The Name Game
Now that your wedding is over, what will you do with all the time on your hands?? Well, how about changing your name, that’s if you are going to. So before I get into the what and the where you need to go to change your name, I want to share a little story with you on why it’s important to make sure you change EVERYTHING! Back when I lived in San Diego, I was married. After my divorce, I went through and changed most of my information, but there was one that I forgot to change, or maybe I was just too lazy to do it, it was my medical insurance. I was still known as Lorell Buzzard (yes, I know, I got an upgrade on my last name, lol!). One day, I got really sick and went to the doctor. I was so sick that they immediately admitted me to the hospital because I had a peritonsillar abscess in my throat. For those of you who don’t know what that is: definition – occurs when a collection of pus forms and infection spreads beyond the tonsils into the neck and chest. It was so swollen that I wasn’t able to talk. When I got to the hospital, I asked the nurse to call my parents and let them know what had happened to me. Of course, they didn’t answer their phone, so she left a message, and to top it off, my cell phone battery died. When they finally got the message, they couldn’t find me because I was checked in under my old name. They had to call several hospitals before they were able to locate me that evening. So, the moral of the story, change ALL your documents!
Now, that I’ve convinced you why it’s important to change your name, let’s get a list together of what needs to be changed and in what order. We will call this the Priority List!
Priority List:
- The first thing you do is get your certified marriage license. You’ll need to have the original license that has been sent to you by the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics (which is the same office that you applied for your license at).
- Now that you’ve got your certified marriage license you can change your social security card. You’ll need to fill out an application for a new card, your number will not change, just your name. You can download the application and send it back by mail or go to your local SS office in person.
- Next, take a trip to the DMV with your marriage license, current license, your new SS card, and whatever else they may require.
- Then, you’ll make a trip to your bank and update your bank accounts with your new name! Again, you’ll need your license and marriage certificate. Don’t forget to request new checks and debit cards.
After you’ve completed the Priority list, then go to the “B” list below:
- Payroll accounts
- Healthcare coverage/Doctors offices
- Post office
- Utility companies
- Credit card companies
- Loans
- Car/Title Registration
- Schools and alumni associations
- Mortgage or Rental company
- Insurance companies (auto, home, life)
- Voter registration
- Investment account
- Your attorney (to update legal documents, including your will)
- Passport office
- Airlines frequent flyer programs (to transfer over your miles)
- Social Media accounts
Now if all this has made your head hurt, I’m here to make your life somewhat easier! Some companies will help you change your name! Yes, what a brilliant idea, right? I’ve heard mixed reviews though on their services. They are providing you the forms needed and letting you know what needs to be changed, but they are not going to go down to the DMV and stand in line for you, lol! And I think that’s the most painful part of the process is the waiting in line. But, if you want to check out these companies for yourself, here are a couple to check out:
Okay, that’s the deats on changing your name, now go do it…you’e welcome! 🙂