How to Change Your Name on Financial Accounts

Why You Should Change Your Name

If you change your name, it’s important to update all your accounts to keep them secure and avoid issues when trying to access them. In a world plagued by data breaches, your identity is typically verified using your name along with a government-issued ID, as well as other personal information. Discrepancies can lead to problems that make everyday tasks uncomfortable.

How to Change Your Name on Financial Accounts

Many banking institutions require you to contact them in person with supporting documents to request a name change after marriage. Some may allow you to submit the request by mail, phone, or fax. However, you will usually need to provide a valid government-issued ID along with your marriage certificate. (Be sure to check whether you need the original or a certified copy).

Here are some examples:

Institution: How to Change Your Name

Ally: Call customer service at 877-247-2559 to verify your identity and make the change.

Bank of America: Schedule an appointment at a Bank of America financial center. Bring a valid government-issued ID and your marriage certificate. You can also call 800-432-1000.

Capital One: Send a completed W-9 form with your new name and a copy of your marriage certificate with your updated name (or valid driver’s license or new Social Security card) to Capital One by fax or mail.

Citizens Bank: Visit a local branch with supporting documents, such as your marriage license.

T.D. Bank: Visit a local branch with supporting documents, such as your marriage license.

U.S. Bank: Call U.S. Bank at 800-872-2657 or visit a local branch. You will need a valid government-issued ID and your marriage certificate.

USAA: Once you change your name, call USAA at 210-531-USAA to update your account.

Wells Fargo: Visit a Wells Fargo branch. Bring an updated photo ID and your marriage certificate (certified copy or original).

Note: While waiting for your name change, you may want to carry a copy of your birth certificate and marriage certificate to verify your identity when necessary.

Other Places to Change Your Name

In addition to the bank, where else should you change your name once you are married? Here’s a quick list:

Social Security Administration (SSA): The first place to change your name is the Social Security Administration. You will need to provide original or certified copies of supporting documents. You can do this at your local Social Security office or by mail.

Department of Motor Vehicles: Next, go to your state’s motor vehicle authority to update your name on your driver’s license, vehicle title, vehicle registration, and voter registration. Typically, your information will be verified with the Social Security Administration, which requires you to submit an application and several supporting documents.

Passport: You will also want to update your passport if you have one. You can typically do this by mail by completing Form DS-5504 if your passport has been issued for less than a year or Form DS-82 if it has been longer. For both forms, you will need to send the required documents (your most recent passport, marriage certificate, passport photo, etc.). Depending on the date of your original passport issue, there may be fees.

Other Financial Accounts: Be sure to update all your financial accounts, including investment accounts, loans, contracts, mortgages, credit cards, insurance documents, loyalty accounts, and your will. The processes for these institutions will likely be similar to the bank’s procedure.

Personal Accounts: Finally, you may want to update your email address and personal profiles on social media. You can usually do this online without needing to show proof.

Note:
If you are busy and want someone else to handle updating your name, name change services like HitchSwitch and MissNowMrs exist for that reason.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I deposit a check in my previous last name?

If you deposit a check in your previous last name and your bank account has already been updated to your new name after marriage, the bank may delay depositing the check until your information is validated. In this case, you may need to show proof of your previous last name and the name change. Once your identity is verified, the bank should deposit the check.

What information do I need to change my name at the bank?

The documents you need to change your name at the bank vary from institution to institution. However, in many cases, you will need to present a government-issued ID with your photo and a document explaining the reason for your name change. For example, if you got married, you will need to show your marriage certificate. If you are divorced, you will need the divorce document indicating the name change.

Was this page helpful?

Thank you for your feedback! Please let us know why.

Sources:

– Social Security Administration. “How can I change or correct my name on my Social Security card?”

– U.S. Department of State. “Change or correct a passport.”

Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/just-married-change-your-name-on-financial-accounts-315478