Changing your name following a divorce requires that you notify a number of agencies, offices, and companies, in order to change your name in every aspect of your life. Start the process by obtaining a certified copy of the decree permitting the change of name from the court clerks' office. Then, send a copy of the certified copy along with a letter asking that your name be changed. While not exhaustive, listed below are some of the common groups you should contact about your name change:
- Professional licensing boards and associations
- Drivers license bureau and state motor vehicle department.
- Social Security
- Internal Revenue Service
- Insurance carriers (life, homeowners, auto)
- Banks and credit unions
- Credit card companies, including department stores that have issued them to you
- Other creditors, such as your mortgage company, student loan source
- Library
- Subscriptions
- Utilities
- Alumni associations and service/community clubs