Name Change Checklist: Confirming Your Identity After Marriage or Divorce
Name Change Checklist: Confirming Your Identity After Marriage or Divorce
You spent months planning the perfect wedding, and after your honeymoon, you're married. Now what? For many women (and a few men), that decision comes with a desire to share the same last name as their spouse and, therefore, an administrative task list of updating all the legal documents and financial accounts. The same is true if you decide to return to your maiden name after divorce. To keep track of the process, follow this comprehensive checklist to guide you through the steps with confidence.
Step 1: Obtain Certified Copies of Your Marriage/Divorce Certificate
- Request 3-5 certified copies from your county clerk’s office (typically $5-15 each)
- These official documents serve as proof of your name change
- Having multiple copies allows you to submit them to different institutions simultaneously.
Step 2:
Update Your Social Security Card
- Submit an online application to complete Form SS-5
- Schedule an appointment to visit a local office with the required documents (your marriage certificate or divorce decree and a current ID) within 45 days of submitting your online application.
- After your appointment, you'll receive the card in the mail. Processing typically takes 14 days.
- You must complete this step before filing your tax return.
Step 3: Change Your Driver's License or State ID
- Visit your local Bureau or Department of Motor Vehicles (BMV/DMV) with your marriage/divorce certificate. In Indiana (and most states), you have 30 days to update your license after a name change.
- Note: In Indiana, you must visit the officially change your name with Social Security and allow at least one business day after your name change transaction before visiting the BMV.
- Bring your current license/ID and be prepared to pay the replacement fee (varies by state).
- Consider updating your vehicle registration and title and updating your voter registration at the same time.
Step 4: Notify Financial Institutions
- Note: Each institution may have its own procedures for changing your name on accounts. Some will require your new driver's license, and for others, the marriage/divorce decree will be sufficient.
- Contact banks and credit unions for checking, savings, credit cards, and loans/mortgage.
- Contact your financial advisor for name changes on investment accounts.
- Be sure to update beneficiary designations on all financial accounts to either add or remove your spouse as primary beneficiary.
Step 5: Employer and Professional Notifications
- Inform HR department to update payroll, benefits (health, vision, dental, and life insurance), and retirement accounts
- Update your W-4 with your employer to reflect your new name.
- Update professional licenses, certifications, and registrations.
- Change your name on business cards, email signatures, and professional directories.
- Update your professional social media profiles, such as LinkedIn and Facebook.
Step 6: Update Your Passport
- For passports less than a year old: Form DS-5504 (no fee)
- For passports older than a year: Form DS-82 ($130 for standard processing)
- Include your current passport, certified marriage/divorce certificate, and a color passport photo.
- Consider expedited processing if you have upcoming travel plans ($60).
Step 7: Insurance Policy Updates
- Update auto, home, and any private pay life insurance or long-term care policies.
- Review coverage levels and beneficiaries while making these changes.
Step 8: Utilities and Home Services
- Update your name on electric, gas, water, and internet/cable accounts.
- Notify your landlord or homeowners association if applicable.
Step 9: Healthcare Providers: Doctors, Dentists
Next time you visit your doctor or dentist, they will ask you to confirm your name. Don't worry about it now. You've got enough on your mind.
Financial Wellness Check-In
This life transition presents an excellent opportunity to reassess your financial strategy. Consider scheduling a consultation with your financial advisor to:
- Review your retirement planning in light of your new circumstances.
- Evaluate whether your insurance coverage adequately protects you and your loved ones.
- Discuss tax implications related to your change in marital status.
- Develop a comprehensive financial plan that aligns with your new chapter.
If you do not have a financial advisor, consider contacting the fiduciaries at the Hurlow Wealth Management Group. For over two decades, the Hurlow Team has been helping Midwest Millionaires find clarity, make decisions with confidence, and feel relaxed in retirement. We're here to help make sure your money is working for you. CLICK HERE or call 812-333-4726 to schedule a free consultation today.