How to Change Your Last Name in Georgia After Marriage
Key Highlights
- Georgia law allows for name change during the marriage license application process.
- The Social Security Administration, Georgia Department of Driver Services, and U.S. Department of State are key agencies to update after marriage.
- Don’t forget to update your name on other legal documents, such as bank accounts, credit cards, and insurance policies.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding the Legalities
- Getting Your Marriage License
- Changing Your Name on Your Social Security Card
- Updating Your Driver’s License
- Changing Your Name on Your Passport
- Updating Other Legal Documents
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Checklist to Change Your Name
Introduction
If you’ve just tied the knot and are wondering how to change your last name in Georgia after marriage, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, making it as seamless as possible.
Understanding the Legalities
Before we dive into the specifics of how to change your name after marriage in Georgia, it’s important to understand the legalities. Georgia law allows for name change during the marriage license application process, which simplifies the process significantly. For more information, you can visit the Georgia Probate Court website.
Getting Your Marriage License
The first step in changing your last name after marriage in Georgia is obtaining your marriage license. This is the first legal document where you can indicate your new last name. It’s a straightforward process, but it’s crucial to get it right.
Changing Your Name on Your Social Security Card
Once you have your marriage license, the next step in how to change your name after marriage in Georgia is to update your Social Security card. You’ll need to provide your marriage certificate, proof of identity, and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status. It’s a relatively simple process, but it’s an important one. For more details, visit the Social Security Administration website.
Updating Your Driver’s License
After updating your Social Security card, you’ll need to change your name on your driver’s license. This is done at the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). You’ll need your current driver’s license, your marriage certificate, and your new Social Security card. This is another key step in how to legally change your name in Georgia after marriage. For more information, check out the Georgia Department of Driver Services website.
Changing Your Name on Your Passport
If you have a passport, you’ll also need to update it with your new name. This involves submitting Form DS-82, your current passport, a color passport photo, and your original or certified name change document (such as your marriage certificate) to the U.S. Department of State. This is a crucial step if you plan on traveling internationally under your new name. For more details, visit the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
Updating Other Legal Documents
Changing your last name after marriage in Georgia doesn’t stop at government-issued IDs. You’ll also need to update your name on other legal documents, such as bank accounts, credit cards, leases, insurance policies, and medical records. It’s a good idea to make a checklist of all the places where your name appears so you don’t miss anything.
Conclusion
Changing your last name after marriage in Georgia may seem like a daunting task, but with a little organization and planning, it can be a smooth process. Remember, the key is to start with your marriage license and then update your Social Security card, driver’s license, and passport. Don’t forget about other legal documents, too!
FAQs
In this section, we’ll address some common questions you might have about how to change your name after marriage in Georgia. This includes questions about the timeline, costs, and common mistakes to avoid.
Q: How long does it typically take to change your name after marriage in Georgia?
A: The timeline for changing your name can vary depending on several factors. Once you have your marriage certificate, changing your name with the Social Security Administration typically takes 1-2 weeks. Updating your driver’s license can be done in a day if you visit the DDS in person, but you should allow additional time for your new license to arrive in the mail. Changing your name on your passport can take 4-6 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks for expedited service. Remember, these are just estimates and actual times may vary.
Q: What are the costs associated with changing your name after marriage in Georgia?
A: There are some fees associated with changing your name. The fee for a marriage license in Georgia varies by county but is generally around $56-$76. There is no charge to change your name with the Social Security Administration. The Georgia DDS charges a fee for a new driver’s license, which is $32 as of 2021. The U.S. Department of State charges $110 for a passport book renewal. Keep in mind that fees can change, so it’s a good idea to check the current fees with each agency.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when changing your name after marriage?
A: Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Not notifying all the necessary agencies and institutions: Use the checklist provided earlier in this guide to make sure you’ve covered all your bases.
- Not ordering enough certified copies of your marriage certificate: You’ll need a certified copy of your marriage certificate to change your name in many places. It’s a good idea to order several copies.
- Not considering the timing: If you’re planning to travel soon after your wedding, remember that changing your name on your passport can take several weeks. You might want to wait until after your honeymoon to change your name.
- Not updating your name everywhere: It’s important to remember to change your name everywhere, not just on your IDs. Don’t forget about things like utility bills, bank accounts, and social media profiles.
Remember, while this guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to change your last name in Georgia after marriage, laws and procedures can change. Always check with local and federal government agencies for the most up-to-date information.
How to Change Your Last Name in Georgia After Marriage: Checklist
Government Agencies:
- Social Security Administration
- Department of Motor Vehicles (Driver’s License, Vehicle Registration)
- Passport Office
- Post Office
- Voter Registration Office
- IRS
- Local Tax Authority
- Social Services (Food Stamps, Medicaid etc.)
Financial Institutions: 9. Banks and Credit Unions
- Credit Card Companies
- Loan Providers (Mortgage, Auto, Student Loans etc.)
- Investment Accounts (401k, IRA, Mutual Funds etc.)
- PayPal or other online payment platforms
Insurance Providers: 14. Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Auto Insurance
- Homeowners/Renters Insurance
Medical Providers: 19. Doctors’ Offices
- Dentist
- Specialists (Chiropractor, Physiotherapist etc.)
- Pharmacies
Employment: 23. Employer’s HR Department
- Professional Licensing Boards
Utilities and Service Providers: 25. Phone Company
- Internet Provider
- Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas)
- Cable/Satellite TV Provider
Memberships and Subscriptions: 29. Gym
- Clubs and Organizations
- Magazines and Newspapers
- Online Shopping Accounts (Amazon, eBay etc.)
Others: 33. Lease Agreements
- Will and Legal Documents
- Social Media Accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc.)
- Email Signature
- Friends and Family (not an official change, but important to let them know!)
Remember, this list is not exhaustive and the places you’ll need to change your name will depend on your personal circumstances. It’s a good idea to keep a record of all the places you’ve changed your name to track your progress and ensure you haven’t missed anything.