Getting Started

How to use newlywedname, what to expect, timeline information, and answers to common questions about our service.

Get started with newlywedname and learn how our service works. Find answers to common questions about using our platform, timelines, and what to expect.

I have a flight booked in my old/maiden name. When should I start my name change?

Important: You can purchase a newlywedname name change kit before you travel. Your current documents (Social Security card, passport, driver's license, etc.) will continue to be valid after you purchase a newlywedname name change kit. Your name changes on each document (Social Security card, passport, driver's license, etc.) after you submit the applications included in your name change kit.

If you have international travel booked in your old/maiden name:

You can start changing your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and your DMV now, but you must wait until you return home from your trips before updating your passport.

The name on your passport must match your travel reservations/boarding pass.

Your current passport in your old/maiden name will remain valid until its expiration date, even if you update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) or your DMV.

If you have domestic travel booked in your old/maiden name:

You can start changing your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) now, but you must wait to update your passport OR REAL ID driver's license until you have returned from any travel booked in your maiden/old name.

Your travel ID document (such as your passport or REAL ID driver's license) must match your travel reservations/boarding pass.

Your current passport and REAL ID in your old/maiden name will remain valid until its expiration date even if you update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

What are my name change options?

Name Change Due to Marriage

If your marriage certificate lists a Married Name, then this is the only name you can change to.

If your marriage certificate does not list a Married Name, then you have the following last and middle name options:

Married Last name options:

Take your spouse’s last name

Hyphenate your current last name with your spouse’s last name Create a non-hyphenated double last name using your current last name and your spouse’s last name

Married Middle name options:

Keep your current middle name

Replace your current middle name with your maiden last name (note, if you don't have a middle name you can move your maiden last name to create a new middle name) Create a double middle name using your current middle name and your maiden last name

Name Change Due to Divorce

Your legal name change document is your divorce decree. Most divorce decrees list a post-divorce name (i.e. birth name or maiden name).

If your divorce decree is finalized and does not contain post-divorce name language, we suggest checking with your court to modify or amend the divorce decree to include such language that would specifically list your desired post-divorce name.

Name Change Due to Court Order

If you are changing your name via a court order, your legal name change document is your court-issued document. The name listed here is the only name you can change to.

With a court order, you can change your first, middle, and last name. Make sure that your court order lists your full desired legal name exactly as you want it to appear.

If your court order does not specify your new legal name, you will need to request that the court amend or issue a new order that clearly lists your desired legal name.

Please email us at [email protected] if you have any questions regarding last and middle name options.

What documents do you fill out for me?

Every newlywedname kit includes applications and step-by-step instructions for:

Social Security U.S. Passport State Driver's License (REAL ID) State Vehicle Title & Registration State Voter Registration United States Postal Service (USPS) Personal Accounts (you can add as many as you'd like)

We fill out your applications for:

Social Security Passport Voter Registration

You can select your Personal Accounts from our database of 3,000+ organizations:

Bank accounts Credit cards Investment accounts Auto loans/financing Mortgages Insurance (medical/health, auto, homeowner's) TSA Pre✓ and Global Entry Airline loyalty programs Hotel loyalty programs Professional licenses and certifications (state nursing licenses, state medical/doctor licenses, state teaching licenses, bar associations, notary public, etc.) Subscription/membership services and much more...

How long will it take to change my name?

You should be able to complete your name change within 2 weeks to 3 months.

The timeline will depend on how many documents and accounts you need to update with your new name and the steps you take. Everyone's situation is different.

The main factors will be 1) whether you choose to mail in your Social Security application or go in person, and 2) whether you choose routine processing or expedited passport processing.

Your newlywedname name change kit is personalized to your specific name change and will guide you through the entire process to ensure that your name change is completed accurately in the shortest amount of time possible.

Do I need to do anything before using NewlyNamed?

All you need to get started is a physical copy of your official legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

You need a marriage certificate (if married), a divorce decree (if divorced), or a court order (if you are changing your first name or creating a new name).

marriage certificate

divorce decree

court order

If divorced, your divorce decree must state that you are able to change your name to a previous name (i.e. birth name or maiden name).

How does NewlyNamed work?

Step 1: Order the name change kit that works best for you - newlywedname Box or Print at Home.

Step 2: After placing your order, you'll complete a quick and easy online form with your basic personal details and select your Personal Accounts (banks, credit cards, professional licenses, loyalty programs, etc.)—it takes just a few minutes. We do not ask for or collect sensitive information like your Social Security number, passport number, or any account details. Your privacy and security are our top priorities.

Step 3: Our software goes to work and creates your personalized name change kit.

Step 4: You'll receive your name change kit via mail (newlywedname Box) or downloadable PDF (Print at Home). Your kit includes applications (Social Security, passport, driver's license/REAL ID, vehicle title & registration, voter registration, banks, credit cards, professional licenses/certifications, loyalty programs, etc.) and step-by-step instructions so you can confidently complete your name change.

Step 5: Now it's time to sign and submit your applications. The step-by-step instructions in the kit will guide you through your entire name change.

Please email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Click here to start your name change!

I moved (or am planning to move). Can I change my name and address at the same time?

Yes! Your name change kit will help you update your name AND address/residency on all of your documents at the same time. If you moved to a new state, your name change kits will walk you through the process of obtaining a new driver's license and vehicle title/registration documentation for your new state. You do not need to change your name in your previous state before moving. You can obtain a driver’s license in your new name by turning in your current driver’s license in your old/maiden name.

Will I have to pay additional fees?

We charge a one-time fee of $49 or $99 for your newlywedname name change kit. All other fees/costs will be paid to federal and state agencies. Changing your name with the Social Security Administration is free. To renew a U.S. passport over a year old or to apply for a first-time U.S. passport requires a $130 fee paid directly to the U.S. State Department. If your current U.S. passport was issued less than 12 months ago, there is no charge to update your U.S. passport. Changing your name on your driver’s license, vehicle title, and vehicle registration requires additional fees which vary by state.

When should I order a NewlyNamed name change kit?

You can purchase newlywedname anytime before or after receiving your legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). However, you cannot start the name change process until after you have physical possession of your legal name change document.

If you are engaged, you can purchase newlywedname anytime before or after your wedding. However, you will need to wait until you receive your marriage certificate before you can start the name change process using your newlywedname name change kit. Most couples receive their marriage certificate 1-2 weeks after their wedding.

The information we gather to create your name change kit is the same as if you purchased newlywedname after your name change event.

You are required to present your legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) when updating your name on your Social Security card, driver's license, US passport, etc.

Your newlywedname account does not expire, so you can take as much time as necessary to fill out your online newlywedname account.

With either package (newlywedname Box or Print at Home), you will always have access to the most up-to-date version of your name change kit in your online account.

Can I buy NewlyNamed before my wedding?

Yes! You can purchase newlywedname anytime before or after your wedding.

The information we gather to create your name change kit is the same as if you purchased newlywedname after your wedding.

You can start the name change process using your newlywedname name change kit after you receive your marriage certificate. Most couples receive their marriage certificate 1-2 weeks after their wedding.

Can I use NewlyNamed to change my first name?

Yes! As long as you have your court order in your possession. In order to change your legal first name, you will need to petition for a court-ordered name change through your city/county courthouse. Afterward, you will receive a court order which will allow you to start the name change process. You are not able to change your legal first name due to marriage (via a marriage certificate) or divorce (via a divorce decree).

Our name change kits assume you have your legal name change document (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree) in your physical possession.

What's included in a NewlyNamed name change kit?

Your name change kit is personalized based on your information.

After placing your order, you will be asked to fill out your newlywedname account and select your Personal Accounts. Personal Accounts are organizations where you hold accounts or licenses.

Every kit includes applications and step-by-step instructions for:

You can select your Personal Accounts from our database of over 3,000 organizations:

Bank accounts Credit cards Investment accounts Auto financing (loans and leasing) Mortgages Insurance (medical/health, auto, homeowner's) TSA Pre✓ and Global Entry (Known Traveler Number/KTN) Airline loyalty programs Hotel loyalty programs Professional licenses and certifications (state nursing licenses, state medical/doctor licenses and boards, state teaching licenses, bar associations, notary public, etc.) Subscription/membership services and much more...

No! We DO NOT collect any sensitive personal information (such as your Social Security number, passport number, driver's license number, financial account numbers, etc.) when creating your name change kit.

Do you take care of everything?

Federal and state agencies have policies in place to keep your information and identity safe, so they need to know it's you requesting the name change.

Your name change kit will include step-by-step instructions and forms for Social Security, U.S. Passport, Driver's License, Vehicle Title & Registration, Voter Registration, United States Postal Service (USPS), and any Personal Accounts you select from our database of 3k+ companies/organizations/certifications.

Is there a time limit? Does my NewlyNamed account expire?

Your newlywedname account does not expire. You can take as much time as you need to complete Steps 1-3 in your online account.

You will be able to make changes to your name change kit if needed.

You will also always have access to an up-to-date version of your name change kit in your online account.

Can I purchase a NewlyNamed Box on Amazon?

Yes! You can purchase a newlywedname Box gift card on our Amazon page which you'll redeem for a newlywedname Box.

Amazon page

Amazon doesn't allow personalized goods on its platform which is why we must sell gift cards on Amazon.

You'll receive a physical newlywedname gift card in the mail which contains a code allowing you to create an account on our website.

The newlywedname Box you'll receive is the exact same as if you purchased directly on our website (see Packages ).

I’ve already started my name change. Can I still use NewlyNamed?

Yes! All you need to do is skip the steps you've already completed. For example, if you've already updated your name with the Social Security Administration, you can simply skip the Social Security section of your newlywedname name change kit.

Please email us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to discuss your name change.

Why can’t you complete the entire name change process for me?

We wish we could! For security reasons, you will need to submit each application in your name change kit yourself.

Is my personal information safe?

Yes! Our website is secured with 128-bit SSL encryption and we have active security monitoring. We take security seriously and follow all the latest security guidelines to ensure your information is secure. Additionally, we DO NOT collect any sensitive personal information (such as your Social Security number, passport number, driver's license number, financial account numbers, etc.) when creating your name change kit.

Do I have to complete and send all the forms at once?

No, we recommend following your personalized checklist you receive with your name change kit. It will guide you through the entire name change process.

Getting Started

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