📝 How to Change Your Name After the Wedding (2025 Edition)

You said “I do,” danced the night away, and now you’re back to real life—complete with thank-you notes, leftover cake, and the big question: “Should I change my name?”

If the answer is yes, don’t worry. We’ve got a step-by-step guide to make it easy, organized, and way less overwhelming. Whether you're going traditional, hyphenated, or just want to update your signature for fun, here’s how to handle your name change in 2025 without losing your mind (or your airline miles).

✨ Step 1: Make It Legal (SSN + License + Passport)

Start with the heavy hitters—the ones that make it official.

🔹 Social Security Card

Download and fill out the SS-5 form (you can find it here). You’ll need:

• Your marriage certificate (original or certified copy)

• A form of ID (license or passport)

• The completed SS-5 form
  Submit it by mail or in person at your local SSA office. Once your new card arrives, you can move on to your driver’s license.
  

  NOTE - Skip items 9 & 10 on the SS-5 form as you aren’t applying for a brand new SS Card for a child under 18 years of age!

🔹 Driver’s License

Once your Social Security record is updated (give it 24–48 hours), head to the DMV. Requirements vary by state, but generally you’ll need:

• Marriage certificate

• Current license

• Proof of address

• Proof of name change (your new SS card works)
  Tip: Make an appointment if possible—lines can be brutal.

🔹 Passport

If you’ve had your passport less than a year, you can update it for free with Form DS-5504.
If it’s been longer than a year, you’ll need Form DS-82 and pay the renewal fee.
Check the forms and instructions here.

🧾 Step 2: Update These Next (Financial + Legal)

Now that you’re legally changed, it’s time to tell your accounts.

• Bank accounts + checks

• Credit cards

• Mortgage and property titles

• Insurance (home, health, car, life)

• Voter registration

• Payroll/HR at work

• Utility bills

• Investment accounts (401K, IRA, etc.)

Pro tip: Make a spreadsheet to track what you’ve updated and what still needs attention. Or…

💻 Want to Skip the Paperwork Headache?

We highly recommend EasyNameChange — it lets you select your providers and generates pre-filled letters, forms, and emails. You still have to mail some things in or visit in person, but it cuts the work in half.

Bonus: If you're one of our couples, we gift this service to you after your wedding 💕 (you'll get an email from us with your personal redemption code).

📱 Step 3: Update Your Everyday Accounts

Once the legal and financial parts are squared away, move on to:

• Email address

• Social media profiles

• Amazon + online shopping accounts

• Airline frequent flyer programs

• Hotel rewards accounts

• Subscriptions (Spotify, Netflix, HelloFresh, etc.)

• Loyalty cards (Target, CVS, grocery stores)

Pro tip: Some airlines require your ticket name to match your ID exactly. Update your profile before booking travel to avoid last-minute airport drama!

💌 Step 4: New Name, Who Dis?

Here’s your excuse to buy fresh stationery, order a shiny new return address stamp, and maybe change your email signature.
Want to go the extra mile? Update these too:

• LinkedIn profile

• Work email + business cards

• Personal domain or website

• Your voicemail greeting

🎉 Step 5: Celebrate!

Changing your name is a big deal. So once it’s all done? Celebrate that new signature with a glass of bubbly—or at least a stress-free nap.

📌 Final Tip: There’s No Right Way

Some people change their names right away. Some take a year. Some don’t change it at all.
Whatever you choose, it’s your name and your timeline. We’re just here to help make the process easier when you’re ready.