Changing Your Name

Written By Kendra Durst

Wedding planning and changing your name actually have a lot in common, neither of them are easy. Name changing requires a series of steps, all of them require close attention to detail and need to be done in a specific order.

What Documents Do You Need?

  • Original or certified copy of your marriage license

  • Social security card

  • Drivers license OR State Identification

  • Birth Certificate

  • Two versions of proof of residency (i.e., bank statement, utility bill)

  • Notarized certificate of completion for pre-marriage counseling (see cost section for details)

Is There a Cost?

In the state of Minnesota there is a cost associated with changing your name. The cost for changing your name is $115, however if you complete at least 12 hours of pre-marriage counseling this price can be reduced to $40. If you decided to complete the pre-marriage counseling, you must bring a notarized certificate of completion when you go to apply for your marriage license. This fee is payed when you originally apply for your marriage license. In addition there is a cost to changing your drivers license. For a new drivers license it is $32, for a duplicate $17, and if you want an enhanced drivers license there is an additional $15 cost. When you get to the step to change the name on your nursing license, you have to pay a $20 fee for your new credential.v

In total this whole process can cost you anywhere between $152 - $182.

The Process

  • First Step: Marriage License

    Before you can start on your name changing journey you must have your original or certified copy of your marriage license in hand. After your wedding ceremony, have your officiant file your marriage license with the county within five days. You will then receive your original marriage license in the mail, you can request additional copies through the state. While having more copies may help speed up the process, they are not necessary.

  • Second Step: Social Security Card

    Once you’ve completed the first step you are ready to legally change your name through the social security administration (SSA). This step needs to be completed prior to completing the following steps. For this step you will need proof of name change (wedding license), proof of identity (drivers license), and proof of citizenship (birth certificate). In addition you will need to complete the SS-5 name form, I have attached a pdf version below. The SSA will not accept copies of any of these documents so you must have the originals. This step can be completed in person at your local SSA office or you can mail these documents into your local SSA office. If you go in person, it takes 48 hours for the government to update your name change, after this time you are eligible to apply for your drivers license. If you decide to mail in your documents, you cannot move on to the third step until you receive your new social security care in the mail, this can take up to 3 weeks.

  • Third Step: Driver’s License OR State Identification

    What’s next? If you’ve waited the 48 hours or have just received your new social security card in the mail, you are ready to take a trip to the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services. It is important to remember that in Minnesota, you are required by law to update your license within 30 days of your legal name change. This step requires proof of name change (wedding license), proof of identity (drivers license), new social security card (if you submitted by mail), and two forms of proof of residency.

  • Fourth Step: Nursing License

    In the state of Minnesota, as well as every other state, your drivers license/state identification card and social security card are required to match the name on your nursing license. To do this, you must fill out the Name, Address, and Phone Number Change Request Form to the Minnesota Board of Nursing, I have attached this form below. To do this, you will need your marriage license, in the state of Minnesota, the nursing board allows you to use a photo copy. One good thing about this step, it does not require you to submit your social security card nor your new drivers license, however you do have to have at least step one and two completed prior to form submission.

 

Advice: If you are getting married in Minnesota, get married in the warm months. That way, when you are standing outside your social security card office for 2.5 hours, it is not in the middle of one of Minnesota’s record-breaking winters.

Kendra Durst
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