(MENAFN- GetNews) Changing your name might sound simple: why not just start using the new one, right?

But when it comes to real life, legally changing your name in the United States comes with paperwork, time, and a little effort. It's not complicated, but it does require some patience and a clear checklist - after all, having your new name across official records helps avoid issues with banking, taxes, travel, and more.

Whether you're taking your partner's name after tying the knot, going back to your maiden name post-divorce, or picking an entirely new name, there are a few important steps you'll need to follow to make your legal name change official.

In this article, we'll go through the full process to legally change your name, including which documents you'll need, where to go, how to update your name across the board, and much more.

Step 1: Gather The Required Documents

The first step to legally changing your name starts with having the right documents.

If you want to change your name after marriage, good news: you won't need to go to court or deal with much bureaucracy, because your marriage certificate serves as the legal document for your name change.

All you'll need to do is request a few certified copies from the country clerk's office (where the marriage was filed), as they'll be required for pretty much every step going forward.

On the other hand, if you plan to change your name after a divorce, the process works a little differently. Your divorce decree should include a specific clause that restores your former or maiden name. If it doesn't, you can usually request an amendment from the court or check with your divorce lawyer for further information.

If your name change isn't related to marriage or divorce, you'll likely need to file a name change petition with the court, which varies by state, but typically involves submitting paperwork, paying a filing fee, and attending a short hearing. Once approved, you'll receive a court order you can use to update your name elsewhere.

Step 2: Update Your Social Security Record

After getting the correct paperwork, your first stop will be the Social Security Administration, either by in-person or by mail.

You'll need to have your certified marriage certificate or divorce decree, a completed SS-5 form (also known as the“Application for a Social Security Card”), and proof of legal identity (such as a driver's license, passport, birth certificate, etc).

As mentioned, you can submit these in person at your local Social Security office or by mail. There's no fee to update your name with Social Security, and once it's processed, you'll get a new card with your new name (but same social security number!)

This step does require a bit of patience, however. You'll need to wait until your Social Security record is fully updated before changing your name at the DMV or other federal agencies. This is because these agencies cross-check your new name with the Social Security Administration (SSA), and any mismatch can delay the process further.

Step 3: Update Your Other Documents

Once your updated Social Security card has arrived - with your new name! - you can continue onto the next step and update the rest of your identification documents.

We recommend taking a few minutes and coming up with a“to do list” of documents that you'll need to change. This usually includes your driver's license, U.S. passport, voter registration, tax records (through the IRS), and any other legal documents under your former name.

Each state has its own requirements, so it's best to double-check with your local DMV office for any specific instructions. In some states, you can even update your driver's license without needing to go for an in-person visit.

Likewise, depending on how recently your current passport was issued, you may be eligible to use Form DS-5504 (free for name changes within one year). Otherwise, use Form DS-82 for a standard renewal with a name change, which requires a fee and a new passport photo.

Step 4: Update Your Accounts

One final step (that many people overlook!) is updating your “other” accounts - i.e. those through non-government institutions, like your utility companies, subscriptions, and employer payroll, among others.

Some typical examples include bank accounts, credit cards, employment records, insurance policies, student loan servicers, online accounts (like Netflix!), airline frequent flyer programs, and so on.

Some companies allow you to make updates online, while others may require a copy of your marriage or divorce document. Either way, it's a good idea to tackle a few of these per day until you're fully switched over.

Final Thoughts

Changing your name after marriage or divorce can feel like a lot of paperwork, but it's really just a series of steps - and once you knock out the big ones (like your Social Security information and ID), the rest falls into place!

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