There are a few legal issues to take care of before you can even get married. First, you'll need a license. Then later, you might want to change your name. The links below will start you down the legal maze...but don't get too stressed, it ends happily ever after! ;)
Changing your name? Here's much of the information that will help you get it done easily. Sure, its no picnic, but once you've got it done, you never have to worry about it again! Besides, a lot of them are easier than they sound.
| Order of things |
There's a certain order for how you have to change your name otherwise you might waste some time and energy. First you need to get your signed and sealed marriage certificate back from the registrar.
- Driver's License (get a photo ID first then the rest will be easy, but call ahead for an appointment)
- Social Security Card
- Bank Accounts (on checks, versatel cards, etc.)
- Post Office - change of address form but just change the name
- Credit Cards
- Employer's Records and Health Insurance
- Passport, especially if you are traveling out of the country for your honeymoon (Including to Mexico).
- All of your bills (for example - SDG&E, Water bill, cell phone, etc.)
- Car Insurance and Car Loan (for a change in title when the car becomes yours)
- Costco Membership, Gym Membership, Membership in other organizations
- School identification cards if you have them
- Alma Mater or send announcement to them
|
Helpful Resources |
How to Change Your Name in California (2008)
by Lisa Sedano and Emily Doskow; about $25
 |
This book provides you with all the forms and instructions you need to legally change your name in our state. Attorneys Loeb and Brown also provide you with helpful tips for dealing with the bureaucracy and acquiring identification in your new name. |
| Important Offices |
All you need to do to change your name on your Driver's License is to fill out an application for a new driver's license. You can call and make an appointment at the DMV, show up early and fill out the application for a new driver's license. It costs $22.00 you get a new picture taken (yay!), and then get your new Driver's License sent to you in the mail within 3-4 weeks. They issue you a temporary one in the mean time. On that same DMV form, they can also update the Voter Registrar so you can vote with your new name as well.
DMV Offices
Chula Vista: 30 North Glover Avenue,
Chula Vista, 91910
El Cajon 1450 Graves Avenue,
El Cajon, 92021
Escondido: 725 North Escondido Boulevard,
Escondido, 92025
Oceanside: 4005 Plaza Drive,
Oceanside, 92056
Poway:
13461 Community Road,
Poway, 92064
San Diego-Clairemont: 4375 Derrick Drive,
San Diego, 92117
San Diego: 3960 Normal Street,
San Diego, 92103
San Ysidro:
6111 Business Center Court,
San Diego, 92154
For all locations the phone is: (800) 777-0133
Or make an appointment online
Social Security Administration Offices
You can go to any of the 6 offices in San Diego to fill out an application (Form SS-5) to change your name. You will need 2 documents to turn in your application. They both should be originals or certified copies where one has your old name and one has your new name. Good examples of these might be the temporary Driver's License from the DMV and your temporary marriage certificate (or the official one). Important! You may not use your old Driver's License or a birth certificate. If you want more information on what you can use, call the main number at (800) 772-1213. Take your application and those 2 documents to the office and turn them in. You should get your new Social Security card within a week or two.
SSA Office
Chula Vista: 626 L Street, Chula Vista, 91911
El Cajon: 846 Arnele Avenue, El Cajon, 92020
Escondido/San Marcos: 367 Via Vera Cruz, San Marcos, 92078
Oceanside: 2160 South El Camino Real, Oceanside, 92054
La Mesa: 7961 University Avenue, La Mesa, 91941
National City: 2530 East Plaza Blvd, National City, 91950
San Diego: 1333 Front Street, San Diego, 92101
All offices are open 9am - 4pm, Monday - Friday. (800) 772-1213
Banks
You will need to have a photo ID (usually your new Driver's License) in order to change your bank accounts to your new name. It's best to wait until you have your new Driver's License to do this step just to be sure.
Post Office
Just fill out a change of address form which you can pick up and turn in at any post office in town, or do it online for a small fee (1$).
Pass Port
To update your name on your pass port: Send a completed form DS-5504, Application for a U.S. Passport: Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement Form, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, two recent color photographs (2” by
2”), and your current valid passport to the address listed on the form.
All Others
To change your name with all of those other important people, it will have to be done either by calling them directly, online or by filling out the backs of those remittance forms and changing your name there.
One Last Note
If you traveling for your honeymoon right after your wedding, make sure to have your maiden name on all tickets for airplanes and cruises. Airports need your ticket name to match your ID and Cruise ships need your ticket name to match your pass port.