Categories:    About eNameChange     

                        Name Changing Questions

About eNameChange

• I haven't gotten married yet, is it too early to use eNameChange?

• Is this service good in all 50 states?

• How much time will I save if I use eNameChange?

• Will the information I input be secure and confidential?

• How will I know when my name has been changed, do you submit my name change for me?

• How long will it take to use eNameChange?

Name Changing Questions

• What do I need to do to get my marriage  certificate?

• Can I use this website if I'm changing my name because of a divorce or other reason?

• Should I change my name?

• I received a letter from the National Records Services, will they change my name for me?

• What are my options for changing my name?

• I am a man changing my name to my wife's, can I use eNameChange?

• Do I need to change my name if I am only hyphenating my name?

• What forms do I need to change my name?

• Do I need to change my name in person everywhere?

• May I choose any surname I wish?

I haven't gotten married yet, is it too early to use your site?   

You may use our site anytime before or after getting married.  However, you cannot process any of the forms we provide you with until you receive your marriage license (after getting married).  We recommend using the site before you get married, if possible, to help you plan the name change process better...for example, so you will know how many original marriage certificates you will need to order.  Additionally, your membership will be good for as long as you need it so you can start now and finish later.  We suggest that you file the forms after your honeymoon (especially if you are leaving the country) to avoid any unnecessary inconveniences. 

Is this service good in all 50 states?  

Most of the forms and instructions provided on our site are not state specific.  However, procedures for driver's license, vehicle registration and titling are unique to each state.  eNameChange offers these state-specific forms (where applicable) and procedures for most states; visit our services page for a complete list.

How much time will I save if I use eNameChange?

As we researched name changing procedures, we tracked the time we spent on the various tasks.  Here is a conservative breakdown of the time spent (state information based on time spent on each state, on average):

If your time is worth more than $1.85 per hour, shouldn't you use eNameChange?  

I do not want to change my name just yet. Will this account be good until I am ready to make the change? If so, how long is membership and service valid?

Your membership will be valid for as long as you need it.  We suggest creating your account before you get married, so you'll have an idea of how many copies of your marriage certificate you'll need etc.  The site walks you through the name change process step-by-step so the earlier you review the procedures, the more prepared you will be to have a seamless transition.  Additionally, you can fill in all your information and get the forms ready now so you'll have less to do afterwards -when you have hundreds of thank-you notes to write! 

How will I know when my name has been changed, do you submit my name change for me?

The site helps you change your name once you have the appropriate court document (marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order) by helping you notify the various institutions. We do not submit forms on your behalf, rather, we provide you with forms and instructions on how to file them.  The reason we cannot submit forms on your behalf is that 1) you must sign each document 2) you will need to send your marriage certificate along with most documents and 3) most states require you to make a personal appearance to change your name on your driver's license.

How long will it take to use eNameChange?

This will depend on how prepared you are and how thorough you want to be.  People today have many businesses to notify on top of the government agencies, so a listing up to 20 companies (in addition to the government forms) is not uncommon for our users.  The input process should only take five minutes, if you have all the information you need handy, plus the time it takes you to input the name of each business.   Using the site in total should take roughly 30 minutes, once you have all the information you need handy.  

Changing your name is not as an easy of a task as people may think, but using eNameChange will not only help you save time and hassles, it will help you stay organized and change your name comprehensively to avoid future hassles.

Should I change my name?  

This question is no longer just for brides, but is becoming more and more a question for both brides and grooms. Due to the many issues involved (such as: sense of identity as a person and a family, future family relationships, future children, personal preferences) the decision can be difficult. While the procedures involved in changing your name can be time consuming, we at eNameChange are committed to making it easy to have the name that is best suited to you - and we're sure you'll agree that having the name you want is well worth the effort. If you are unsure of how you want to change your name, see our list of options to help you decide which name-change is best for you.

I received a letter from the National Records Services, will they change my name for me?

National Records Services, first of all, is a private company unaffiliated with the government, despite what their name may imply.  They will "assist" you, for a fee, in changing your name on your social security card only.  The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee for changing your name on your social security card, the fee you are paying is for their "assistance".

National Records Services requires you to fill out a form, which is not the social security form, and mail it to them. Apparently they use this form to fill out the correct social security form.  They then mail you the social security form filled out for you to sign and send back to them with your marriage certificate.  Upon receipt of your form, they will mail it to the Social Security Administration. This process is much slower than if you had just mailed in the social security form yourself and I cannot vouch for the security of your information - they do not have a privacy or confidentiality policy and there is no way to contact them except by writing.  

What are my options for changing my name?

Taking Partner's Last Name: This is the traditional method whereby the bride, traditionally, takes the last name of the groom in place of her last name.  However, the groom may take on the bride's last name in place of his own instead.  Some reasons for taking on your partner's name are: to have a reminder of your commitment to them, allow any existing or future children have the same name as their parents, and doing so reminds others that you have are a family, regardless of whether or not there are children. 

Hyphenating: is the increasingly popular choice with couples today. One or both partners may hyphenate their last names and have the benefits of retaining their last name as well as the benefits of taking their partner's name.  

Last Name Combination:. This option allows each partner to bring part of their name into the marriage (and keep a form of their identity) while also gives a sense of unity between the couple. This choice is pretty rare, however. 

Entirely New Last Name: Some couples choose a name that has a special meaning to them like choosing the name of a favorite, deceased relative or a parent. Middle names can be used as a last name, if you prefer. Yet another way couples can choose a last name is to choose something such as their favorite place or activity which defines their character. This is not common, but is chosen to allow couples to express themselves through their name. If you plan to choose a new last name, you or your fiance may need to file a petition for name change at a state court before you get married (that way, the other person only has to do a marriage name change).  Please see your local Superior Court for details as the laws vary from state to state.

Middle Name Change:  One option is for the couple to replace their middle name with the last name of their partner. In this instance, Jennifer Diane Simmons would become Jennifer Smith Simmons, and Jonathon Taylor Smith will become Jonathon Simmons Smith. This allows for a sense of unity, while both partners are still able to retain their last names from birth.

What do I need to do to get my marriage certificate?                                            

You must visit your city hall, with your fiancé, no sooner than 90 days before your wedding.  Not all city halls offer marriage certificates so we suggest you call your city hall ahead of time to find out where to go.  While there, you will be asked to fill out forms and make an oath before they give you a preliminary certificate. There is no blood test needed. You should bring this form to your wedding (or make other arrangements to meet with your officiator), and ask your officiator and a witness to sign it.  Once this is completed, you can mail it in for your official marriage certificate which you will need to change your name. 

Los Angeles County Residents please note: It appears that the "mail-in for certificates" system doesn't work for LA county.  We've received several comments from brides affirming this and their advice is to NOT mail in a check with your marriage license to have them mail you the official marriage certificate.  You're probably better off making the request in person. At least you can be assured the paperwork was submitted for processing. And you may be better able to avoid paying the fees twice.