Question about changing name

[UnderTheMistletoe]

Hello!

I am trying to get the whole name change gauntlet take care of. I've run into a few agencies that I am unsure of what to do about. If you have any information, I would appreciate it!

1) Post Office- We don't own a PO Box or anything, but do we still need to noitfy the Post Office of the change of name? If so, do you know the form number?

2) IRS- Do you have to change your name on a specific form with them? If so, which one? Or is it taken care of when the Social Security name-change is taken care of? My SS# is the same, but the name has been changed.

3) Bureau of Records/Vital Statistics- I can only find information on Birth Certificates and Death Certificates. It would seem to me I need a new Birth Certificate or an ammendment to it to reflect the change in name. Am I correct in the change or does it stay the same?

 

[Fire14]

Post Office- I'm pretty sure I did nothing
IRS- I did nothing until tax time
Birth Cert. - NO Change or add needed.

 

[hmgolden]

1) I didn't change my name with the post office. The post office delivered mail in both my married name and my maiden name. When we moved I still had a couple things that had to get changed, so I filled out two forwarding requests, one in DH's name, and one in my maiden.

2) The IRS is taken care of when you change your SS card

3) I have never heard of changing your name on your birth certificate. The one time I have needed to show my birth certificate, I just also showed my marriage license.

 

[friendofgusgus]

Jill-

I am a librarian so I live to find out stuff for people (yep, I'm a bit of a geek - but a sweet one!)

1.) Once you change your name with the Social Security Administration, they will update the IRS within about 2 weeks. This is accoridng to the IRS web site at www.irs.gov

To get this answer, I searched on the terms name change marriage and got several pages with the answer.

2.) You do not need to notify the post office of your new name. If your new name is not on your mailbox (i.e. your husband did not have it there already because it's a new home or your old home) you should add it there.

3.) You cannot get an amended birth certificate. Your birth certificate is a recod of your vital information at birth. Only through a court order in specific circumstances can it be changed (you are adopted.)

If you want to have a piece of ID to travel with, you should obtain a passport in your new name. If you already have one, you have 1 year to change it. They will add a page to the inside back cover with your new name. You will have to send your original marriage certificate with it to the passport agency to initiate the name change.

If you do not already have a passport, you will need to apply with your social security card, your drivers license and your original or certified copy of a birth certificate. You can apply at most post offices or through the mail.

Hope this helps! Congratualtions!

Jennifer

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

Thank you so much!

I searched the IRS site... I just didn't add "Marriage" in there. I suppose that makes a difference!

I have already sent the stuff in for the passport. I have to get a new one becuase it's more than a year old- that's super annoying! But, it is necessary.

I was wondering about the birth certificate becuase so many places ask for the birth certificate as a form of ID for US citizenship. I suppose I will just bring the information from the marriage register (with my fully maiden name on it) when it is required, no? Becuase the names won't "match" that's my only concern. Of course, the passport will do the trick, too.

 

[Equidae]

Thank you so much!

I searched the IRS site... I just didn't add "Marriage" in there. I suppose that makes a difference!

I have already sent the stuff in for the passport. I have to get a new one becuase it's more than a year old- that's super annoying! But, it is necessary.

I was wondering about the birth certificate becuase so many places ask for the birth certificate as a form of ID for US citizenship. I suppose I will just bring the information from the marriage register (with my fully maiden name on it) when it is required, no? Becuase the names won't "match" that's my only concern. Of course, the passport will do the trick, too.

In this case you could also bring a copy of your marriage license and show it along with your birth certificate. Like you said though, a valid passport or SS card would probably work too.

 

[Codie]

I see that you've gotten all your answers...I just wanted to share in your pain of doing the name change!! It took me more than three months to go to the SS office, and I was amazed when I got there how EASY it was...but I'm still struggling to get all the docs changed. If you are employed--make sure your office puts your new name on your W-2 if you are going to file your taxes under your new name. I'm not an accountant, but that is what mine told me...