subject: Want To Change Last Name? Get Complete & Comprehensive Details Here [print this page] The criteria to change your last name, as well as the rules and regulations and the actual procedure largely depend upon the local laws of your state and county.
How can you Change Last Name Legally?
Following is some information to help you change your last name easily:
In case of marriage, you will be issued a license by the state, which serves as a legal name change document that is properly recorded and documented.
However, once the process of changing last name has been legally completed, you need to take care of many other formalities. Apart from changing your name on your social security card and passport, you need to change your other identification cards and update other businesses as well, including your banks, credit cards, utility companies, etc. You may need to provide a written document/letter, as well as some supporting documentation to the government authorities and private organizations so that they can update their records with your new name.
Often times, the most complicated stage of the process is changing your last name with businesses, such as your banks, which gets even more difficult with the variance in the requirements of different organizations and institutions. You may get confused with pointless queries, document submission and other related processes, which can lead to frustration.
You need to move ahead with a pre-defined plan in order to complete the name change process properly. You should start with the Social Security Administration followed by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Your documents from these organizations, including your social security card and driver's license may be required as proof of your name change, in addition to your legal name change document, as you change your name with other businesses and organizations.
Here is a list of some of the important organizations with whom you need to update your name after obtaining a legal name change:
Social Security Administration
Driver's License
Passport
Post Office
Voter Registration
State Tax Board
Bank
Credit Card
Retirement Plans
Employer Registration
IRS
Insurance Companies
Medical Records
Club Memberships
Other Memberships
Will and Trust Documents
Health Care Proxy Document
Living Will
Revocable Living Trust
Power of Attorney
Other Contracts
Apart from knowing how to change your name, you should also gain knowledge about the related forms and proper documentation to get the process done. Although it may take a while for people to get used to your new name, after a while, they will become accustomed to it.
