Made it to the Other Side?
8 Steps to Changing Your Name – Post Divorce
Well you made it to the other side? That is the good news…the bad, now its time to change your name.
In an effort to take away some of the stress, I have put together the steps to take to change your name.
- Include a name change request with your divorce petition.
- By including a name change request in your Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA), you prevent the hassle of submitting a petition requesting a name change at a later date.
- Never fear, if your name change was not included in your MDA, there is still hope it just may take a few more steps.
STEP 1: Change your name on your Social Security Card.
- Use a court order, i.e. your Marital Dissolution Agreement to change your Social Security Card.
- Obtain an “Application for a Social Security Card” form at your nearest Social Security office or online, https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf.
- Gather necessary documentation that must accompany the form, visit https://faq.ssa.gov/en-US/Topic/article/KA-01981.
- Complete the Application completely and legibly.
- Visit your local Social Security Office or Mail the form (using certified mail) and supporting documents to address listed on the Social Security Administration website.
STEP 2: Change your name on your Drivers License.
- To change your name on your Drivers License, you should go to your local DMV with your Marital Dissolution Agreement. Some DMV’s even allow you to book an appointment online first!
- In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license, include your current driver’s license and MDA.
- Keep in mind that in some states, because it’s the government, you may be required to pay a small fee to get a new license.
STEP 3: Change your name on your passport.
- To change your last name on your passport, you will need to apply for a new passport.
- If your passport was issued less than one year ago, you should complete Form DS-5504 and if your passport was issued more than one year ago, you should complete Form DS-82. And again — the government — so a fee will be collected.
- Find the necessary passport application at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/change-correct.html
STEP 4: Change your name on your Real Estate or Property
- Contact an attorney to have sign a new Real Estate Deed with updated name.
- Ensure it is submitted to your local county clerk’s office to be recorded.
STEP 5: Change the name on your Automobile Title
- Visit the DMV in person
- Bring proper identification confirming your previous name. Visit your DMV’s website for a list of acceptable forms of proof.
- Bring documentation of your name change, existing vehicle title or car registration.
- And again, the government so have proper payment to cover any duplicate title or registration fees.
STEP 6: Change the name on your Bank Accounts/Investment/Retirement Accounts
- Contact your financial institution to inquire on the needed documentation to change the name on all your accounts.
- Submit the needed documentation and potentially a one in the same letter (while you are at it, update those beneficiaries too!)
STEP 7: Change your name on all Insurance Policies (Life/Automobile/Homeowner’s)
- Follow steps mentioned above
STEP 8: Change your name on your Credit Cards
- Contact your financial institution/credit card agency to inquire on the needed documentation to change the name on all your accounts.
- Submit the needed documentation and potentially a one in the same letter. Note that this may vary among the agencies.
- Oh and good news, once you have updated your name on your credit cards, the credit bureaus will also update your name!
If you have any questions, call me, 615-369-1611!
Let’s talk soon!
Maleah
