The name change checklist

In the order that avoids doing anything twice. Print it, stick it on the fridge.

First — the legal foundation

  • Order 3+ certified copies of your marriage certificate (county clerk)
  • Social Security — form SS-5, free (everything checks against this, do it first)
  • Wait ~48 hours for SSA records to update

Government IDs

  • Driver's license / state ID — in person at your state's DMV
  • U.S. passport — form DS-82 (or DS-5504 free if issued <1 year ago) + one printed 2x2" photo
  • Voter registration (often automatic with the license update)
  • IRS — nothing to file; syncs from SSA automatically (form 8822 only if you also moved)
  • Global Entry / TSA PreCheck, if you have it

Money

  • Banks and credit unions (each account)
  • Credit cards
  • Investment & retirement accounts (update beneficiaries too)
  • PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, crypto exchanges

Work & insurance

  • Employer HR & payroll (after SSA, so W-2s match)
  • Health, dental, vision insurance
  • Auto, home/renters, life insurance (+ beneficiaries)
  • Professional licenses & certifications

The long tail

  • Vehicle title & registration
  • Utilities, phone, internet
  • Streaming, gym, subscriptions
  • Airlines & hotel loyalty programs (must match your passport!)
  • Doctor, dentist, pharmacy records
  • USPS, LinkedIn, email display name

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weddingnamechange.com/name-change-checklist · free to print & share