How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Georgia

Changing My Name After Marriage In Georgia

Often, newlyweds make a name change to create a family symbol or a collective identity important for official reasons. While changing one's name does not change a person, official records must reflect the new identity. Hence, persons who recently changed their names must inform the appropriate authority of this update.

In Georgia, the regulatory procedure remains the same regardless of the reason for a name change after marriage. That is, the concerned party must collate the necessary documents required for the action, including a certified copy of the marriage certificate. The State Office of Vital Records under the Department of Public Health provides copies of marriage certificates to applicants. These certificates show the individual's new name, and it is an essential requisite to effect a name change on other official records via marital status. In Georgia, marriage records are useful for reasons other than facilitating a name change request. Hence, members of the public may request these records from local repositories or custodians in the jurisdiction where the marriage license was issued.

How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Georgia

In general, interested parties can change their names when they:

Provide a marriage certificate
Update the social security administration using the SS-5 form
Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles
Change US passports
Notify the IRS

After updating all federal and state agencies, parties will need to notify service providers, banks, insurance companies, mortgage providers, medical providers, and employers of the name change. Interested persons may use the service of a family lawyer who can stand in place of the applicant to obtain all the relevant forms. Parties who cannot afford an attorney can choose to represent themselves but must know the procedures for updating records and follow all instructions.

How to Update Your Social Security Card in Georgia?

Residents of Georgia who have completed a name change must notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) and request an updated card. It is possible to access this either in person or by mail at no cost. Instructions are available on the Administration's pamphlet. Generally, the process involves:

Collating the necessary paperwork

To update a security card, the SSA may request documents such as a marriage certificate or a court order and any other means of identification such as a passport or a driver's license. The submitted means of identification must also carry the same name on the SSA's database.

Completing an application

Applicants will need to fill out an SS-5 form, mail it, or turn it in personally to the SSA office. Copies of the means of identification and name change orders must accompany the form. In addition, applicants may use their zip code to find the closest offices for submissions and inquiries. Interested parties can also call the national helpline on (800) 772-1213 (Toll-free) or (800) 352-0778.

Getting an updated card

The Social Security Administration will review the request and send a new card to the requester within ten (10) to fourteen (14) business days. This timeline is due to the department's workload, and the time it takes to deliver mails. On the card, the social security number remains the same, but the name changes.

How to Get a New Driver's License in Georgia?

Getting a new driver's license from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DMV) is a priority for individuals who wish to change their names. Before getting a new license, applicants must have updated their social security details. However, it is possible to complete the action with a court order or a marriage certificate. The State of Georgia requires that applicants:

Get the required paperwork and fees.

Interested parties must submit documents showing identity, US citizenship, and residential address or proof of lawful status in the US. In addition, the DMV may also require your social security number and a license fee.

Complete application

Applicants may fill out paper applications, take photos and sit for a vision exam. In addition, the DMV may also conduct a knowledge exam and a road skill test. A temporary license will be issued upon completion, while the DMV will mail a permanent driver's license within twenty (20) to thirty (30) days.

How to Update Your Insurance Information in Georgia?

The Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner has six types of insurance available to residents. These include homeowner's insurance, life insurance, health insurance, annuities and senior citizens, business insurance, and auto insurance. In addition, the office oversees and licenses insurance companies across the state and investigates complaints of insurance fraud.

After completing a name change, an individual who wishes to update the insurance company's database can contact the insurer. For example, persons who applied for auto insurance via Doe Autos may change their name and marital status by placing a call to (800) 400-4000 or getting across to the insurance agent for assistance.

If their insurance company provides this option, interested persons may log in to their accounts and make the necessary updates. Many insurance companies also let policyholders make the changes in person or through the mail. Either way, policyholders must submit a valid form of identification, marriage certificate, or court order showing a change of name action and a completed change of information form.

To add, service providers and insurance companies mostly set a limit when clients can edit information after marriage. For example, Doe Autos has a 30-day restriction, and customers must start the process as soon as possible. Furthermore, a person who desires to add a spouse to the insurance coverage must contact the insurance company to make the necessary changes. To find the contact details of licensed insurance companies, brokers, and agents in Georgia, interested parties may use the directory.

Where Do I Go to Change My Last Name in Georgia?

Persons living in Georgia can change their names by filing a petition for a name change at the family division of the superior court in the county of residence. Usually, the process involves the following:

Filling out legal paperwork

Applicants can either complete the form online or at the clerk's office. On the form, the petitioner must state the reason for the change of name and confirm that the action is not an attempt to avoid criminal charges, repayment of debts, or for dubious purposes. Then, the Notary Public will notarize the application.

Paying the filing fees and publishing a notice of name change

The filing fee is $200 to $215, depending on the county. Then, the petitioner must post a notice of name change in the local newspaper within seven days of filing the petition. The notice must contain:

The current name
The intending name
The name of the court of filing
The filing date
A statement advising the public to contest the name change if they so wish.

Furthermore, the notice must be in the local newspaper once every week in a month, and the applicant must file proof with the clerk of court to indicate that the notice was published for four weeks consecutively.

Requesting a name change hearing

Petitioners can request a hearing date after publication, or the court clerk will set a date and notify him/her of the hearing. On the hearing date, the assigned judge will evaluate the petition and assess the basis for the request for a name change. If no one challenges the name change, the judge will grant the petition. The clerk will issue certified copies of the order upon request.

Informing government offices

Georgia requires persons who change their names to notify the necessary agencies within 60 days.

How to Update Information with Georgia Mortgage and Utility Companies?

Residents who want to change their name on a property or mortgage must provide the following documents to the mortgage company:

The current Georgia title
A valid driver's license or other means of identification
A copy of the court decree authorizing the name change (i.e., a marriage certificate or an order from the court)

Generally, to update a name with any utility companies that provide power, water, transport, and other services, interested parties can either use the online platforms or call the company. Online can log in to their accounts and update the information on their dashboard. Parties who call the companies must provide proof of a name change, indicate the effective future date, provide their date of birth, and the spouse with whom they share the bill if applicable. Many utility companies also require the customer's employment details.

What Documents Do I Need to Change My Name after Marriage?

Residents of Georgia who wants to change their name must possess the following documents:

Marriage Certificate
Birth certificate
Evidence of any previous change of name
Driver's license

How to Get Certified Copies of Your Marriage License in Georgia?

Certified copies for marriage licenses between June 1952 and August 1996 are obtainable at the Georgia Department of Public Health through The State Office of Vital Records. For certified copies of licenses for marriages after August 1996, interested parties can visit the county of solemnization to request the marriage certificate. The following instructions generally apply:

Find the county where the marriage took place.
Fill the request form online (for counties where you can order the copies online) or print the form (for counties that allow mail requests).
Pay the required fee by check, money order, or credit card.
Mail the form to the county clerk's office or submit it by hand.

How to Change Your Name After Marriage

A reliable alternative for obtaining vital records are third party websites. These are non-governmental aggregate sites that process record requests in a seamless, timely manner. While obtaining records from third-party sources is substantially easier than sourcing them from government-run repositories, the records and information contained in these sites may vary since they are privately-owned and independent of government sources.

How To Get A New Passport in Georgia?

The US Department of State handles passport services for each state. However, the requirements for renewal vary depending on the applicant's present age, the applicant's age when the previous passport was issued, and whether or not there is a change in the requester's name. To obtain a new passport after a name change, interested persons must follow the process below;

Download the application form from the Department of State's website
Fill out the form
Attach color passport (one copy) according to the acceptable guidelines
Attach original name change document (for example; marriage certificate)
Put the documents in an envelope stating the return address
Mail all attached documents along with the documents via USPS

Although the period it takes to process requests for a new passport is about ten (10) to twelve (12) weeks, it is possible to get new passports within quicker timelines in certain circumstances. To obtain the passport within four (4) to six (6) weeks, interested individuals will have to apply for expedited service, which attracts $60. In addition, before receiving the new passport, individuals who will be traveling outside the United States can use their state-issued ID cards, social security card, and PAN card as travel documents. Nevertheless, these alternatives only apply to travel to other states within the United States and nearby countries like Mexico and Canada.

How to Change your Name on Bank Accounts in Georgia?

Before contacting the bank to effect a name change, the individual must have a certified marriage certificate. Next, the individual must update his/her Social Security information and get a new driver's license.

With these documents, the concerned party may then contact the bank to change the name on the bank account. Banks usually require the individual to appear in person at a bank branch along with a marriage certificate and an official identity card like a driver's license.

Nevertheless, some banks require more documents. Therefore, it is best to reach out to the bank online or contact a customer representative to know the documents to complete the name change process. Then the interested individuals will proceed to submit a request for a change of name at the bank. After completing the process, these parties can obtain new credit and debit cards and new checkbooks. If the requester is an employee, the person will need to send the newly updated bank information to the employer.

To update credit and debit card information for online payment and other automatic payment options, concerned persons will have to reach out to the card issuer by calling the number at the back of the card. Some card issuers allow cardholders to complete the process of reviewing their card details online entirely. On the other hand, some may ask that the individual speaks to an agent or representative over the phone. There may also be a need to mail or upload documents like marriage certificates and driver's licenses.

How Long Does it Take to Change Your Name in Georgia After Marriage?

The period it takes for a successful name change in Georgia depends on the petitioner. However, other factors can influence the time. For example, persons who file a petition for a name change right after marriage can fulfill the process within (8) weeks. Nevertheless, other government bodies like the Social Security Administration and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can take more time to process a change of name because they must review the marriage certification and court decrees.

How Long Does it Take to Change Your Name in Georgia?

Typically, the time it takes for a court to hear and pass decrees differs from county to county. Also, the name change only comes into effect when the applicant receives a new social security detail. Generally, requestors can expect a name change on the government's records within six months or sometimes even longer.

While it may be cumbersome to change one's name in Georgia, one may employ a family attorney to help ease the process. However, petitioners must note that they will have to cover the cost of hiring the attorney and even pay for the cost of filing personally.