How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Idaho

Changing My Name After Marriage In Idaho

When people marry, they may decide to adopt a uniform family identity. This decision requires at least one spouse to make a name change, which must be uniform across Idaho and federal databases. The guidelines for updating a name vary with the entity in charge of the individual's records. Regardless, foremost on the individual's to-do list must be obtaining a certified marriage certificate from the Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. If the marriage certificate does not contain the new name, such a person must obtain a court order from the Idaho judiciary.

In order to process a name change request, interested and eligible persons must query the relevant court custodians for their Idaho marriage record. These records provide legal proof of the requestors new marital status, and may be relevant for facilitating various other legal processes.

How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Idaho

When changing to a new name legally, the individual will need to do the following:

• Get an Idaho proof of name change document, i.e., a marriage certificate or court order.
• Update their Social Security number by notifying the Social Security Administration.
• Update their Idaho driver's license, vehicle title, and registration with the new name.
• Update their passport and other travel documents.
• Notify other government agencies and service providers, including banks, mortgage, and utility companies.

How to Update Your Social Security Card in Idaho?

When a person changes their name either through marriage or by court order, they will also need to change their Social Security card. They can achieve this by contacting the Social Security Administration SSA and apply for a corrected card. Applications are in person and via mail submissions only. The SSA does not charge a fee for updating Social Security information.

The individual must present a certified copy of their marriage certificate or court order granting a request for a change of name. Also, they need documents to prove their identity, like their birth certificate. The name on the identification must be the same as it appears on their current social security record. The office may need to further confirm their identity by requesting proof of citizenship or lawful resident status. The applicant must download and fill out an Application for a Social Security Card with their new name and birth name.

Upon completing the application form, the applicant can send the form and all necessary documents in a self-addressed envelope to the relevant local Social Security office. To simplify their search, they can use their zip code. Otherwise, they can take the form and a valid photo ID to their local social security office. If they have further questions on how to submit a request, they can use the instructional page or read their pamphlet. Persons with inquiries can call the national helpline on (800) 772-1213 (toll-free) or (800) 325-0778 (TTY).

When the Social Security Administration receives the application, the agency will review and issue a new card. The processing time for a new social security card may take two to four months, depending on the administrative workload. Ergo, concerned persons must start as soon as possible.

How to Get a New Driver's License in Idaho?

The applicant must first receive confirmation from the Social Security Administration of the change of name on the social security card. Once they confirm, the applicant will need to change their name on their driver's license. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles does not make name changes online. Instead, the driver must visit their County Sheriff's DMV office in person with the following:

• Current Idaho driver's license
• Updated social security card
• Marriage certificate or court order
• Proof of identity (birth certificate)
• Payment for the renewal fee

For instance, to update your driver's license in Ada county, book an appointment with Ada County Sheriff's Office and visit with the above-listed documents. For further questions on how to change the name on a driver's license, contact the relevant county Sheriff's DMV office using this county directory.

How to Update Your Insurance Information in Idaho?

The Idaho Department of Insurance regulates all registered insurance providers of automobile, health, homeowner, life and annuities, and other types of insurance. When a policyholder changes their name either after marriage or by court order, they must inform their insurance provider to continue enjoying the insurance benefits. The insurance company will provide such individuals with the relevant form and require a certified copy of a marriage certificate or court order. Anyone updating their insurance profile with their insurance provider can start within a reasonable time to avoid unnecessary delays. Use the Insurance Company and Producer Search to find the contact information of approved insurance providers in Idaho.

Likewise, an independent producer may update name changes with the individual name change form. As usual, the producer must attach the following documents:

• Marriage certificate or court judgment
• Driver's license
• Passport, or legal order.

Upon completing the form, they must send the form via fax to (208) 334-4398 or email. For further questions, contact the producer licensing Department at (208) 334-4250 or via email.

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

Visit the District Court in the county of residence and submit a petition seeking a name change. According to court instructions, the applicant will need to fill the following forms:

• General Civil Case Information Sheet form
• Unredacted Petition for Name Change (Adult or Emancipated Minor)
• Redacted Petition for Name Change (Adult or Emancipated Minor)
• Notice of Hearing On Petition for Name Change (Adult)

Then the applicant will need to take the following steps:

1. Complete the application form

   When the applicant downloads the relevant application form, they must complete it by filling in the appropriate information. The applicant must sign and date the petition to certify that all information is accurate and correct. The court requires the applicant to copy all documents submitted and submit the original at the Clerk's Office. After submission, the applicant must pay the necessary filing fees) payable in cash or money order or apply for a fee waiver. After that, the Court Clerk shall set a hearing date.

2. Publication in an approved newspaper

   Courts also require applicants to publish a name change hearing notice with an approved newspaper by signing a Letter Requesting Publication of Notice. The petitioner must send the letter and a copy of their Notice of Hearing to the county designated newspaper. It is why an individual must set a hearing date at least six weeks from the day of filing their application to allow enough time for the newspaper to publish the notice. The newspaper publishes the notice once a week for four successive weeks. Upon completion, the newspaper sends the applicant an Affidavit of Publication, which they must forward to the Court Clerk for filing.

3. Attending the court hearing

   Per Idaho Code §7-804, the applicant (petitioner) must attend the court hearing. The applicant must bring the original Judgment for Name Change (Adult), and other copies as the applicant may require certification. The applicant will need the certified copies when applying for a new social security number, driver's license, and other agencies. During the hearing, the court may examine the applicant on oath, and the judge signs the judgment form if no one objects. The applicant can apply for certified copies from the court Clerk's office after the judge signs the judgment. Certified copies cost 50 cents per page and an additional $1 if it carries a seal. If the applicant did not make copies initially, they would need to pay $1 per page and $1 for the seal.

How to Update Information with Idaho Mortgage and Utility Companies?

The homeowner must provide the mortgage company with some information and take the following steps to reflect their new name on their deed of mortgage:

• Obtain a copy of your marriage license or court judgment.
• Contact the mortgage company to request information about changing the loan into their new name.

The mortgage company will require some information from the individual. They will provide the individual with a name change document(s). Some of these mortgage companies may accept online services, while some may require that the individual execute the document in person.

There are various mortgage companies in the state. Contact the relevant mortgage provider for the necessary steps to take to reflect the new legal name.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commissions regulates investor-owned or privately-owned utility companies that provide electricity, telecommunications, water, gas, rail safety, pipeline safety. To effect a change of name, the individual will need to contact the utility companies to inform them about the new development. Some of these companies make the change over a phone call; some require the individual to fill out some form via mail; others require the customer to make an in-person visit. In any way, the individual must have their certified marriage certificate or court order. Some utility companies also maintain an online platform that allows their customers to update their billing information on their account setting dashboard. For more information, contact the relevant utility company.

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

Generally, residents who wish to make a name change after marriage will need the following documents:

• Certified marriage certificate
• A new proof of identification (social security card, driver's license, state ID, or passport)
• Proof of age (adoption decree, hospital record, or birth certificate)
• Old identification documents in the applicant's possession (birth certificate)

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

The Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics provides requesters with certified copies of their marriage certificates via mail. The Bureau requires the requester to download and complete the Certificate Request Form (Spanish version available).

Alternatively, the requester can send a signed letter containing all the necessary and appropriate information. The requester must attach a photocopy of their current driver's license showing their signature and expiration date. The Bureau also accepts other acceptable identification. The Bureau charges for the certificate fee payable with a check or money order to Idaho Vital Records. Send the complete form and other documents, including the fee payable, via mail to:

Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036
Phone: (208) 334-5980

If the requester wants a RUSH processing option, they may consult the Processing Times and Fees page for more information.

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 Idaho?

The US Department of State issues new passports and renews passports for residents of Idaho. The Department provides instructions for a name change after marriage or court order. Generally, an individual who changes their name can request a new passport by following these instructions:

• Download and complete the applicable application form
• Attach your most recent US passport
• Attach the certified marriage certificate from the Health Departments or court judgment from the District Court.
• Attach one color passport photo (see acceptable photos)

All this document and the application form must be sent in a self-addressed stamped envelope via USPS, UPS, FedEx, or DHL to the P.O. Box address on the application form.

The Department may use ten to twelve weeks to process the request for a passport. They do, however, offer expedited service if the requester qualifies. In the meantime, a requester may travel using any of these travel documents:

• PAN card
• State ID card
• Social security card

These three can serve as travel documents for domestic travels, Canada, Mexico, US territories, and closed-loop cruises. Also, when using these travel documents, they will need their birth certificate to serve as proof of citizenship for reentry.

How to Change Your Name on Bank Accounts in Idaho

Once an individual with a change of name gets a new Social Security Card and driver's license, they can easily apply to update their bank account details. To update their banking information, the individual may take the following steps:

• Get a certified copy of their marriage certificate or court judgment.
• Contact their financial institution or visit the nearest local branch.
• Relay their intentions to reflect their new name on all necessary bank documents.

The requester may need to fill some applicable forms or send a written request for a change. Once the bank effects the change, their new legal name will reflect on all banking instruments, including their credit or debit card and checkbooks.

Once the bank updates the name, the requester must update their new banking information with their employer by completing a new Form W-4. The Internal Revenue Service highlights the importance of a name change for tax purposes.

The individual must also update their information where they have automatic billings and subscriptions. They will do this by contacting the relevant merchant company or financial institutions providing these services. Some of these companies afford a secure online platform that enables the individual to update quickly. In contrast, some may require a formal written request to be sent to the relevant address. For more information, contact the relevant financial institution.

Even though not a compulsory requirement, an individual may update their new name using Form I-9 for re-verification with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The individual must state the original hire date in Section 2, attach their old form, a written explanation for the change, and a copy of the certified marriage certificate or court judgment.

According to the Idaho State Tax Commission, Idaho is a community property state. That is, the property and income that the spouses in a marriage acquire during their marriage. The spouses will settle all debt incurred, even the one they did not incur directly. That is, creditors may take debt recovery actions against either partner once they marry. Also, a spouse who has a credit card may provide their partner's financial information for automatic debt repayment unless the couple already agreed in writing to let the income fall under the separate property.

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

It depends. Each request may take different processing times, which is dependent on various factors. The agencies where the individual has to update their new name has varying processing time. For instance, the Social Security Administration may take between two to four months to process an application to update a social security card.

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

As short as four weeks. However, most people take an average of six (6) months to complete the name change across private and public databases.

Generally, the process to update the different agencies may take several months, and this is also dependent on the time within which they initiate the process. For instance, legally changing a name by filing a petition at the court may take up to six months, depending on the county and courthouse. Then an individual still has to update their name with the Social Security Administration to be issued a new social security card. The processing time for each agency varies.

This delay is one reason why persons who intend to make a name change hire a family law attorney or an independent service provider to fast-track the process. Either way, note that changing names does not come cheap, even when a person does it without professional assistance.