How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Indiana

Changing My Name After Marriage in Indiana

Changing one's name in Indiana is a legal process. Although most name changes occur when individuals get married, there are multiple reasons and ways to change names. Individuals may seek name changes if they do not like their birth name, if they believe their current name is unsuitable for a significant career change, or after a divorce.

Name changes in Indiana are relatively common with easy and straightforward procedures. However, because it is a multi-step process, it will require attention to detail. Depending on the reason for a name change, an interested party must identify and follow the correct Indiana legal name change process. For instance, interested parties can change their last names when applying for a marriage license. Also, the state allows divorced women to restore their maiden names or previous married names during divorce proceedings. Others must file a petition in state court to officially change their names.

It is important to note that, regardless of the method of name change adopted, one must meet a state's residency requirements. That is, a petitioner must be a permanent resident to petition a state for a name change. Indiana generally requires applicants to be state residents for six months to a year before filing for a name change. This fact must be supported with evidence that the required length of time is satisfied. Additionally, requestors will be required to provide a copy of their Indiana marriage record for their name change request to be processed. These records will offer proof of their new marital status, and will be useful for facilitating other relevant legal processes given the name change.

How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Indiana

Interested parties can initiate the name change process when applying for a marriage license. They can begin by listing a new name on the application form. After the ceremony, the certified marriage license will serve as legal proof of the successful name change. Afterward, the individual must report the new name to the relevant government bodies, such as the Social Security Office or Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

How to Update Your Social Security Card in Indiana

In Indiana, updating or changing the name on a social security card constitutes a legal name change. If anyone legally changes their name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, they must inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) to update the information and get a corrected card. After the update, the individual can then use the corrected social security card to prove a name change when updating other essential documents such as a passport or a driver's license.

For a social security card name change, an individual may obtain, complete, and print the application form. This form will require the following information:

The individual's current and previous names
Social security number
Date and place of birth
Ethnicity and race
Gender
Parents' names and Social Security Number
Contact information

On completion, they can mail or hand-deliver it to a nearby SSA office which they can locate by calling 1(800) 772-1213 or visiting the website. During submission, the individual must also provide the following documents:

A certified or original copy of their legal name change document.
Proof of identity (such as their current state-issued non-driver identity card, U.S. driver's license, U.S. passport).
Proof of citizenship/immigration status (such as their birth certificate or U.S. passport).
Proof of age (e.g., a birth certificate). If a birth certificate is unavailable, the applicant may present a religious record showing the date of birth, U.S. hospital record of birth, or U.S. passport.

Other acceptable documents:

Suppose the individual cannot provide the above proof of identity documents. In that case, the agency may ask to see other documents, such as an employee or school I.D. card, health insurance card, military I.D. card, or a letter from a doctor that contains the individual's name, address, and social security number. This letter must be signed by the doctor.

Also, applicants that are not U.S. citizens can provide documents such as departure records or admission stamps in the unexpired foreign passport, employment authorization documents, work permits, lawful permanent resident cards, etc.

Notwithstanding, the process may vary slightly from person to person, and more documents may be required. Hence, it is advisable to study the instructions for getting a corrected card for more details. The name change process is entirely free. Individuals can also only submit original or certified copies of these documents to the SSA. They will be returned to the owner following a review.

Overall, the SSA office will process the application and issue a new Social Security Card with a new name within two to three weeks. Afterward, the individual must ensure that their employee records, health insurance, bank accounts, credit cards, vehicle registration, and other documents reflect the name change.

How to Get a New Driver's License in Indiana

Drivers in Indiana must have a valid Indiana driver's license to operate vehicles in the state. The acquisition process is simple but may vary slightly based on the type of license an individual seeks. Generally, regardless of the type of license, applicants are required to provide the correct documentation to the Indiana BMV, prove that they understand the road rules, and demonstrate their ability to drive safely.

Drivers may obtain any of the following licenses:

Operator license that allows the driver to operate vehicles on roads, streets, and highways.
Commercial driver's license that authorizes the driver to operate commercial vehicles
Class L-Motorcycle Endorsement that allows the driver to ride motorcycles.

To apply for the operator (standard) license, the individual must gather the required documents, get a learner's permit, and take a driving test.

For individuals who already have their learner's instructional permit,

They must hold onto it for the first 180 days at least. They can use this time to practice supervised driving.
They must submit a driving log with at least 50 hours of supervised driving.
They must apply in person at any BMV office around them by obtaining, completing, and submitting an application.
They must verify their legal name, signature, birth date, lawful status in the U.S., social security number, and residential address in Indiana.

Finally, they must pass a vision test, a driving skills exam, and pay the associated fees ($17.50) via cash, check, or card. Eventually, they will be asked to surrender the learner's permit and receive a temporary driver's license valid for 30 days. The BMV will then mail the permanent license within 14 days. If there are any delays, contact the BMV at (888) 692-6841 or visit a BMV branch office in person.

Amending the name on the driver's license

Also, after a successful name change, it is essential to amend essential identity documents, including the driver's license. The documents required for this process are a birth certificate and a legal name change document, such as a marriage license, a court decree approving the name change, or a divorce decree that indicates the individual's new and previous name. Also, the birth certificate must be either an original or certified copy altered to show the change of name.

Note that the BMV will only accept original documents or certified copies. The agency will also refuse or return any document that is expired, changed, or fraudulent. The words on each document should be in the English language. Finally, the individual must initiate this process within 24 hours to 30 days after the legal name change at the Social Security Administration.

How to Update Your Insurance Information in Indiana

Because all insurance companies licensed to conduct business in Indiana are regulated by the Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI), individuals can update their insurance information by requesting assistance from the department. Otherwise, the interested party can directly contact the insurance company. However, this method might be considered tedious because an average Indiana resident subscribes to multiple types of insurance, including healthcare, vehicle, life, property, etc.

Changing the name attached to insurance sans the IDOI is possible but lengthy. Individuals can contact their insurance companies to ask about the name alteration process. Most companies will either have an online form or request a letter to that effect. They would also request policy copies, photo IDs, marriage certificates if the name change is due to marriage, etc. Alternatively, the consumer may request assistance from the IDOI via the consumer services feature.

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

Individuals interested in altering their last names in Indiana must petition the court. To do this, they must obtain the forms required for legal name changes from the Indiana Coalition for Court Access website and visit the court clerk to begin the process. The website also provides detailed instructions on petitioning for a name change in Indiana.

On completing the forms, the petitioner must file them with a local court clerk. A filing fee of $104 applies, but a fee waiver may be obtained if the petitioner uses the Fee Waiver form and proves sufficient hardship. The individual may then publish a notice of the name change in the local newspaper once a week for three weeks after the petition is submitted.

Eventually, the court clerk will schedule a date for the court hearing. A judge will hear the petition at the hearing and enter an order legally changing the petitioner's name. Note that the state requires the petitioner to affirm the petition under penalty of perjury in front of a notary public.

Although name changing is an individual choice, the court must sign off on it. As a result, the name change will not be granted for illegal or fraudulent purposes. While most name change petitions are granted, the court has the power to decline a person's request.

How to Update Information with Indiana Mortgage and Utility Companies

After an official name change in Indiana, a new spouse can be added to a property deed or title using a quitclaim deed form. A quitclaim deed is a legally binding document that allows a property owner to transfer real estate to another entity without any promise about the title. It is the most accessible and affordable option of changing the name on a property deed. This deed must be drafted to comply with state laws. It must have a complete legal description of the property, the name of the county where the property is located, and the amount paid for the property.

If the owner's name is simply being changed, the individual simply needs to update the deed from their former name to the new one. If a spouse's name is being added, the deed must include the grantor's name (the individual transferring the property) and the grantee (the individual receiving the property). The deed must be filed at the county recorder's office, where the property is located. The parties must also sign the document in the presence of a notary public. The notary public must sign the form too.

If the individual has to change the name attached to their utility bills, they need only contact the utility company or use an online form (if available). The individual must provide the necessary information to aid the name change. These include a current address (if the individual is only switching names), the spouse's name to be added to the bill, social security number, physical and mailing address, etc.

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

The primary documents needed to change names after marriage include the following:

A passport
Identification documents (a valid driver's license or state-issued identification)
Birth certificate, or any written evidence of the individual's date of birth that is satisfactory to the clerk according to state laws.

If the documents above are in a language other than English, it is necessary to have them translated and notarized before presenting them to the clerk. Other information that may be required includes the social security numbers, family information of parents (including their full names), last known addresses, and birthplace.

How to Get Certified Copies of Your Marriage License in Indiana

Obtaining a marriage license is a significant step toward a legal name change because a certified copy acts as an official name change document. To obtain this license in Indiana, the couple must fill out a Marriage License E-File form and file it with the clerk in the county where they reside. If it is a destination wedding, they must apply for the license in that location instead.

In addition to the form, the couple must have their passports, driver's licenses, or birth certificates as proof of their identity and age. They will also need their parent's full names, social security numbers, addresses, and birthplaces. However, these requirements may vary from location to location across the state. It is then highly recommended that the parties call the clerk's office in advance and ask about additional requirements.

An Indiana marriage license costs $18 if either couple is a resident of the state. They may be required to pay in cash. After the marriage ceremony, the couple will receive an official marriage certificate. Inquirers may also obtain marriage certificates by contacting the clerk's office in the county where the marriage occurred or the State Library.

If the couple does not receive a certified copy of their marriage license after the ceremony, they can contact the clerk of court in the county where the marriage occurred. If the county is unknown, inquirers may conduct searches using:

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 Indiana

Typically, issuing new passports is a federal government issue, not a state's. As a result, individuals interested in obtaining their passports may apply at most U.S. Postal Offices around the state. To locate or contact the local post office, they may call (800) 275-8777 for details. Information on obtaining passports and renewing them is provided by the United States Department of State, Travel Office. Processing may take 4 to 8 weeks.

Also, if an Indiana resident or citizen already has a passport and needs to update their names, they can visit the U.S. Department of State's website for details on how to go about it. Name changing on passports depends on if the applicant currently owns a passport, how long they have had it, and if they will need a new one. If that is the case, the following forms are required:

Form DS-5504 - for individuals requesting a name change within a year of receiving their current passport.
Form DS-82 - for individuals that own a current and valid passport that is in good condition. Note that the passport should have been issued within the previous 15 years when the owner was at least 16 years old.

The forms above must be sent via mail along with a current passport, certified name change document, and colored passport photograph.

If the individual applying does not fall under any of the above categories, they must complete the DS-11 form and visit a Passport Acceptance Facility. Because they are not sending the form by mail, they must bring the following documents:

A document showing proof of identity and a photocopy
Proof of citizenship and a photocopy
A certified name change document
A colored passport photo

How to Change your Name on Bank Accounts in Indiana

Changing one's last name on their financial accounts in Indiana requires some paperwork. Any individual interested in changing the name attached to their financial account must do the following:

Obtain the marriage certificate from the county clerk's office where the marriage occurred.
Get a new social security card.
Update their driver's license.

After obtaining all the above, they can proceed to update all of their financial records - including bank accounts, retirement accounts, credit cards, and others. First, it is necessary to contact the financial institution for the required documents and steps as these processes may vary by institution.

Regardless, the standard procedure is to submit a copy of a certified marriage certificate, an updated social security card or driver's license, and a specific form or letter requesting the change. This update should also include name change requests for checkbooks and transaction cards. After successfully changing a bank account name, it is advisable to notify other service providers, agencies, and employers of the name change by sending them the new and updated financial information.

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

It takes about 60 days to legally change a name after marriage in Indiana. This is, however, a loose estimate because that time may be influenced by multiple factors, such as the requester's financial resources, the efficiency of the court where the marriage license is issued, or delays due to incomplete documents required to alter names successfully. To avoid inconsistencies, until the papers are filed and the process complete, the new name cannot be used.

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

Name change actions in Indiana can take between a day to six (6) months, or even longer. The time it will take for such action to be decreed varies from county to county and sometimes from courthouse to courthouse.