How do I go about changing my last name after getting married?

I am just wondering if there is a general form or if I just call all the "places" (DMV, Credit Cards, Passport, Drivers etc) and just tell them my name is different? I have been going by my husbands name for a year now but just want to make it official.


I basically just want to know what steps I have to take to legally change my last name





Thanks for your help!

How do I go about changing my last name after getting married?
You don't need your birth certificate FYI...





After you are officially married, you need to call city hall (where you applied for your marriage license at) to order a certified marriage certificate. You need a certified marriage certificate because it's an official one seal copy that state departments need such as the DMV, social security office, passport agency. You need to physically go to each department to update your name. Calling isn't enough. I would suggest going to the DMV first for a new driver's license, because I know in some states you need your new driver's license in order to update your social security card. Not all states but some so it's better safe than sorry. You will also need to go to get a new passport as well. They will direct you to which forms you need to fill out at each place, I didn't have to take anything with me other than the certified marriage certificate to those places (you will need a few copies) and I filled out the forms there. For mother other places, such as credit cards, insurance agencies, mail, workplaces, etc. you will not need a certificate. For those I was able to just call to get my name chance. However I also needed certified copies for my bank to change my name on my accounts (Citizen's Bank- may be different for other banks), as well as to change the name on my former education records. I hope that helps! After you do that you should have everything done to have your name 100% changed!
Reply:Have your marriage license handy and notify the DMV, the post office just to name a few. But do it soon. If your husband should die tomorrow you would have a harder time proving what's yours until you do.
Reply:Just take proof of your original name (?birth certificate) and your marriage certificate to all the places where you need to change your name.

flamingo flower