How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Pennsylvania

Changing My Name After Marriage in Pennsylvania

There are legal and cultural adjustments that come with the contraction of marriage in Pennsylvania. One of them is a spouse taking up the name of the other as part of the marriage commitment. Although it is voluntary, name changes (whether a complete replacement or a hyphenation) will require some form of documentation and subsequent communication of the changes to the federal and state data systems. The first documentation arising from name change is the marriage certificate, which should bear the intended change of name.

It becomes the responsibility of concerned parties to update relevant agencies on this change. Marriage certificates are available to the couple shortly after the wedding is performed. The Orphan's Court, where the marriage license was filed, becomes the primary domicile of the marriage certificates. The State Vital Records Unit keeps an index of marriages across the state, but getting copies requires the requester to contact the local courthouse that issued the marriage license.

Interested and eligible persons may also access Pennsylvania marriage records from local courthouses and repositories. However, requestors may be required to provide information pertaining to the record of interest to facilitate record search. The required information may include the full names of both spouses and the date or courthouse where their marriage license was issued.

How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Pennsylvania

The first step in changing one’s name in Pennsylvania is to get legal proof of change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order change of name suffices as legal proofs of a name change recognized by the state. Next, involved parties must submit the legal proof to relevant government agencies to implement the name change in all of their databases. Top on the priority list is updating with the Social Security Administration. Others are:

Passport updates and renewal of travel documents with the US Department of State
Update of data with the Department of Transportation
Update of state-issued ID cards
Notification of other government bodies and relevant agencies as well as the general public

It is possible to initiate and follow up a name change process by oneself. However, it may get laborious and confusing, considering how many notifications must be communicated. Parties have the option of employing licensed service agents or attorneys to do the paperwork for them.

How to Update Your Social Security Card in Pennsylvania?

The Social Security Administration is a federal network with state offices across the country. The Pennsylvania State Office has the charge of issuing or renewing social security cards for residents or citizens. To update the social security card, follow these steps:

Compile all required documentation. They include legal proof of name change, like a certified marriage certificate or a court order change of name. Include one or two copies of a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, state identification card, or a certified copy of a birth certificate. Parties born outside of the United States must provide proof of citizenship or work-authorized status. Be sure that these documents bear the former name. Also, be aware that all supporting documents must either be original copies or certified copies. Plain photocopies or notarized copies will not be accepted.
Download, print, and complete the Application for Social Security Card Form. Forms are available by download through the website.
Enclose the completed application and all supporting documents, including a self-addressed return envelope, and mail them to the nearest Social Security office. For more inquiries, call (800) 722 –1213.

The Social Security Administration processes all received applications right away for free. Processing is premised upon meeting all requirements and may take a few weeks. As soon as modifications are complete, applicants should expect to receive a new card bearing the modified name.

How to Get a New Driver’s License in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Department of Transport Driver and Vehicle Services (PennDOT) has the responsibility of issuing driver's licenses to residents of the states. To apply for a non-commercial driver's license online, applicants must have their photo and signature on file with the agency. Download and complete the Application To Change/Correct/Replace form. Submit the completed form and appropriate fee for the exact type of license by mail or in-person to:

PENNDOT,
P.O. Box 68272
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8272

Upon completion of the process, an applicant can self-print a temporary driver's license within two weeks while they await the hard copy by mail. If the applicant’s picture is on file with the agency, he or she will receive a duplicate license with the current picture. Otherwise, a camera card will be mailed to the address requiring the applicant to appear at a photo center to take a picture.

How to Update Your Insurance Information in Pennsylvania?

According to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, there are six main categories of insurance products available to state residents, which are:

Auto and home insurance
Health and life insurance
Insurance for modern households
Insurance for older Pennsylvanians
Business-oriented insurance (workers compensation)
Insurance for seasonal needs

These coverages encompass life, health, property, accidents, and business types of insurance. One way to update insurance information in Pennsylvania is to get in touch with the insurance service provider directly. By notifying them primarily, one continues to enjoy the benefits that come from the policies. Usually, the insurance agency provides paperwork for the change of status. If a party is unsure about how to proceed, speak with the insurance agent to get more clarification. It becomes easier updating information with an insurance service provider having implemented changes with federal and state databases.

Where Do I Go to Change My Last Name in Pennsylvania?

Changing one’s last name in Pennsylvania other than for marriage or divorce requires filing a petition with the Court of Common Pleas in the county of residence. The procedural framework may vary by county, but there are general instructions to completing the process:

Download the forms from the local courthouse website or collect them in person at the local courthouse office.
Fill out the forms, inserting the required information, such as current names, date of birth, a five-year record of addresses, intended new name, and records of court judgments against the petitioner or criminal records, if any.
Complete and sign the petition form. Enclose the order form (comes with the petition form package) without completing it yet.
File all forms with the Court of Common Pleas in the county of residence
Be sure to enclose a fingerprint card generated by the Pennsylvania State Police.
The clerk of records runs a background check to clarify if there are outstanding judgments or criminal records.
When the court receives the documentation, it notifies the petitioner of the hearing date. The petitioner must publish a Notice of Hearing into general in-circulation news publications in the resident county. If unsure of where to publish it, confirm with the court clerk.
Attend the court hearing. If there are any objections, they would be presented at the hearing. If there are none, the court approves the new name change. It becomes official when the court judge signs the order. The document becomes legal proof to be presented for updates across government and private agency databases.

How to Update Information with Pennsylvania Mortgage and Utility Companies?

The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities oversees mortgage affairs in the states. For any updates in personal information on a mortgage database, contact the agency at the address below:

Market Square Plaza
17 N. 2nd Street, Suite 1300
Harrisburg, PA 17101

Or, call the Consumer Services Office at (717) 787-1854.

The peculiarity associated with the change of name on a property deed is that a new record must come in place of the old record. Once a deed is recorded, it cannot be changed. In the case of marriage, it is not essential to change the name on the deed to the married name. If the involved parties desire it, they should consult an attorney or title company for counsel.

On the other hand, utility companies are numerous and would require parties to contact only the concerned agencies. Usually, a phone call to the concerned facility is sufficient to update information on the spot. Some other companies may prefer a written process that entails filling out a change of account holder information form. The account holder usually returns the form with supporting documentation. If utility bills can be managed online, the user can edit the account holder’s information by logging into the account and making the necessary modifications. After that, save the update and log out. A fresh login should reflect all updates.

What Documents Do I Need to Change My Name after Marriage?

Pennsylvania residents of citizens wishing to effect a name change after marriage will require the following:

A compilation of all identifying documents that reflect the former name
A certified marriage certificate
A new social security card that bears the new name
A driver's license or state identification card that bears the new name

How to Get Certified Copies of Your Marriage License in Pennsylvania?

Marriage licenses in Pennsylvania are obtainable from the Court Clerk of the Orphan Division of the County Courts. Currently, requests for certified records are processed online. The rule is that only certificates of licenses filed with the court will be available at the same site. It costs $25 to get a certified copy. Erroneous payments to the wrong courthouse may take time to get refunded. There are restrictions as to who is eligible to get certified copies - only the parties listed in the record qualify to obtain the record. Furthermore, the processing time for online requests is 14 business days.

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 Pennsylvania?

Like the Social Security Administration, getting a new passport in Pennsylvania is a federal process. The US Department of State is responsible for issuing new passports and renewing old ones for all citizens of the federation, including Pennsylvania. To get a new passport, follow these steps:

Go to the US Department of State website and download the application form. Complete the form with all required information.
Attach a copy of a certified marriage certificate or court order of change of name.
Attach a colored passport photo not later than six months old.
Enclose the documents along with a self-addressed and stamped return envelope.
Send the application form and other documents using standard US mail or other secure registered mail services. The waiting time to get a new passport is a maximum of three months. Some individuals can request expedited services provided they qualify. If the applicant has held a passport before, they must send it along with the application. When the delivery arrives, it usually contains an old passport punched through and a new passport. During the waiting period, an applicant may take domestic trips using other travel documents such as a PAN card, a Pennsylvania State Identification Card, Social Security Card, or any other document supporting proof of citizenship.

How to Change your Name on Bank Accounts in Pennsylvania?

Running a bank account in Pennsylvania usually entails logging personal identifying and financial information with the banking service provider. When there is a name change, it is of prime importance to notify the relevant banking agency of the change. Visit the nearest local branch of the bank and express the intention to update personal information. The desk officer will either give the necessary details or redirect to the appropriate staff for the task. All banking agencies will ask for proof of a change of name before implementing the request. Proof of change may be in the form of a certified copy of a marriage certificate or a court-ordered change of name decree.

Also, the bank would request the applicant’s Social Security Number in order to run security checks on the process. Typically, the process should be free; however, new credit or debit cards and checkbooks bearing the new identity may attract production charges. Subsequent updates on online transactions are usually at the instance of the user. The profile of the user on the transaction site can be self-modified. Note that certain security protocols that were set up at the initial login will be activated to ensure that it is the original user modifying the profile.

How Long Does it Take to Change Your Name in Pennsylvania After Marriage?

It depends on the process engaged in the name change. A change of name resulting from marriage happens as soon as the marriage is solemnized or contracted. Change of name due to a court order will have to wait for the judge's approval to facilitate the process.

How Long Does it Take to Change Your Name in Pennsylvania?

As soon as one receives legal proof of name change, the concerned party may assume the identity conferred by the new name. However, it might take some time for the modifications to reflect in all relevant databases, both in government and private agencies. There is no time limit on how quickly the changes will reflect. Nonetheless, the change of name will take effect so long as the involved party has filed notices with all concerned parastatals. Individuals can engage the services of a licensed representative or a lawyer to navigate all update processes. All the advantages associated with this choice can be summarised as a convenience. Note, however, that engaging the services of another attorney will require a service payment and all other charges embedded in the entire process.