Navigating Name Change after Marriage in Tennessee
Embarking on the journey of matrimony comes with its share of joys, celebrations, and a handful of administrative tasks. One significant post-wedding task is changing your last name, which, as I discovered, is a process lined with several bureaucratic steps. I opted to have my maiden name as my middle name. As a newlywed residing in Wilson County, Tennessee, I ventured through this process, finding it to be straightforward yet time-consuming. In this narrative, I recount my steps, shedding light on the name change process for fellow newlyweds in the region, particularly emphasizing the time aspect which plays a crucial role, especially if you have post-wedding travel plans.
Step 1: Receive Your Marriage License
The journey commenced with the receipt of our official marriage license in the mail, courtesy of our officiant who submitted the signed document to the Wilson County Clerk's Office. You might have got a copy day of if you turned the marriage license in personally.
Step 2: Driver's License Modification
County Clerk’s Visit: I was told to make an appointment for a Drivers License Renewal Online . With the marriage license and current ID in hand, a visit to the local county clerk’s office in Wilson County was the next agenda.
New Photo Alert🚨: A part of the process that caught me by surprise was taking a new photo for the driver’s license! Make sure you are looking cute, WIFEY!!
New License Issuance: With the paperwork done right, I was handed a new paper driver's license, marking the first official document bearing my new last name.
Step 3: Social Security Card Update
Documentation: The updated driver’s license and marriage license paved the way for a Social Security card update.
Form SS-5 Completion: A simple form, yet a significant step towards aligning all identification documents with my new name. It can be found HERE
You have to go into the Social Security Office IN PERSON for this. I called and they told me there are no appointments in TN as of 2023, but you go in any time and wait.
Step 4: Bank and Financial Institutions
Bank Visit: Armed with the new identification documents, I contacted my banks and credit card companies to update my name on all financial accounts.
Step 5: Passport Renewal (Optional)
Name Rearrangement: With Changing my last name, a passport renewal was next in line.
Renewal Process: The marriage license was crucial in ensuring the name change was reflected on my passport. You will need to have the original copies in hand.
Step 6: Online Services (Optional)
Name Change Kits: Services like HitchSwitch and NameChangeKit.com offered a streamlined process, which could be a time-saver for many.
A Word on Timing:
The name change process is undoubtedly lengthy and requires a fair share of patience. If you have plans for a honeymoon shortly after the wedding, especially an international one, it's wise to postpone the name change process until your return. In my case, our honeymoon was scheduled a month post-wedding, and I initiated the name change six weeks after our big day. The passport renewal, in particular, is a lengthy process, and any international travel plans could be hampered if your documents are caught up in bureaucratic procedures.
Conclusion
The transition from a 'Miss' to a 'Mrs.' is a memorable journey, with each bureaucratic step bringing its share of excitement, realization, and a sense of forging a shared identity. Though it may test your patience, especially if you're eager to jet off on your honeymoon, the name change process is a manageable endeavor with a systematic approach, proper timing, and the right documents in hand.
