How to legally change your name

[chephil111]

Thanks for the information.

[AmandaR]

We got legally married in Pennsylvania, and their marriage certificates don't have a space for the bride's "new name", only her existing name. I'm assuming that this won't affect the name change procedure since my DH's name is on the certificate, correct?

[TATrisha]

Well, I just got back from Mexico and the name change process went SUPER easy! No translations needed or anything.

Now, Amanda, in regards to your question... my marriage certificate only has my maiden name on it... and it worked perfectly fine. Don't worry

[Betsy]

I went everywhere yesterday to make my new last name official and it was surprisingly easy! First went to the DMV armed with my Certified Marriage Certificate from Mexico and the translation document that they gave us (it was $35). No problem from anyone! Went to the Social Security office next, then the bank, and finally my work to change insurance and log-in stuff. The thing that sucks is I have to pay $75 for a new passport to change my name - not to happy about that but oh well - everything else was SO easy!

[Hartyt509]

Thank god I'm not changing my name lol

[jajajaja]

Did you guys mail in your social security information? It says that all documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.

Frick- how do I get a copy certified by issuing agency to mail in?

[cheese_diva]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LC_Rachel Did you guys mail in your social security information? It says that all documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Frick- how do I get a copy certified by issuing agency to mail in?

I went to the local SS office first.. once I got my new card then I went to the DMV.

I don't think I gave them my marriage certificate to keep. I'm almost positive they made a copy of it. I received a new card in the mail a few weeks later (10 days or something like that)

Although for the new passport I sent in the original and they returned it to me with the new passport.

[jajajaja]

Ok so I'm thinking I should just take a day off work and go to all these offices. Damn- I was hoping I could just mail it all in, but it sounds more confusing to mail it than to just show up and wait in line.

[rodent]

i also thought I could mail it in. I'll let you know what i find out. my local social security office is a PITA!!!

[rodent]

Answer

 

OK, you can mail it in. My friend gave me the tip to get 2 copies of my marriage certificate to use one for the name change process. it was only an extra $10. Totally worth not needing a day off work to wait in the social security office.