Changing Your Name

It's not as easy-breezy as it sounds.

It’s your name. It has always been your name. But will it stay that way? To some, it’s a no-brainer to take his last name and a new set of initials. But what if you’re attached to your last name? It may seem too long-winded to hyphenate, yet odd for you or your husband to have a different last name than the children you two may have. A name change is obviously a personal thing and could be a sensitive matter to both the bride and the groom. Some couples, although it’s rare, choose an amalgamation of their last names, and they both change. Mostly, it’s a matter of discussion and coming to a comfortable decision.

If you decide a change is in order, you’re going to have to jump through some hoops. Find the location of the following agencies in your area: The Recorder of Deeds, the Social Security Administration and the Missouri Department of Revenue driver’s license section.

Now, follow these steps below:

Step One: Obtain a Certified Copy of Your Marriage License

For a rundown of how and where to get your marriage license, see the story below. After the marriage license is returned to the recorder’s office (post-wedding), a certified copy of the license can be obtained, which costs $9 in Greene County.

Step Two: Get a New Social Security Card

Take the marriage license to the Social Security office, and apply for a name change. Your new Social Security card will arrive in the mail.

Step Three: Get a New Driver’s License

Take your new Social Security card to the license bureau. An updated license costs $12.50 in Greene County but is $20 if you’re getting a new license altogether. While you’re updating your license, you can also change the name on your voter registration at the license bureau or you can get it changed at the county clerk’s office—as if you hadn’t been to enough places already.

Step Four: Change Everything Else.

Think about all the bills you get: Cable, utilities, cell phone. Think about all the cards you have: Credit cards, business cards, movie rental cards, library cards, your blood donor card, casino member cards and scuba diving certification card, your frequent flyer card, Sam’s Club member card. Then there are your magazine subscriptions, perhaps your e-mail address and insurance companies (both auto and health). Now you just have to break the habit of signing your maiden name.