Now that your ceremony is behind you and you’re embarking on married life, it’s time to tackle the final wedding tasks. Don’t worry, these are probably not as extensive as the ones leading up to your wedding. But when it comes to setting a solid foundation for your future together, they may be even more important. If you’re unsure about what legal things to do after getting married, a checklist can help finalize the details. Remember to keep the original marriage certificate in a secure and safe place. In this article, we’ll be discussing all the legal things to do after getting married in the United States
Updating your Social Security Card
Changing your name is a significant life event that requires important legal procedures to be followed. One of the most important steps in the process is changing your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). This is because other entities will refer to the SSA’s database before approving your name change on other documents, such as your passport. Keep in mind that your name has not legally changed until you change it with the SSA. To apply for a name change on your Social Security card, you need to fill out Form SS-5 and submit it to your local SSA office.
Along with the form, you will need to provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate, a valid identity document, and sometimes proof of your U.S. citizenship or lawful residence status. If you have a U.S. passport, you can use it as both your valid identity document and proof of your U.S. citizenship.
If not, you can refer to Form SS-5 for alternative options. Remember, copies or notarized copies of these documents are not acceptable. You will need to submit original documents, such as your actual passport or a certified copy. Don’t forget to sign Form SS-5 with your new name.
More about updating your Social Security Number
You can either mail Form SS-5 and your required documents or fill the form in person. Mailing might be more convenient, but filing in person means you won’t need to put important documents in the mail. Once approved, you should receive a receipt of your name change immediately and your new Social Security card in 7-14 days. However, it may take at least a few days for the change to be fully processed and appear in the SSA’s system. It’s essential to change your name on your Social Security card because failing to do so can cause delays when filing your taxes or even reduce the amount of Social Security benefits for which you are eligible in the future. So, make sure you follow the necessary steps with the SSA to ensure a smooth name change process.
Getting a New Driver’s License or State ID
If you have changed your name with the Social Security Administration, the next step is to update your driver’s license or state identification card at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state. If you have moved, you may also need to update your address.
You can find more information on the application requirements on your specific state’s DMV website. However, you will likely need to bring your new Social Security card, your current driver’s license or state identification card, an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, and proof of your address, such as a piece of mail. If you have changed your name more than once, you may need to bring additional documents like previous marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders to connect your birth name to your new name.
Starting May 7, 2025, air travelers will need to present a Real ID or another approved form of identification, such as a U.S. passport, for domestic air travel. A standard driver’s license will no longer be accepted. If you plan to use air travel in the future, now might be a good time to upgrade to a Real ID. Keep in mind that the requirements for a Real ID may be different from those for a standard ID.
Application for a new passport
If you’ve changed your name, you will be required to update it on your passport. Moreover, you will be using your marriage certificate or a certified copy for the issuance of your new passport after marriage.
If you have a passport that needs to be updated, the process can vary depending on how long ago it was issued. For passports issued less than a year ago, you may be able to update them for free using Form DS-5504. Moreover, for passports issued more than a year ago, Form DS-82 is the appropriate form to use. However, if your passport was issued over 15 years ago or there is another reason why you need to apply in person, you will need to use Form DS-11. In such cases, you will need to provide additional supporting documents, such as proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of identity.
Updating bank accounts
If you have recently undergone a name change due to marriage, it is important to update your bank accounts accordingly. Apart from updating your name, you may also need to add or modify beneficiary information. To ensure that your spouse has access to your bank accounts in case of your unfortunate demise. Moreover, you can fill out payable-on-death (POD) paperwork.
Additionally, you will need to obtain an updated photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, along with your marriage certificate or a certified copy. This will help you obtain new cards and checks that reflect your new name and address. Moreover, if you wish to open a joint account with your new spouse or add them to an existing account, you may need to visit the bank and bring them along.
The process may vary depending on the bank, but it should be relatively straightforward. For more information, you can contact the bank’s customer service number, which is usually located on the back of your bank card.
Updating your creditors
If you have credit cards, a mortgage, a lease, a car loan, or any other account with a creditor, it’s important to update your information and consider adding your new spouse to some of these accounts. You can get a list of all your creditors by pulling your credit report from one or more of the big three agencies at annualcreditreport.com.
If you changed your name, you can update it on your credit card accounts by going online or calling customer service. You might need to upload or send a copy of your photo ID and marriage certificate. Other creditors, like those who manage your home or car loan, may have similar name change processes. You don’t have to contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) directly about your name change.
The Social Security Administration will inform them of the change. Getting married or changing your name won’t affect your credit score, report, or history. Moreover, your spouse’s credit won’t affect your own unless you both apply for a loan or open an account together.
Telling your Employer
For several reasons, it can be beneficial to inform your employer about your recent marriage. If you have changed your name, it’s important to ensure that their payroll system reflects the change so that you receive your pay without any issues. Additionally, you should ensure that the name on any W-2s or 1099s that you receive from your employer at the end of the year matches the name on your new Social Security card. If your name is incorrect on any of these forms.
Moreover, you may face difficulty filing your taxes. In that case, you can request your employer to issue a corrected copy. After getting married, you should also consider your tax withholding. Marriage may cause you to move into a higher tax bracket, so you may want to use the IRS tax withholding estimator to estimate your federal income tax withholding. Moreover, if you need to adjust your withholding. You must fill out a new Form W-4 and give it to your employer within 10 days.
Updating other records with your employer is another reason why you should inform them of your marriage. For instance, you may want to provide your new emergency contact information or update your direct deposit information. If you are opening a new bank account. Additionally, your employer may offer benefits and programs to your spouse. Such as health insurance, so you should tell them about your marriage to take advantage of these benefits.Updating estate planning documents
Getting married is a significant life event that requires careful consideration of various legal and financial matters, including estate planning. Estate planning is crucial as it ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. It is essential to review your estate planning documents, such as wills or trusts.
After getting married, ensure that they reflect your new spouse’s role in your life. Although most states allow spouses to inherit from each other without estate planning documents. Moreover, it is still advisable to have these documents in place to avoid leaving your assets to chance. Additionally, getting married may prompt you to think about leaving your assets to other important people in your life. Or creating a will if you haven’t done so already.
Apprising your Voter Registration
If you have changed your name or address after marriage. You’ll have to update your voter registration on vote.gov or by using the National Voter Registration Application Form. Moreover, if you’re someone from New Hampshire, then you’ll have to follow the state’s procedure to change your voter information.
Similarly, Wyoming has no provision for mail registration. Lastly, North Dakota has no voter registration process.
Deadlines and registration processes tend to vary from state to state in the United States. Due to this, you’ve to make sure to keep yourself updated on your state’s process of voter registration.
Last Words
After tying the knot in the US. There are several legal things to do after getting married that need to be taken care of. These formalities involve updating your state-issued identification documents, registering to vote, and making necessary changes to your insurance policies. It’s important to note that failing to complete these legal procedures can result in unwanted complications in the future. Therefore, it’s essential to stay organized. And take the necessary steps to ensure that all legal requirements are met after getting married.
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