How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Michigan
Changing My Name After Marriage in Michigan
People often take up their partner's last name after marriage to make them feel more like a family. It also stands as an official symbol of their commitment. Also, anyone can choose to add a partner's name to his/her current name, using a hyphen for separation. After deciding to bear a partner's name, people must update their identities on all state and federal identity databases. This informs the relevant agencies of the name change and allows them to implement it.
When changing one's name after marriage in Michigan, the individual must have a marriage certificate. A certified marriage certificate can be obtained from the Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics The marriage certificate is proof of a person's new name and is also a major requirement in changing one's name after marriage in Michigan. The Vital Records and Health Statistics Division registers, preserves, and issues certified copies of all vital records, including marriage certificates. The Division records begin from 1867.
Interested members of the public may view or obtain Michigan marriage records from local repositories or record custodians in their respective judicial districts. These records are significant for facilitating various legal processes and validating rights conferred on an individual following their new marital status.
How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Michigan
Anyone who wishes to change their name after marriage in Michigan must follow some steps, including obtaining a marriage certificate and informing the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the name change. It is essential to notify the SSA first because most agencies use a social security card to make changes. After obtaining a marriage certificate and notifying the SSA, the next step is to get a newly issued state ID that will carry the new name. After this, it is necessary to update one's international passport and other travel documents. Subsequently, the person changing the name must inform other government agencies, employers, and private service providers.
There is the choice of hiring an attorney to handle the name change process. An attorney will help through the numerous steps and visit the required agencies on behalf of the requester. However, the name change process is not limited to attorneys alone. Persons may wish to handle the process themselves.
How to Update Your Social Security Card in Michigan
Updating one's social security card is the first step in changing a name after marriage. No one can change their name with other agencies without updating their social security card first. The requirements to update a social security card after marriage are an original or certified copy of the marriage certificate (or court order), a valid ID, and proof of citizenship. In addition to these documents, individuals must submit an Application for a Social Security Card form. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides detailed information on the form. The form can be used to apply for an original social security card, apply for a replacement, or change/correct information on one's social security card.
Application is free and can be submitted, along with the required documents, to a local Social Security office. Persons who submit original copies of the required documents will get them back by mail.
How to Get a New Driver's License in Michigan
Persons looking to get a new driver's license in Michigan after marriage due to a name change must first inform the Social Security Administration of their updated identity. This will help the Secretary of State (SOS) in processing the new driver's license. The SOS verifies names, dates of birth, and social security numbers before issuing a driver's license. Where the name and date of birth are not the same as what is recorded by the Social Security Administration, the application for a new driver's license will be denied.
After updating a social security card record, a person must visit a Michigan Secretary of State branch and present a current driver's license and proof of name change, such as a certified copy of a marriage license. If the license is not valid, the applicant can use another photo ID that is valid or renew the driver's license with the old name before proceeding with the name change. The process requires a fee, and new photographs will be taken. The Michigan Secretary of State charges $9 to correct a driver's license.
For commercial driver's license holders, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires proof of legal presence to change the name on a license.
How to Update Your Insurance Information in Michigan
According to Section 500.1206(5) of the Michigan Insurance Code of 1956, licensees must inform the commissioner of a legal name change within 30 days of the change.
According to the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), Individual licensees must submit a signed and dated request for an updated name. The request must contain the current name on the license, the 7-digit Michigan System ID number or the National Producer Number, and the new name to be updated. In addition, the requester must attach a copy of the marriage certificate to serve as legal proof of the change of name.
The request and document should be forwarded via email to DIFS-Licensing@michigan.gov or fax to (517) 284-8836.
According to the DIFS, the main kinds of insurance are auto/vehicle, home, health & long term care, and life & annuities.
Where Do I Go to Change My Last Name in Michigan?
Generally, persons who seek to change their last names must petition the court and publish the new name in a local newspaper. Anyone wishing to change their last name in Michigan must file a Petition to Change Name with the Circuit Court to schedule a court hearing for the name change. Also, requesters must have a copy of the filed Petition to Change Name form.
When submitting the form, individuals will pay a filing fee to the court, per MCL 600.2529(1)(a). The required amount is $150. Also, requesters must submit a self-addressed envelope to receive the court's hearing notice. Individuals who cannot pay the fee can submit a Waiver Form.
Michigan has criteria for persons who want to change their names: they must have resided in Michigan for at least one year and lived in the county for the same period. Also, such persons must not be looking to change their names for fraudulent reasons. In addition, anyone who has a criminal record must tender sufficient legal justification for the name change.
Residents aged 22 years or older will have to arrange for their fingerprints to be taken at a local police agency. The authority would as well carry out a criminal background check on them. Petitioners should visit the police agency with a copy of the Petition to Change Name form. The requesters must also ask to fill the R1-8 form at the police agency before having their fingerprints taken.
After the fingerprint-taking process has been completed, all the documents will be forwarded to the Michigan Department of State Police. The police department will then compare the fingerprinting form with their records. After the cross-checking, the police will send the documents to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for further investigation. The result of the background check will be sent back to the court where the petition was filed. Usually, the process of background check takes up to 5 weeks.
The police agency will charge the requester a stipulated fee for the fingerprinting and the background check. Payments must be made by money order or check to the State of Michigan.
Requesters must be available at the court on the day of the hearing. The judge will ask for the reason for the name change. If the petition is approved, the judge will stamp a court order that makes the new name legal.
Subsequently, the petitioner must publish a notice of the name change in a local newspaper. However, the judge may rule against the publication of the name change in certain circumstances. Publication fees vary depending on the newspaper.
How to Update Information with Michigan Mortgage and Utility Companies
It is advisable to contact one's mortgage company to request a name change. The person must complete the name change document provided by the mortgage company and attach legal proof of the new name. An easy way to change a name on a mortgage or real estate property is through a quitclaim deed. Please note that all quitclaims deeds require notarization.
Updating information with utility companies varies in Michigan. Some utility companies allow customers to manage their accounts online. As such, anyone can easily update their name by following the procedures highlighted by the company. However, others may demand that the person visit their branches to make the changes. At the same time, some utility companies will allow persons who want to update their information to send the required documents via mail.
What Documents Do I Need to Change My Name after Marriage?
For a name change after marriage, the following documents are required:
- All documents that carry the old name before marriage
- A certified marriage certificate
- An updated Social Security card.
How to Get Certified Copies of Your Marriage License in Michigan
Anyone can get a certified copy of their marriage certificate in Michigan from the clerk of the county where the marriage occurred. Requesters will need to download and complete the application form and attach a check or money order of the relevant fee.
Individuals can either submit the completed documents in person or send them via mail. The processing time for a regular search is about 5 weeks, while an expedited search takes about 2 weeks. For regular search, requests should be forwarded via mail:
Vital Records Requests
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909
For expedited search, requesters should send mails to the address below:
Vital Records RUSH
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909
Requesters can also apply in person at:
South Grand Building (corner of Grand & Kalamazoo)
333 South Grand Avenue
1st Floor
Lansing, MI 48933
In-person requesters can pay for the application at the front counter with a money order, credit card, or cash.
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 Michigan
It is crucial to change the name on an international passport after marriage. To achieve this, the person seeking the change must download and fill the appropriate application form provided by the US Department of State. The Department has highlighted the procedures for applying for a passport, including all necessary information and guidelines for changing one's name on an international passport. After downloading and filling the application form, the person requesting a name change must attach a current passport and colored passport photograph.
Please note that the State Department does not accept selfies or images taken with a filter. Additionally, the photo must have been taken within the past six months and should have a white or off-white background. Also, persons taking passport photographs must remove all kinds of eyeglasses before taking the photo.
In addition to the application form, a current passport, and passport photograph, requesters must also attach the certified marriage certificate or court decree. All documents must be packaged in a self-addressed stamped envelope through mail. The documents must be sent via USPS.
Usually, the name change request takes about 10 to 12 weeks and costs $60. However, applicants can opt for expedited service, which attracts an additional $60 charge.
While waiting for the new passport, residents can use their PAN card, social security card, and state ID card as travel documents.
How to Change your Name on Bank Accounts in Michigan
An updated social security card and driver's license make it easy to process name change requests for bank accounts in Michigan. A financial institution may demand a certified copy of a marriage certificate as proof of the change. Individuals must also request updated credit/debit cards and checkbooks. To make inquiries on the name change, individuals may visit a bank branch or call the financial institution on the available contact phone number.
For example, anyone who wishes to change the name on their J.P.Morgan Chase brokerage account must fill an Account Holder Name Change Request. The bank will also request legal documentation that supports the name change, such as a certified copy of a marriage certificate.
After the successful name change of a bank account, sending the new banking information to one's employer is important. More importantly, persons must complete Form W-4 when there is a change in the personal financial information, according to the Internal Revenue Service. This is helpful for employers to withhold the correct federal income tax from each pay.
Additionally, an individual must ensure to update all auto-payment services. The individual must contact the service provider to inform them of the name change and provide new details for swift payments. Mostly, this can be done online through a platform provided by the service provider.
How Long Does it Take to Change Your Name in Michigan After Marriage?
According to the Michigan Secretary of State, a waiting time of 24 hours is required to ensure that the name change is implemented and updated in their verification system. Other government agencies have different waiting periods before a successful name change on their databases.
How Long Does it Take to Change Your Name in Michigan?
A name change can take up to six months or even longer, depending on the agencies involved. Typically, it begins with an update to one's social security card. Although the process of changing one's name may be strenuous, it is advisable to visit the appropriate agencies in person and follow their guidelines to hasten the change.
