The basics of taking on a new name

Besides getting used to having someone to call their husband, some brides also must adjust to a new last name.

There is no law that says you have to get a new name — it’s a matter of personal choice. Stacey Waldman, 26, of New York, New York, knew that her grandmother and mother took on their husbands’ names. She called upon tradition when deciding to take on a new moniker. “I knew it was the thing to do,” she said. Others offer multiple reasons for making the switch, like Jennifer Hopwood, 25, of New York, New York. “I changed it out of respect to my husband’s family (he’s the last male with that name), for tradition, to make it easy on our potential children, and – most importantly – to symbolize the union of our lives.”

Where to begin? You can’t start the paperwork until after your wedding, so make honeymoon reservations in your maiden name. When you return from the “R and R,” wait for the copy of your marriage license, the legal permit you got to get married. Depending on your state, it takes a few weeks or months to get the copy. Once you get the certificate (and make a bunch of copies), contact the Social Security Administration to get a new Social Security card. Visit www.ssa.gov or call (800) 772-1213 for more information. Next, visit your Department of Motor Vehicles to change the name on your license. Each state’s rules varies, so call or visit the Web site of your DMV to know what to bring with you.

Next, tackle anything dealing with finances. Change the name on your paycheck, checking and savings accounts, credit cards, loans (car or student), wills, insurance policies and mortgages or leases. Contact phone, electric, cable and other utility companies, or wait until you get a change-of-name form with your next bill. Magazine or newspaper subscriptions, passports and alumni associations are less of a priority, so tackle those as they come in the mail. Don’t forget to tell your friends and family, too. Get new business cards, a new e-mail address and sign wedding gift thank-you notes with your new name to reinforce your new title.

Don’t think of changing your name as a hassle. Lori Lohmeyer, 25, of Astoria, New York, says it took her about 8 months to change her name. “It’s easier than you’d think, except things keep popping up with your old name on them that you forgot to change.”

Becky Sher, 26, of Bethesda, Maryland, said organization can make the transition to a new name smoother. “I wish I had made a list of all the things that needed to be changed and just done them right away.” Hit the bookstore or the Web for resources to help you out.

There is no time limit on how long you have to change your name. Don’t stress: Take your time making your new moniker official. Despite any headache or hassles, it does reap rewards. Robyn Fields, 29, of Forest Hills, New York, says, “It’s exciting to see your new name on everything once it’s changed. I smile every time I see it.”