Legally Changing My Last Name

So I finally did it. My new social security card will be arriving with my new last name. That means as of today my name has been legally changed to my married name. This process is intimidating, a big reason why I've put it off until I was more settled here in Texas. The other part is the resentment towards my in-laws and not wanted to have the same last name as them (can you blame me?). But it means the world to my husband for me to share his last name so I'm trying to focus on the fact that it is his last name and do my best to ignore where he got it from.

I figured I'd chronicle my process of changing to my married name here in hopes of helping others. At first, I looked at some websites that offered kits with forms to help, but they cost a lot of money! Then I posted a plea for help from my friends on facebook and myspace. I've got some amazing girlfriends who gave me wonderful advice, granted it varied a little, but it led me in the right direction. I was advised to start by changing my social security card. I googled social security and found the website and the form for the name change.

You need a SS-5 form which is found here:
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html
I filled out the form and found my nearest Social Security Office. Today Joshua and I went down there. I made sure to bring everything from my marriage certificate to my old social security card. When we arrived, I took a number and we waited for my turn. When I was called up the lady requested 3 things from me:
1-The Completed SS-5 Form
2-My Marriage License
3-My Driver's License
I presented all three, she typed the information into the computer, she gave me a form to sign, then she handed me back all 3 items, printed my receipt, and handed it to me saying, "You'll receive your new Social Security Card in 2 weeks."

So overall it was a lot easier than I thought. It didn't cost anything. I didn't have to get a certified copy of my marriage license. The only thing was that I did have to call my Mom and ask her for her's and Dad's social security numbers so I could complete the form. Really not too hard.

Next up will be getting a new driver's license (pain in the butt here in Texas, it takes up to 6 weeks to get a new one, unlike Virginia where it only takes minutes) and the biggest pain will be changing all my bank accounts, credit cards, work info, etc. Wish me luck!

Next see:
New Driver's License Post April 23