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How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Ohio

Changing My Name After Marriage in Ohio

Marriage is one of the popular reasons for a name change. Although some people may decide not to change their names after marriage, most take up their spouse’s last name. In addition, they may choose to replace their last names completely with their spouse’s name or add the spouse’s name to their birth names using a hyphen.

The name change process requires that a person prepare several documents, most especially the marriage certificate. All marriage certificates in Ohio are maintained by the Probate Court of the county where the event took place. Interested persons can visit the county clerks to get their marriage certificates. Ohio marriage records are especially significant in facilitating name change requests as well as other legal processes. However, requestors may be required to provide information pertaining to the record when querying the record custodian.

How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Ohio

In Ohio, changing one’s name starts before the marriage; the first step is to get a marriage license. Qualified people can get a marriage license from the Probate Court that serves their county of residence. Marriage licenses in Ohio vary according to county and should be obtained within 60 days of the wedding.

After obtaining the marriage certificate, individuals must notify certain government agencies and companies that render services to them. The first agency to inform of a name change in Ohio is the Social Security Administration. Other government parastatals that should be aware of the name change are the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, financial institutions, insurance companies, etc. It is also necessary to inform utility companies and employers of the development.

How to Update Your Social Security Card in Ohio?

Updating a Social Security card with the Social Security Administration (SSA) is the first step to take after a name change in Ohio. The SSA outlines the procedure for updating one’s Social Security card on their website. It is as follows:

  • Application: Individuals must fill out an application form to change the SSA’s record and obtain an updated card. Application is free, and the form must be completed using blue or black ink.
  • Submission: Applicants can submit the completed application form in person or by mail to any Social Security office, along with the required documents.
  • Required documents: Requesters must submit a copy of the marriage certificate as legal proof of name change. Also, the individual may need to include a means of identification, such as their driver’s license and current Social Security card. The SSA may also demand proof of citizenship, like a birth certificate, if the agency is not convinced of the requester’s identity.
  • Receiving card: The SSA will begin updating the requester’s information as soon as the form and documents are submitted. The agency will mail the new card to the applicant. The period for issuing a new card by the SSA is between two (2) to four (4) weeks. Although the updated card will come with the new name, it will still have the same Social Security number as the previous one.

The Social Security Number and Card guide contains details about Social Security cards and other related questions. For more information, the Social Security office can be reached on (800) 722 -1213.

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

Anyone who wishes to change their name after marriage in Ohio must get a new driver’s license to show the new name. The first step is to visit any Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office in Ohio. Individuals will need to present their marriage certificate and current driver’s license at the BMV office.

There are two kinds of driver’s licenses in Ohio: the standard card and the compliant card. The complaint card serves as a security requirement for national travel. Hence, requesting a complaint card requires additional proof of a person’s identity, residence, and legal presence.

How to Update Your Insurance Information in Ohio?

After a name change due to marriage, individuals must inform their insurance companies of the update. Persons who are insured by their employers may need to talk to the human resources department or the insurance agent to effect the change.

The Ohio Department of Insurance classifies insurance coverages into six (6) broad types: Automobile Insurance, Health Insurance, Homeowner Insurance, Life & Annuity Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, and Medicare Insurance.

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

There are certain legal steps to take when changing last names in Ohio through the courts.

File the required paperwork: Persons who want to change their last name in Ohio should visit or contact the Probate Court serving their county of residence. At the court, such individuals will know what is required and obtain a Change of Name Form. Only people who have lived in Ohio for a minimum of one (1) year qualify to fill the name change application form. Petitioners will also need to submit photo identification and pay the court’s filing fee. It is important to keep a copy of all the paperwork filed with the court. After filing, the court clerk will inform the petitioner of the date to appear before the court.

Publish Notice: Applicants will need to publish a notice of their application in a local newspaper. The notice must be posted in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least thirty (30) days before the court hearing. This notice is to inform members of the public about the name change so that anyone who has an objection may come before the court. The publication must contain the requester’s current name, proposed new name, reasons for the name change, date of hearing, and location of the hearing. It is important that the person requesting the name change gets a copy of the newspaper publication.

Hearing: Anyone who files for a change of name with the court must attend the hearing at the designated place and time. During the hearing, the judge will ask the requesters specific questions to know the reasons for the name change. It is essential to attend the hearing with the proof of publication by the local newspaper. The judge will then issue an order approving the name change once convinced that it is for a good reason. This court order should be presented to government agencies to implement the name change on their databases.

The change of name process in Ohio cannot be completed online. Also, no one can change their last name for fraudulent reasons. In addition, debtors cannot change their names.

How to Update Information with Ohio Mortgage and Utility Companies?

To change one’s name on a mortgage, the first step is to get a copy of the marriage certificate showing the new name. After that, the person must contact the mortgage lender and request information on changing names and updating personal information. Usually, mortgage companies will give the person a form to fill and demand a copy of the marriage certificate. The change name process is peculiar to each mortgage company. However, a typical mortgage lender will request details about the property. Whether or not to pay a processing fee for the name change depends on the mortgage lender.

Most utility companies allow customers to make name changes online or via other means. These companies provide water, energy, transportation, communication, and sewer services in Ohio. While some utility companies give customers access to change their names via provided online platforms, some can complete the process on a phone call. Generally, the utility companies will send a form via mail to the account holder. The form must be filled and returned with a copy of the certified marriage certificate to the company to complete the name change.

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

The documents required to change one’s name after marriage include:

  • All documents that carry the old name, such as the birth certificate
  • The certified marriage certificate
  • Updated Social Security card

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

In Ohio, Probate Courts across the 88 counties of the state issue certified copies of licenses for all marriages held in the state. Hence, a couple who wishes to get certified copies of their marriage license must visit the clerk’s office serving the county where the event took place.

For example, to order certified copies of marriage licenses in Hamilton County Probate Court, a spouse will have to apply in person at the court or fill a request form. To apply in person, the requester must visit the Record Department and pay a fee of $2 by cash or credit card.

To apply by mail, the requester must send the completed request form to the following address:

Attn: Records Department
Hamilton County Probate Court
William Howard Taft Center
230 East 9th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202

While sending the mail, individuals must include a contact number to be reached in case of problems or questions. Also, the applicant must add a self-addressed stamped envelope and pay $2 for each copy.

The Records Department will begin the process to issue the certified copies of the marriage license once the application has been received. The processing time is up to 5 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 Ohio?

The US Department of State issues, renews, and updates passport information, including a name change on one’s passport. The process to change the name on a US passport varies by one’s passport status. Persons who want to change the name on their US passport after marriage must download and fill Form DS-5504. The completed form can be delivered to an acceptance facility or passport agency.

When sending the application form, the applicant must attach a current US passport book. Also, the applicant must submit a recent color passport photograph taken within the last six (6) months. The Department only accepts passport photos that are clear and have a plain white or off-white background. More importantly, the application form must be sent with a certified copy of a marriage certificate as legal proof of name change.

The process to get a new passport using Form DS-5504 in Ohio is free unless the applicant requests expedited service, which costs $60.

Generally, the process of getting a new passport takes 10 to 12 weeks. However, anyone who requests expedited services should expect to receive their new passports in 4 to 6 weeks.

While waiting to receive the new passport from the Department of State, persons who want to travel can do so with other acceptable travel documents. A travel document is a government-issued ID or other identity document issued by an international treaty organization that allows holders to move legally across government-regulated boundaries. The passport is the most common and acceptable type of travel document in the United States. The kind of travel documents required from anyone entering the US depends on the country of origin. On the other hand, American citizens entering the US must hold one of the following documents:

  • Valid passport
  • State-issued passport card
  • Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
  • Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) Card (SENTRI, FAST, NEXUS, or Global Entry)

How to Change your Name on Bank Accounts in Ohio?

After marriage, the best time to change one’s name on bank accounts is after getting a new Social Security card and driver’s license. It is advisable to contact the bank to know the process for a name change. The requirements differ by each financial institution.

Generally, the bank will ask that the requester submit a certified copy of a marriage certificate, updated Social Security card, or the new driver’s license. The requester may also need to submit a form or letter requesting to change the name of a bank account. The individual should also request new credit cards, debit cards, and checkbooks so that the name on the account will tally with that on the cards and checkbooks.

After, the account holder must make necessary changes with service providers that automatically charge their accounts. This is crucial because payments may be declined if a card name is different from a bank account name. Also, account owners must notify their employers of the new banking information to ensure that checks are issued with the correct name and direct deposits are correctly processed.

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

The time it takes to change a name after marriage in Ohio depends on the requester and agencies processing the name change. Usually, the process begins with the requester, who files a formal application to different agencies. Next, the individual must follow the correct procedures of the agency and attach the required documents to avoid delays. Once this is done, the agency begins the processing.

However, if the party uses the court name change process, it takes about eight (8) weeks to complete the process and obtain a decree.

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

The process of changing one’s name in Ohio is stressful and time-consuming. As a result, people often hire an attorney to handle the activities from start to finish. The government begins to acknowledge the change after the Social Security Administration (SSA) approves the name change and issues a new card that bears the person’s name. This takes 2 to 4 weeks.