your new married name, it’s time to notify your creditors. Start with your employer, banks, and professional license boards. They will most likely need you to file a form in-person to change your name. Then, move on to your mortgage/lease providers, insurance providers, medical providers, and utility companies. You should be able to change your name over the phone or with a brief online form with these entities. Finally, update your name on all of your memberships, associations, periodicals, and social media accounts.
7. Indiana Name Change Made Easy
Overwhelmed by how to change your name in Indiana? We can help! Use the MissNowMrs name change app or online service to save 13 hours on your name change. There’s no need to waste precious newlywed time standing in long office lines.
