Name Change after Marriage

Looking for name change advice or some tips for newlywed life? The MissNowMrs experts have created state-specific name change articles and checklists for you. We’ve chronicled our recommendations for how to travel while changing your name AND how to handle voting during the transition.

We’ve also compiled our best guidance for how to handle difficult sister in laws, holidays as newlyweds, the ever-annoying baby questions, and much more. Why? Because, while we are name change experts, we’re also newlywed wives, moms, and sisters.

We hope our name change advice articles help smooth your transition to your new name, and a whole new phase of life. Congratulations and best wishes from the entire MissNowMrs team!

Brittany’s Real Name Change Story

The Love Story

We’re happy to share Brittany’s Real Name Change Story! Read on for the story of how she met her husband on the way to a pin-up contest, planned her surprise pseudo-elopement while in medical school, and how her name-change almost didn’t happen.

I had recently moved to Los Angeles, and it was the day before I was competing in a vintage modeling/pin up contest and I needed to pick up some red lipstick. I made my way up the street, in downtown Los Angeles, passing a restaurant called Riorden’s Tavern. As I passed the window, I peered into it and tucked a few wisps hair behind my ear. Looking beyond the window, I saw a large group of guys. After becoming stuck on a particularly handsome one, I noticed the one next to him. A guy with very little hair, mimicking/mocking my hair adjustment. I did a big hair flip and had a good laugh with them through the window. I figured I’d stop in for a laugh with them on my way home.

The Flirtation

Being that I went shopping, it was at least an hour or more before I headed home. A few yards from the restaurant I heard, “Hey! You with the hair,” Turning to see Jonathan and his friend, Steve. They said they had been looking for me and were now headed to coffee and invited me along. As I had just finished my OB/GYN core, and begun my psych core, I poured all the gruesome facts about delivering babies. Stories about the first one I delivered and the details about electro-convulsion shock therapy that I had just learned. The guys didn’t bat an eye, and kept up with the conversation.

Little did I know, he’d been to war and back. And, was building the 62 story skyscraper behind us. After talking about the pin-up competition, vintage cars, and good breweries around town the following day, Steve asked how best to get a hold of me. Thinking that was quite the creative way to ask, leaving it open even to emails, I decided to give him my number. This is something I didn’t typically do. My phone had died. But, I soon received a text saying, “Hi, this is Jon, your window gawking Starbucks escort. Here’s my number, good luck tomorrow.”

The Proposal

Brittany’s Real Name Change Story gets even more interesting here! After winning Miss Moon Eyes 2015, we arranged to meet for drinks that coming Wednesday. I was running a few minutes late and Jon said that when I walked in, a little voice in his head said, “You’re late, you’re 34 years late, but this is what I’ve been waiting for.” After skipping through the streets of Downtown LA it didn’t take much longer before plans were being laid for the rest of our lives.

I initially wanted a two year engagement as I was in the thick of medical school, and felt it would be impossible to plan the wedding of my dreams during this time. However, as the days crept on we were getting more and more excited about our union. And while dress hunting I ended up with three dresses for under $1,000, and we thought ‘hey, let’s put them to use!’

And just like that, we began planning our surprise pseudo-elopement. With the help of Aloha Maui Dream Weddings we invited just our parents and headed out to Maui. They created the wedding of my dreams on a medical student’s budget with Penny Palmer Photography built right in. It was absolutely stress free, and the only regret I have is not ordering the bigger photo package!

The Name Change Narrative

Somewhat of a traditionalist, I always knew I wanted to take my husband’s name. Especially after I heard the perfection of MY husband’s name and introducing myself as, “Dr. Brittany ********.” Oh, it made my heart flutter! However, I still had major exams to take registered under my maiden name. With this 9 hour beast (exam) between me and my married name, I patiently waited to change my name.

Intimidated by the process, when the time came, I reached out to MissNowMrs after seeing it advertised on my DMV’s website. Their process was so streamlined. It also appeared to read my mind, as each question crossed my mind, I hovered the cursor over the prompt and the answer popped up!

The Name Change Twist

I printed my sheets and headed to my local Social Security office to start the process… where I was promptly told I could not change my name because my maiden name was on my marriage certificate/license… but that was me… that’s who got married wasn’t it? She said I hadn’t changed my name yet, I wasn’t married!? I was told I had to pay $600 to file to have the court change my name, publish the request in the paper and it would take 4+ weeks.

I was crushed but began filing with the court, was denied a fee waiver and was again disappointed. After a friend of mine came by and told me she had her maiden name on her marriage certificate too and had no problem, she suggested I try a different office. I gathered what hope I had left and gave it a shot. Low and behold – they didn’t even comment on it! In and out in less than an hour, free of charge!

With the big wedding on the horizon in a few months, we’re putting the final touches on things, struggling with budgets, and researching florists… but I couldn’t be more excited! I can’t wait to share our love and excitement for the adventure ahead with all our extended family and friends.

Newlywed Advice

My advice to anyone, especially, newlyweds, is to roll with the punches and take everything in stride. Attitude is everything. Sometimes life is just about luck and timing. If you always keep a positive attitude, with perseverance, things will line up eventually and you’ll be perfectly happy passing the time until they do.

Beautiful wedding photos by: Penny Palmer Photography

Mrs. Ring Dish: Our Newlywed Giveaway

We thought we’d spice up your Thursday with a newlywed giveaway! This super cute Mrs. ring dish is the perfect place to put your wedding ring and engagement ring when they’re not on your finger!
To earn a chance to win, simply follow us on Instagram and comment on our giveaway post! We’ll pick one lucky winner and send you your cute little dish. If you’re looking for other ways to celebrate being a Mrs., don’t miss the About That Wedding shop on Etsy. She has everything from custom floral tumblers to Mr. and Mrs. hats!

Good luck ladies and don’t forget to share this Mrs. ring dish giveaway with your engaged and newlywed friends! Should you have questions about transitioning to Mrs. we have name change answers for you. We also have MissNowMrs gift cards, which make the perfect gift for busy newlyweds. Who doesn’t want to skip 13 hours of name change hassle?!

Robin’s Real Name Change Story

We’re super excited to share Robin’s Real Name Change Story. Read on to hear how two sports-loving coworkers fell in love, how Robin’s fiancé supported her not changing her name, and the realization that changed her mind and had her surprising him with her name change paperwork from MissNowMrs!

Robin’s Love Story

I think our love story is fun! A few years ago at work I spotted this guy, he was always smiling and always made people laugh in the office. One day as I was driving home from work I noticed he was stopped next to me on the highway. Our eyes met and we shared an extremely awkward wave… I had never talked to him but I knew who he was.

Over the next few weeks I would catch him staring at me from across the room and look away as soon as he would see that I noticed. This went on for 2 months or so and I was wondering why he hadn’t approached me yet… It was now my birthday weekend in September and I invited a few of his friends in the office out for drinks knowing all too well that he would be with them. We hung out that night and after that he still continued to stare at me in the office.

Neither I nor him had the courage to talk to each other. Thanksgiving rolls around and his desk was moved right across from mine so we were facing each other!! It was like fate. We began to chat and flirt for the next few days. Until, his desk was moved again. FINALLY, he asked me out! No idea what took him so long. Our first date was not planned at all. He calls me and goes “I hope you like basketball because I have 2 tickets to the Cincinnati Bearcats game.” Luckily for him I love and live sports… and ever since we have been like two peas in a pod!

Robin’s Wedding Day

Our wedding day went off without any issues at all which I am so grateful for! We were married on September 3, 2017. On September 2nd it was raining, storming and a gross mess outside. Someone upstairs had to be looking out for us because the weather was perfect, not too hot and the sun was shining, only a few clouds in the sky!!! The day’s festivities went off without any problems.

The most emotional part of the day for me was when I had my hair and makeup done and finally stepped into my wedding dress. This was the first time that day I cried… and I am not a crier, ask my husband. I think he has seen me cry maybe once or twice before the wedding and I think I broke out into happy tears at least 6 times between the hours of 1:00 and 5:00 before the “I do’s”. I could write pages on pages about what happened on the wedding day from start to finish, but I don’t want to bore anyone! Overall, the day was perfect!

Robin’s Name Change Narrative

Chris and I briefly talked about my name change about 1-2 months before the wedding. We were told that people wanted to know what my last name would be so they could monogram gifts, etc. That was the first time I had ever thought about name change. At first I was against changing my name because I felt that I would lose a piece of me if I had changed it. My husband supported my decision not to change my name; he would say “you married me, I don’t care what your last name is.”

I struggled with this up until about a month ago. Then I realized I am still me. A name is just a name and it can’t take anything away from me. A friend of mine suggested I use MissNowMrs to change my name. As a surprise, I filled out the paperwork. When the envelope came in the mail, I told my husband. He was SO EXCITED that I decided to change my name.

MissNowMrs has made the transition from my maiden name to my new name soooo simple!! I don’t have to go anywhere. Everything came with postage and I simply follow the directions and mail in what needs to be mailed. Right now I am waiting for my documents to come back! It will take some time to get used to. And, it is strange seeing my new name. I think this is all worth it. Seeing how excited my husband was when I told him I decided to change my name made me realize that it was meant to be.

Robins Real Married Name Change Decision

Robin’s Newlywed Advice

My advice to newlyweds is to be patient and relax. There isn’t as much to stress about as it seems. And even though EVERYONE says it…. make sure to soak in your day because it truly is the best day of your life!

Name Change After Marriage | Robins Story

Lovely wedding photos by Leppert Photography

5 New Years Name Change Tips

Happy New Year! Here are 5 New Years name change tips! Was changing your name part of your New Year’s resolution? If so, you’re joining the millions of newlyweds who opt to change their names after marriage. As with any resolution, to be successful you need to break the goal into small steps. Below are steps to changing your maiden name, and our suggestions on how to check this resolution off your list in the next two weeks and spend the majority of 2018 as a Mrs.!

Step 1: Find your certified marriage certificate.

Order 2-3 additional certified marriage certificates from the county clerk’s office. This is the legal document you need to file all of your federal and state name-change forms. By having more that one copy, you can file several forms at the same time and become a Mrs. much faster!

Step 2: Select the name change option that best suits you and your life.

You can option to hyphenate, take two last names without a hyphen, take your maiden name as a second middle name, replace your middle name with your maiden name, or take your spouse’s last name. If you’re torn between choices, play the Married Name Game to learn your ultimate last name.

Step 3: File your federal forms.

We suggest filing the SS-5 with the Social Security Administration first, and then file the IRS 8822, notify the USPS, and file the DS-11, DS-82, or DS-5504 with the State Department for your new passport in your new married name.

Step 4: File your state-level name change forms.

These include forms to update your name on your new driver’s license, voter registration, and vehicle title. Each state has different requirements, so we highly recommend researching what you need to file with your name change forms. Many states require proof of residence, your certified marriage certificate, and another form of ID such as your new Social Security Card or U.S. passport. Knowing the office requirements in advance will save you from making multiple trips to change your name.

Step 5: Notify your creditors.

Call the 800 numbers on the backs of your credit cards, go in-person to your bank branch, and then begin notifying your employer, utilities, mortgage providers, professional licenses, loan providers, etc. of your new married name.

Newlywed Life Hack.

Instead of re-inventing the married-name change wheel, use the MissNowMrs easy online name change service. They condense the tedious 13 hour process into 30 minutes… and after assisting over 400,000 brides with their name changes, they’re experts that can help you with any difficult situations or questions!

How to Change Your Name

Wondering how to change your name? It’s not something anyone thinks about until they need to do it. As name-change experts, we’re happy to demystify the process for you. There are several life events that trigger a name change, like marriage, divorce, and adoption. All three of these variations use the same legal paperwork, but the supporting documents are all different.

Married Name Change

If you’re changing your name after marriage, you will need a certified marriage certificate. It is a legal document signed by your officiant and then filed with the county clerk’s office after your marriage. Your certified marriage certificate is the legal proof of your marriage. Typically it arrives in the mail 2 weeks after your ceremony.

You will need to file the SS-5 form for your new Social Security Card, the DS-11, DS-82, or DS-5504 for your new U.S. passport. You will also need to file forms for your new state driver’s license and voter registration. All of these forms must be accompanied by your certified marriage certificate.

If you’re a newlywed, the MissNowMrs app and online service were created to streamline the 13 hour married name change process into minutes. They auto-completing all of the necessary forms and notification letters. You can also use our complete married name change check list to keep track of your progress!

Help Me Change My Name

Divorce

Changing your name after divorce is a similar process. You will file the exact same forms with Social Security, the State Department, the DMV and Voter Registration Bureau. However, instead of using a marriage certificate as your legal name change document, you will need you use a name-change order within your divorce decree.

A name change order is a sentence or paragraph stating that you will be returning to your maiden name. Even if you are unsure if you will return to your maiden name, we advise having your lawyer add a name change order to your divorce decree. This ensures that you have the option to legally change back to your maiden name. But, does not require you to make that change within any time frame. If you’re divorced, GetYourNameBack.com is an online name service designed to help you get your name back quickly and easily.

Legal

This is where things get confusing. Both marriage and divorce name change are legal name changes. They are achieved by following the married or divorced legal paperwork filing process. Non-wedding/divorce name changes are labeled legal name changes. Examples of these include changing a child’s last name after adoption, or an adult changing their name not due to marriage or divorce.

To file for a legal name change, a legal name change order must be acquired. This process includes petitioning the court system for a legal name change order. Being fingerprinted. And, running ads declaring your intention of changing your name in local newspapers.

We highly recommend LegalZoom’s services if you need to file for a legal name change order. Once you have that document, NameChangeNextStep.com is an online service that streamlines the paperwork and provides insider filing tips to save you time and stress.