Want to know how to change your name in Vermont? The name change experts at MissNowMrs wrote this 7 step guide to save you time and headaches as you navigate your name change.
The Vermont Name Change Process
1. Your Social Security Card
The best way to begin your Vermont name change is by notifying the Social Security Administration of your married name. To do this, fill out the SS-5 form and decide if you want to file by mail or in person. You will need to provide a certified marriage certificate and your Vermont Driver’s license or U.S. passport for your form to be processed. *Please note that photocopies will not be accepted.
Around 2 weeks after your form is process you will receive your new SS card in the mail. The card will show your new married name, but your SSN will remain the same.
2. The Internal Revenue Service
Changing your name with the IRS in the next step. You will need to complete the IRS 8822 form and file it with a photocopy of your marriage certificate. This form is not mandatory, but it ensures your name change will not cause any issues related to your tax returns.
3. Your U.S. Passport
The State Department has 3 alternate name change forms, tied to your current passport status. They are the DS-11, the DS-82, and the DS-5504. After filling in the appropriate form, file it with your current passport, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, two passport photos, and the listed processing fee.
Typically, U.S. passports take 5-6 weeks to be processed and issued. With COVID delays, that timeline can be several weeks longer. So, be sure to take any upcoming international travel into account, before changing your name on your passport. TSA will not allow travel under a name that is different from your current tickets/reservation.
4. Your Vermont Driver’s License
Changing your name on your driver’s license starts with filling out the Vermont Application for License or Permit. Then, head to the closest Vermont DMV. You will need to bring your current license, a certified marriage certificate, proof of address (if you have recently moved,) and $15. Your new Vermont driver’s license will be issued the same day you apply!
5. Your Vermont Voter Registration
Next up is changing your name with the Voter Registration Bureau. Simply complete the Vermont Voter Registration form and mail it along with a photocopy of your new VT driver’s license to your town or city clerk.
6. ALL of Your Creditors and Accounts
As you finish filing all your government forms, it’s time to notify 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 vary, but many will allow you to login and make the update on your own.
7. Vermont Name Change With Zero Stress
Now that you’ve learned how to change your name in Vermont, are you feeling anxious? You don’t have to! Use the MissNowMrs app or online service to go from Miss to Mrs. in a matter of minutes!
