I recently had to go through this process and found it a bit difficult to understand so I thought, why not share it with everyone. In order to change your name with driver’s license and social security you either need a Court Order or a Marriage Certificate. If you do not have either of these, then you need to either get married or consult with an attorney to find out the process for obtaining a name change. Assuming you have one of these two documents, then continue reading below:
Texas Department of Public Safety (Driver’s License)
- Start out by finding a location near you. Driver’s License Locations. Or better, find one that has online check-in. Online Checkin. (Here’s a hint, the online check-in was AWESOME and worth the extra drive rather than waiting hours by my house).
- Complete this application and take it with you. Where it says last name, put the last name you want to be known as now.
- Be sure to have your current driver’s license, application, and your original Marriage Certificate or certified copy of your Court Order with you.
- When you talk to the clerk tell the clerk the name you want to be known as now. Make sure that your Marriage Certificate has some variation of the name you are wanting to be known as now. If you are changing your name based on Court Order you must use the exact name in the Court Order
- Pay the required fee.
- The clerk will update your driver’s license with your new last name.
Social Security
First of all, I will preface this by saying I am still in the process of doing this one.
- This can be done either in person or by mail. If you choose to do by person locate the office closest to you.
- Complete this application.
- Whether you do by mail or in person you need to send proof of identity. This proof of identity cannot be expired and can consist of the following: driver’s license, state-issued identification card, or passport.
- Send in or bring a certified copy of your Marriage Certificate or Court Order.
If you do all of these steps you should have a new social security card with your new name.
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The law is so involved in marriages and divorces. I did not realize that getting your name changed was such a process. This article helps me understand what needs to happen if I want to get back to my maiden name.