How to Easily Change Your Last Name in Illinois After Marriage
How to Change Your Last Name in Illinois After Marriage
So you got married, now what?! Everyone is calling you Mr and Mrs blah, blah, blah but how do you officially change your last name? Changing your last name after marriage can be a straightforward process, but it involves several steps to ensure that your new name is properly recognized and updated across various legal documents and institutions. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to change your last name in Illinois after marriage.
1. Obtain Your Marriage Certificate
Congratulations! You’re a newlywed! The first step in changing your last name is to obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You’ll need this document as proof of your marriage and the name change. You can request a certified copy from the county clerk’s office in the county where your marriage took place. Typically, you’ll need to provide some identification and pay a small fee for the copy($7 for pickup & $15 to have it mailed).
2. Update Your PASSPORT
To change your name on your new passport
: You can download this on the Passport Agency’s website and
Complete U.S. Passport Renewal Application and sign form: You can download this form on the Passport Agency website or obtain it at your local Chicago Passport Agency office or most post offices. Print to complete and sign.
Provide Documentation: You will need to submit your certified marriage certificate, your previously issued U.S. passport (current or recently expired).
Attach one color photograph 2x2 inches in size: You can have proper sized photo taken to exact requirements at FedEx, UPS or CVS stores. The passport office will use only one of the photos and you will keep the other. The cost of photo is $12-$15.
Submit Your Application: You can mail the completed form and documents to the Passport Agency or visit your local Passport Agency office in person by appointment.
Updating your passport is super simple with an existing passport and marriage certificate. I was actually quite surprised how little I needed to make the name change. I went with recently expired passport and my reserved travel itinerary(flight reservation) and received my passport the following day for pickup which I loved! Now that you have a passport with your new name (congrats!!! eeek!!!) and your marriage certificate and a new and expired passport you will be ready to update your Driver’s License, Social Security card and all other bank accounts and financial records such as future tax documents. Note that your old, expired passport is just as valuable as you new passport until you get all your documents transferred to new name.
2. Update Your Social Security Card
Before you update your driver's license and other documents, you need to update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Here’s how:
Complete Form SS-5: You can download this form from the SSA website or obtain it at your local Social Security office.
Provide Documentation: You will need to submit your certified marriage certificate, proof of identity (such as a driver’s license or passport), and proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate).
Submit Your Application: You can mail the completed form and documents to the SSA or visit your local Social Security office in person.
Updating your Social Security card is crucial because it affects your tax records and other financial documentation.
4. Update Your Driver’s License or State ID
Once your Social Security card has been updated, you can change your name on your Illinois driver’s license or state ID:
Visit an Illinois Secretary of State Facility: You will need to go to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility.
Bring Your Documents: Bring your certified marriage certificate, your updated Social Security card, and your current driver’s license or state ID.
Complete the Application: Fill out the appropriate form to request a name change on your driver’s license or state ID.
Pay the Fee: There may be a fee for issuing a new license or ID with your updated name.
5. Update Your Bank Accounts and Financial Records
Notify your bank and any other financial institutions of your name change:
Visit Your Bank: Go to your bank with your certified marriage certificate and updated driver’s license or state ID.
Fill Out Required Forms: You may need to fill out forms or provide a copy of your marriage certificate to update your name on your accounts, credit cards, and checks.
6. Notify Other Institutions
Other institutions where you should update your name include:
Employer: Update your name with your employer for payroll and benefits purposes.
Utility Companies: Notify your utility providers to update your name on accounts.
Insurance Companies: Inform your health, auto, and home insurance providers of your name change.
Post Office: Update your name with the post office to ensure your mail is correctly forwarded.
Professional Licenses: If you hold any professional licenses, update your name with the relevant licensing boards.
7. Update Legal Documents and Records
You may also need to update your name on various legal documents, such as:
Wills and Trusts: Consult with an attorney to update any estate planning documents.
Property Records: If you own real estate, you might need to update your name on property deeds.
8. Inform Your Contacts
Don’t forget to inform friends, family, and other contacts of your new name. This will help ensure that you receive correspondence and invitations correctly.
I Hope This made youR Name Change as simple As It Was For Me!
Changing your last name after marriage in Illinois involves several key steps, from obtaining your marriage certificate to updating your documents and records. By following this guide, you can make sure that your name change is completed efficiently and accurately. If you encounter any issues or have specific questions, don’t hesitate to consult with legal or administrative professionals for assistance.
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