Your Complete Name Change Checklist: 25+ Places to Update

Changing your name is just the beginning — updating it everywhere else is the real work. This name change checklist walks you through every place you need to update your name, organized by priority so you tackle the most important ones first. Bookmark this page and work through it at your own pace.

The order that works, in short

1. Get certified copies of your marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order first. USAGov says to use certified copies as proof when you notify agencies.
2. Social Security next. Other agencies learn about name changes through SSA, and California's DMV checks your name with SSA before it will update your license. No fee.
3. Driver's license or state ID at your state DMV.
4. Passport, if you have one. DS-5504 has no fee if your passport is less than a year old and the name changed after it was issued.
5. Voter registration through vote.gov or your state election office.
6. Employer and taxes: tell payroll. If a W-2 shows your old name, ask your employer for a corrected one. File taxes in the name SSA has.
7. Banks, cards, insurance, utilities and accounts. Each company sets its own process.

Sources (checked 2026-10-23): USAGov name change · SSA · CA DMV · State Dept · USAGov voter registration · IRS name-change FAQ · California Courts: update your documents.

For each agency in order, with links to its official page, see which agencies to update, in order.

Priority 1: Do first

Start with these four.

Social Security Administration

Do this early. USAGov says other agencies learn of name changes through SSA. SSA says you may be able to request the change online; if not, you make an appointment at a local office (SSA). After SSA completes your request, the replacement card comes by mail in 5 to 10 business days, and there's no fee. Our Social Security name change guide links to SSA's official pages and explains how to find your local office.

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Update your driver's license and vehicle registration next. In California, the DMV checks your name with SSA first and asks for proof of your true full name (plus residency proofs for a REAL ID). The fee is set by your DMV; find yours in the state DMV directory. Visit your state's DMV website or check our DMV name change guide for specific requirements in your state.

Voter Registration

USAGov says you must update your voter registration when you change your name. Depending on your state, that's online, by mail, by phone or in person. vote.gov sends you to your state's method. Our voter registration guide explains the process; your state election office has the final rules.

Court Records (if applicable)

If you changed your name through a court order, request certified copies of your decree from the court clerk. USAGov says to use certified copies of key documents as proof when you notify agencies.

Priority 2: Do next

Once Social Security has your new name, these come next.

U.S. Passport

If you have a passport, update it after your name change. If your passport was issued less than 1 year ago and your name legally changed after it was issued, Form DS-5504 has no fee (State Department). To find out which passport form applies to you and what you'll pay, use the State Department's passport fee calculator and form guide. Our passport name change guide links to the State Department's official passport form pages.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

There's no IRS name-change form. Every name on your tax return must match SSA's records, so if SSA doesn't have your new name yet, the IRS says to file with your former name. (Form 8822 is for address changes only.)

U.S. Postal Service

USAGov says to report a name change to your local post office. If you're also moving, USPS's online change of address costs $1.25 for the identity check. Visit our USPS name change guide for details on updating mail forwarding and P.O. box services.

Banks and Credit Unions

Update your checking accounts, savings accounts, and debit cards. Ask your bank what it needs. Our bank name change guide covers what to bring and how to update online banking access.

Employer and Payroll

Notify your HR department to update payroll records, health insurance, retirement accounts (401k, pension), and employee ID. If a W-2 shows your old name, the IRS says to ask your employer to file a corrected form that matches your Social Security card.

Priority 3: Do When Ready

Work through these as accounts come up.

Credit Cards and Loans

Update credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and student loans. Contact customer service or update through online accounts. Our credit card name change guide has more.

Insurance Policies

Update auto insurance, health insurance, life insurance, renters or homeowners insurance, and disability insurance. Contact your insurance agent or update through online portals.

Professional and Educational Records

Update professional licenses, certifications, alumni records, and educational transcripts. Contact licensing boards and your alma mater's registrar office.

Complete Name Change Checklist

Use this comprehensive checklist to track your progress. Print it out or save this page to check off each item as you complete it.

☐ Where	What to have ready
☐ Social Security Administration	Replacement card request, online or at an office (no fee)
☐ Department of Motor Vehicles	Proof of your new name; Social Security updated first
☐ Voter Registration	Update through vote.gov or your state election office
☐ Internal Revenue Service	No IRS form; file in the name SSA has
☐ U.S. Postal Service	Visit your local post office; change of address online ($1.25) if moving
☐ Primary Bank/Credit Union	Account number; ask the bank what it needs
☐ Employer/Payroll	Your new name as shown by SSA; corrected W-2 if needed
☐ Health Insurance	Member ID; ask the insurer what it needs
☐ Credit Cards	Account number; ask the issuer what it needs
☐ Auto Insurance	Policy number, new driver's license info
☐ Homeowners/Renters Insurance	Policy number, updated contact information
☐ Life Insurance	Policy number, beneficiary updates if needed
☐ 401(k)/Retirement Accounts	Account numbers, beneficiary updates
☐ Student Loans	Account numbers, contact loan servicer
☐ Mortgage/Auto Loans	Loan numbers, contact lender
☐ Electric/Gas Utilities	Account numbers, billing address
☐ Phone/Internet Provider	Account numbers, update billing info
☐ Streaming Services	Login credentials, payment method updates
☐ Amazon/Online Shopping	Account settings, shipping addresses
☐ Professional Licenses	License numbers, contact licensing board
☐ Alumni Records	Student ID, contact registrar office
☐ Social Media Accounts	Update profile names and handles
☐ Email Accounts	Update your display name and signature
☐ Doctor/Medical Providers	Insurance cards, appointment scheduling
☐ Pharmacy	Insurance information, prescription labels

Tips for Working Through Your Checklist

Tackle this name change checklist in chunks rather than all at once. Start with Priority 1, then work down the list. Keep a folder with multiple copies of your name change document — you'll need them for various agencies.

Calling ahead to ask what documents they want can save a trip.

Consider the timing of automatic payments and direct deposits. If you update your bank account name, notify your employer before your next paycheck to avoid delays. Similarly, update subscription services before their next billing cycle to prevent payment issues.

Don't forget about accounts you rarely use — old investment accounts, dormant social media profiles, or subscription services you've forgotten about. These can cause confusion later if left unchanged.

Sources (checked 2026-10-23)

• USAGov: name change
• USAGov: change voter registration
• Social Security: change name
• Social Security: replace card
• State Dept: change or correct a passport
• California DMV: update your DL/ID
• IRS: name changes and SSN matching FAQ
• IRS: about Form 8822
• USPS: change of address
• California Courts: update your documents

Last checked: 2026-10-23