What steps should I take to change my name?

The first thing you should do to change your name is get a new drivers license and a new social security card. For both of these you will need the official copy of the divorce decree (which has an embossed, raised seal) – not a photocopy!  It’s usually a good idea to have several of these anyway.  You can order more through your state’s clerk of courts for a nominal cost per copy.  We suggest you order 5 copies, just in case.

You can then use those two items, the new drivers license and the new social security card, to change your name (and marital status) elsewhere. 

• Employer
• Beneficiary names on all policies & employee benefits
• Investment accounts
• Health insurance/dental insurance – order new cards
• Credit cards – order new cards
• Loans – auto loans, other lenders & leases
• Utilities, phone company
• Landlord or mortgage holder
• Bank accounts – order new checks
• Post office
• IRS
• Auto insurance
• Schools / daycare
• Order a new passport
• Voter registration (this can be done online)
• Create new email addresses
• Change your will, living will, etc.