To Change or Not to Change - Your Name!

By Lei Lydle Founder and Editor Last Updated: 11/14/2005 11:12:10 AM

Many brides will choose to change their last name to their husband's last name as is the general tradition. However, it has become acceptable for a woman to keep her maiden name if she so chooses. Many women who have developed a professional career choose to do this to avoid confusing their clients. Other women compromise by hyphenating their names with their husbands.

However you change your name make sure that you change it with the social security office first.

For a name change on your card, you must complete the SS-5 form and provide documentation that shows your old name and your new name (such as your marriage license). You should also be prepared with at least one other form of identification from the following list:

• Driver’s license
• Marriage or divorce record
• Military records
• Employer ID card
• Adoption record
• Insurance policy
• Passport
• Health Insurance card (not a Medicare card)
• School ID card

The Social Security office cannot accept photocopies of documents. You must submit original documents or copies certified by the custodian of the record. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

If you were born outside the United States, you also generally must show proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.

Your new card will show your new name but will have the same number as your old card. The Social Security Office cannot accept your old Social Security card as evidence of identity.

To find a Social Security office near you, click here.

After you have changed your name with the social security office, make sure that you change it on the following documents:

• your driver's license
• your vehicle registration
• your voter registration card
• your passport
• your employer's records
• your bank accounts
• your credit accounts
• your stocks and bonds
• your wills
• your insurance policies
• your property titles
• your medical records

When changing your name, be sure that you submit a written request to all institutions with which you are changing your name. Your letter should include the following items:

• A sentence stating that you were recently married and you are informing them of a change to the account
• The account number to be changed
• The current name on the account to be changed
• The current cardholder or member's social security number if applicable
• The previous information including both husband's and wife's names, address and phone numbers
• The new information including both husband and wife's full names, social security numbers and new address and phone number
• Include a sentence saying exactly what you want changed, e.g. name, address, or add spouse's name.
• Any special instructions that you may have
• Request any additional forms or requirements that may be necessary to facilitate the changes you are requesting.
• Have both spouses sign and date the document
• A copy of your marriage license

3 Comments

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		Gloria from Virginia says...
		I have used my married name longer than my maiden name as my husband died in 1971. He was in the military. When I remarry, is it acceptable to keep my current last name since I am established under it? I would have do a tremendous amount of paperwork for changes. I would still become the new Mrs. ___ to people who know of the remarriage. However, when it comes to business-related and financial matters it would be so much easier to keep the current name. My future husband has no problem with that. Please respond. Wedding Date: February
		Posted: 1/3/2005 1:20:44 PM

		Deanna J. Tatman from Wakeeney,Ks says...
		I got divorced and need my medicare card to show the above name. The Drs. office got rejection notives because you never changed it. I had shown proof of name change in April. 94 and have yet to get my new card. Wedding Date: divorced
		Posted: 7/1/2004

		Lei Lydle, Editor from this Site says...
		Dear Deanna, I am not sure for whom you are intending this post. This web site does not change names for brides. If you used a specific name change service and they did not perform per your agreement, you should contact that service directly. Good luck! ~ Lei
		Posted: 7/1/2004