I read somewhere [probably theknot.com] that the officiant is supposed to mail something to somebody and somebody is supposed to mail something to you [us] before things are official. Is this true and if it is, what is it that's being mailed? Our officiant handed us our marriage license and said "That's it. There's nothing left to do" but, I just want to check and make sure.
Also, do I have to do something to officially change my last name or does that happen automatically? I know I have to go get a new license... Is there anything else?
2007-08-27 08:19:55 · 13 answers · asked by ? 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Ok, the person who officiated at your marriage ceremony is supposed to take a copy of the marriage record and send it in to the county deeds persons for registry. You can call and ask if this has been done or if there is anything else for you to do.
No, a name change is not automatic. You will have to go to the local Social Security office and change your name there. You will need a copy of your marriage record, your birth certificate and your drivers license.
After that, you go to change your name on the drivers license. Again, bring a copy of your birth certificate, marriage record and current drivers license as proof of identity.
Once you have finished that, you will need to call EVERYONE you have accounts with to change your name. The first places I did were my employer and my bank. Then I did my utilities, my credit cards, my car loan lender and cell phone company.
It took me two days to get my name changed with everyone. There were lines at the DMV, SS office and bank. Then I spent some time on hold with customer service everywhere else. So, plan to make a day of it.
Congrats on the marriage and good luck!
2007-08-27 08:37:03 · answer #1 · answered by Melanie J 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
After the official signed the license you have to mail it back to the place you got the license. They will then mail you an official marriage license certificate. Take the certificate to the DMV, your job, the social security office, bank and everywhere else you need to change your name so they can change your name on your stuff.
2007-08-27 08:32:19 · answer #2 · answered by Meichelle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on where you are married. For instance, in the county in which I was married, we had to go and get our marriage license BEFORE the actual ceremony. Bring two copies to the ceremony, have the officiant and a witness sign along with our signatures and then the officiant mails it out and we kept a copy for ourselves. Ask your officiant or the Marriage License office. Congrats and best wishes!
2007-08-27 08:29:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually the officiant should have had your witnesses sign your marriage license then mailed it the County Clerks office for it to be documented in the County's records. Then the County Clerks office mails it back to you.
If you choose to take your husbands last name you need to change it on drivers licenses, Social Security, bank accounts, bills credit cards, etc. If you do not want to take his name then you don't do anything.
2007-08-27 08:30:08 · answer #4 · answered by ♥♥The Queen Has Spoken♥♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's official the moment you consummated the marriage..your local clerk of court may want registered proof that the marriage took place but that's a formality that not everyone follows.As for changing your name, submitting for a new social security card (keeping the same number but attributing that to the new name) usually takes care of that "officially" too. Congratulations.
2007-08-27 08:28:40 · answer #5 · answered by Captain S 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well someone should of mailed ur marriage license to the courthouse to make it legal... also u have to send ur marriage license in to the social secruity and get a new one. you can call ss for that info. you need to go to dmv and get ur driver license changed. u need to do all this before u file ur irs taxes. your last name ( married name) wont match ur maiden name on social sec records. thats about it. unless u have bank accounts. also anything else that just has ur name or just his that is being paid for by both u need to make sure they have both names on accounts... congrats hope u have many happy years together
2007-08-27 08:29:09 · answer #6 · answered by kitttkat2001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to mail your marriage license to the court house -call to see which division, this is just so they can record it. They will then mail it back to you.
To change your last name you will need to start with the Social Security office. This web link has the info: http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/ssa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=315
To get your new drivers license you will need your marriage license and your new SS card (this might vary by state)
Congrats.
2007-08-27 08:28:32 · answer #7 · answered by Leslie C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We got married in Vegas and it was official as soon as we got married.
I had to change my social security card and my drivers license to change my name. You will need your marriage license to do all this.
2007-08-27 08:28:36 · answer #8 · answered by faith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to go to the social security office... with your ID and marriage license.
i never bothered. i kept my maiden name because i liked it, so i didn't have to change my name on every account in the world, the doc's offices, SS office etc.
2007-08-27 08:45:13 · answer #9 · answered by letterstoheather 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes there is something else- File for divorce, take the house, and half his income.
2007-08-27 08:36:46 · answer #10 · answered by BradNahler 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋