Now that you are Married AF. Let’s talk about one big challenge all brides face after the big celebration.

The name change.

 

The general consensus is that changing your last name is a headache. Something close to the stress of wedding planning. Or accidentally smashing your fingers between the door post and door. In other words, painful.

I, personally, was putting off the task for one sole reason : taking the written driver’s test. I moved from Illinois to Indiana, therefore I was required to take the written test. Thank goodness it wasn’t the driving test. Praise baby Jesus! Santo Niño, thank you!

But before going to the BMV, I needed to go to Social Security to make it official. My heart was pounding just driving to the office. Once I got there, I took a number and sat down. I checked my bag multiple times to make sure I had my marriage license with me. I was so nervous sitting there. I remember thinking, “...this is it. I’m moving down the alphabet.” They called my number and went to the appropriate desk. I handed her my documents and answered her questions. 5 minutes. She said, “You’ll get your new social security card in 7 days. Have a great day!” I was there for a total of 10 minutes. I walked out of there thinking, wait is this for real? That was too easy. Like, I thought changing your name should be a bigger deal but I guess it wasn’t. So I went to Starbucks to celebrate a small win.

I had one month to get my new driver’s license, so it was now or never. I found online practice tests that proved to be helpful. But it didn’t settle my anxious heart. Fortunately, my experience at the BMV was delightful, I was blessed with friendly employees. Yes, I passed the test. No, I don’t like my picture. Super unfortunate that smiling is not allowed in Indiana, so I don’t like to pull my ID out for anything. At the end, the employee asked me if I freely give up my Illinois license…and my heart sunk. I said yes with a frown and handed her my Illinois driver’s license that had my smiling face.

No more an Illni, now a Hoosier. It was truly, a bittersweet moment.

Now, everyone has a different experience changing their last name. Or in a different order, depending on your situation. Going to the social security office and BMV are two important steps to make, initially. Everything else is pretty much easy. So, to keep it simple and easy I’ve curated a cute checklist for you beautiful brides to keep handy: The Ultimate Miss to Mrs. Checklist.

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And there you have it. The worst is the first two steps. And yes, I know social media is not first on the list. Personalize it the way you want it 🙂 But trust me on the last step, because it truly is a celebration! Yay!

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t&h tips

• Get multiple copies of your wedding license. It is easier to get them in person rather than mailing it all in and waiting a couple weeks.
• Research your state’s requirements. Every state is different. You may be lucky and not have to take any test at the BMV.
• Don’t wait and change your title/license plates on a different day. Do it all the same day with your driver’s license. (Also, if someone else is listed on your title make sure you have their important information as well, such as their birthday and SS#.)
• Check with your employer’s HR department and find out how long you have to change your name. (You will have an open enrollment for a major event: marriage) Mine was 30 days. You will need a copy of your marriage license.
• If you have a professional license, check the state’s requirements on how to apply. I had to fax in a form with my marriage license to the board of nursing, my name was changed within 24 hours.
• Practice saying/spelling your last name. I know that’s weird, but when you spend 25-30+ years with your maiden name, it’s hard to remember!

If you want this checklist emailed to you, drop me a comment with your email address and i’ll send it to you!

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Photography: Emily Laraine Photography