How To Update Documents After Getting Married

The wedding is over — no more plans to make. But getting married brings significant legal changes. Before fully relaxing into your married life, you’ll have specific tasks to complete.

For instance, you might have to visit your local county clerk's office to get a certified copy of your marriage license or certificate. Or you might be asked to give an affidavit to the Social Security Administration to change your maiden name on your Social Security card.

Take note that your tasks may vary depending on the state law or the county clerk's office where you got married. Not everything in this article may apply to you. Some updates are only necessary if you plan to use a new married name or address.

File To Get Your Marriage Certificate

At your wedding or elopement ceremony, you must complete your marriage license. States have specific requirements for filling out this legal document. In general, you, your spouse, your witnesses, and your marriage officiant must sign it.

After the wedding, you or your officiant must file the document according to the court’s instructions. The deadline for returning your completed marriage license varies by issuing court or state. It may be as soon as within five days of the ceremony or as late as two months, like Colorado’s 63-day timeline.

Once the court receives your signed form, it can send you a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This document can help you prove your identity and marital status as you complete the next steps.

Finalize Your Name Change

Changing your last name in marriage is optional. You may decide to take your spouse’s last name or a new name entirely. If so, editing your social media profiles won’t be enough to make it official. Take steps to establish a legal name change with the government.

Check your court’s procedures to find specific instructions. The name change process typically includes paying a filing fee. Remember to bring an acceptable form of identification, such as your birth certificate and current driver’s license.

Most states allow couples to include a new last name in their marriage license application. Doing so may expedite the process. If you also want to change your first or middle name, your state may require you to complete a separate name change petition. You might also use a separate form if you wait until after the ceremony to choose a new married name.

Once the court accepts your petition, it will send you a document that validates your new name. Yet, you must separately notify companies, agencies, and organizations about your name change. You could encounter problems if your personal and financial documentation does not match your new legal name.

Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA)

If you change your name, you must inform the SSA to update your record and apply for a new Social Security card. If applicable, you can also change your SSA contact information to your new address. You can contact your local Social Security office or attorney for help.

The new card will have your new name but keep the same Social Security number (SSN). Keep the SSA receipt of your name change for your records.

Updating your social security information is a key early step. It will ensure other government agencies can verify your new name. Many agencies refer to the SSA’s online records.

Share Your New Name and Marital Address

Many couples cohabitate before marriage, but others decide to move in together after marriage. If you plan to move, you’ll also need to update your address across your accounts and documents. You can usually complete these updates alongside your name change updates.

Establish your name change and new address with the following steps:

• Check your information with state taxing authorities such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• Notify creditors, including mortgage lenders, credit card companies, student loan providers, and any other financial institutions
• Get new checks for your bank account
• Apply for a new passport, state ID card, or driver’s license
• Update your travel documents, such as TSA Precheck or Global Entry clearances
• Change your voter registration
• Update your account information with your utility and subscription providers
• Notify your employer so they can update tax forms and contact information
• Send a change of address form to the post office

Making these changes promptly can help you maintain access to your mail and accounts. You can also set up a temporary mail forwarding service with the U.S. Post Office.

If I Change My Name, Can I Still Use My Old Driver’s License?

No, your existing license with your old name will only be valid for a short time. The grace period to use your old driver’s license after your name change is based on state law (usually 10 to 60 days). That means it could become invalid sooner than the expiration date on the card. You must replace your driver’s license — and other official ID like your U.S. passport — with a new one featuring your married name.

Visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a new driver’s license. Waiting one to two days after notifying the SSA is a good idea to ensure the DMV’s verification system will reflect your new information. Bring all necessary documents and proof of your name change, such as your certified marriage certificate.

Organize Financial Accounts and Taxes

Many couples decide to share financial accounts during their marriage. You may decide to add your spouse to your credit card as an authorized user. You and your spouse might also want to open a joint bank account and create a budget together.

Review who owns which assets in the marriage. Don’t assume a separate bank account will count as separate property in a divorce. This legal distinction is important to understand if you want to set certain property aside. You could consider forming a postnuptial agreement with your spouse if you haven’t already made a prenuptial agreement.

Also, consider your taxes. Deductions, tax credits, and other factors may change after marriage. Filing taxes as a married couple can involve new decisions and benefits. Consider whether you and your spouse will file jointly or separately for more tax advantages. You can then adjust your tax withholdings accordingly. Taxes vary for every individual’s unique circumstances, so you may want to consult a tax attorney for assistance.

Update Your Insurance Policies

Insurance coverage is a common benefit for married couples, but it is not automatic.

Here are some key actions you might want to take:

• Extend the health care coverage to your spouse by amending your health insurance policy.
• Add your spouse to your dental insurance plan.
• Call your car insurance company for any modifications to the vehicle operators or your address.

Normally, changes to a health insurance plan must happen during a predetermined Open Enrollment Period. Yet, marriage is typically a qualifying event that gives you a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). The SEP lets you update the policy sooner so it can start covering your spouse’s medical bills. Check with your insurance provider to understand how this action may affect copays, deductibles, and premiums.

Update Benefits and Assistance Programs

If you receive unique benefits, you may need to inform the agencies or organizations providing them. For example, you might contact your local public assistance office (welfare) or the Veterans Administration.

Getting married and living together can affect eligibility for some state and federal benefits. It’s important to understand whether your benefits may change. You must be honest in reporting your marriage, household income, or other required personal information for government benefits.

Plan for Lifelong Family Protection

In a time of joy and celebration, future challenges may seem far away. Unfortunately, putting off matters like estate planning can leave families in a vulnerable position.

It’s wise to explore protections for your new family within the first year of marriage. For example, you can write a will and express your end-of-life care preferences. You can also get a life insurance policy, designating your spouse as the beneficiary. This option will give financial support to your family members in case of death.

Child Support and Other Court Orders

If you or your spouse have a child from a previous relationship, review the child support and custody laws in your state. These legal obligations and rights may become part of your marital life. A family law attorney can help you better understand complex circumstances involving children.

Consult an Experienced Family Law Attorney

After the wedding excitement subsides, married couples must face the less romantic aspects of their life together. You can consult a family law attorney for guidance about the steps after your wedding or elopement. Their legal advice will make it easier for you to process these vital records.

Family law attorneys can also answer other questions relating to marriage. This includes the following:

• A premarital agreement or post-nuptial agreement
• Estate planning
• Division of marital property
• Other matters related to family law

Reach out to a family law attorney to discuss the legal aspects of marriage, separation, and more.