If you’re one of the 81 percent of newlywed brides who, according to The Knot 2014 Real Weddings Study, take their spouse’s name after the wedding, we hate to break it to you, but your job isn’t quite done after you sign your marriage license. Find out how much each step in the process will cost you—and get a few hints and tricks to help you along the way—below.
Passport
To determine how much you’ll be spending on a new passport, take a look at the issue date. If it was issued less than a year ago, there aren’t any fees associated with changing your name (unless you want to pay an extra $60 for expedited service, in which case you’ll get your documents in three weeks). If your passport is more than a year old, you’ll have to pay for new documents to be processed. Expect to wait four to six weeks for your passport to come in the mail, so if you have a big vacation planned (or, ahem, your honeymoon) wait to change these until after you come back.
Cost to Change Name: $140 for a passport book and card, $110 for just a passport book, $30 for just a passport card, and an additional $60 for expedited shipping
Social Security Card
While some websites can charge about $30 to make changes to your Social Security card, let it be known that the Social Security Administration will send you a new card with your new name for free. Simply fill out the form online (you can find it on the administration’s website), and send or bring it to your local Social Security office. Done and done.
Cost to Change Name: $0
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Driver’s License
The cost varies depending on the jurisdiction and state, but it typically comes in at less than $50. The real hassle is digging up every form of identification you can find—then waiting in line at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Cost to Change Name: Depends on where you live.
If all of these steps sound like a bit of a pain, why not try a less complicated approach?
HitchSwitch
HitchSwitch makes it easy to officially change your name after marriage by taking care of all the pesky prep work for you. The name-change packages start from $29 depending on the type of service you need. All you have to do is complete one easy form, sign, and send the information to the company. Sounds amazing, right? Check out its options for yourself here.
Cost to Change Name: Starting from $29
