Changing your name not only affects you, but also the people, authorities, and organizations you are associated with. It is important to make a checklist of the people and authorities you should notify upon the approval of a name change.
The following government authorities must be notified immediately:
- Social Security Administration – You need to update your Social Security Card first and foremost after a name change. Some agencies may require your SS card as proof of your name change before they update your information.
- The DMV office – DMV offices require name change notification within a select number of days. Updating your drivers’ license and ID card is important for travel, banking, and voting purposes.
- Your local country voter registration department
- State Department – This is important for updating passport information.
After your name has been updated on important identification and government documents, begin notifying the following:
- Insurance companies i.e. auto, home, life.
- All of your employers
- Educational institutions such as schools
- Healthcare physicians such as your doctor, dentist, and pharmacist
- Your local post office
- Utility companies
- State and federal tax departments
- Credit card companies
- Landlord or mortgage company
- Veteran affairs department, if it applies to you
- Other local institutions such as your library
Other documents to update include your car title, will, power of attorney, health care directive, and living trusts.