These days, the decision to change your name after getting married is entirely your own. Once upon a time, heterosexual couples followed the tradition of the bride changing her surname to her husband’s. For members of the LGBT community, this tradition doesn’t exactly work. While plenty of straight and gay couples are moving away from older rituals involving changing names, there are still many people who may wish to follow the custom. If one of you plans on making a switch with your last name, it can be useful to think over all the different tasks involved. Use these tips to find the easiest way to take care of this task without stress.

Initial Steps

Before you can change your name, you first need to make sure you have all the right documents in order. Above all else, you need to have access to your marriage license. For most weddings, the couple and officiant will sign the marriage license right after the ceremony. However, you may need to wait a few weeks in order to receive an official license with a raised seal. This is the piece of paper that you will need to produce when attempting to change your name through any official channels. 

In addition to a marriage license, you will be asked to produce documents to verify your identity. The exact information required of you will vary from place to place. It may include a driver’s license, a passport, or a birth certificate, so do preliminary research to know what’s expected.

The Most Important Tasks

The first document you need to change your name on is your Social Security card. You can do this easily by visiting the website for the Social Security Administration. On the site, you will notice a link to the application for a new card. Your number will remain the same, as this is attached to you from the moment you are born, unless there are cases of identity theft. Mail the application, and you typically should receive your new card within about two weeks from when you first filled out the paperwork.

After completing this task, you need to change your driver’s license. Whether you drive a motor vehicle or not, having a card with your photo on it acts as an important piece of identification. Due to the importance of the document, you need to visit your local branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles as soon as you have your new Social Security card. You will also need to bring along your existing license and your marriage license. This will provide the clerk with all relevant information about your identity and current marital status. 

Final Considerations

Once you’ve got your new license and Social Security card, handling the rest can happen in the order you’d prefer. Most experts suggest going to your bank right away to update all the information on your accounts and banking cards. Failing to do this can cause confusion down the line, should your bank not recognize the name on your license as the name on your account. You should also change your name with any medical offices you regularly visit, as this will help to update all of your medical records accordingly.

The decision to change your name after tying the knot is yours to make. No matter what you decide, it is best to think about the work involved in advance. Once you know the process, it’s a lot easier to tackle without feeling overwhelmed by all the steps involved.