How to change your name in North Carolina

Many women chose the time-honored tradition of taking their husband’s name after marriage. Somewhere along the lines, most of these women will wonder why the process is so freaking complicated. Back in 1982 (when our parents married), a woman’s name was legally changed when she married. I’m all for a woman choosing to keep her maiden name or take her husband’s, but I wonder why this practice went away. Couldn’t we add a box to the marriage license that indicates which name she’ll legally use? Since we don’t do that, here’s how to change your name in North Carolina.

Your Social Security card

Changing your name in North Carolina starts with a copy of your certified marriage license (order a handful of copies and pick them up at once). Next, head to your local Social Security office. Keep in mind that not all counties have their own office (like Hoke County where I worked), and some offices schedule appointments (like Cumberland County). If you can, try to schedule an appointment. Be sure to gather all your documents and complete the application ahead of time. I drove 45 minutes from Raeford to downtown Fayetteville only to wait for an hour (then drive 45 minutes back to work for a conference call. Joy). Once my number was called, I was done within ten minutes. Your new SSA card will be mailed and should arrive in a few business days.

You driver’s license

Your next stop is the North Carolina Driver’s License center (not the license plate agency. NC has two separate centers). I stopped at the center in Raeford one day on my way home from work (instead of making an extra trip to one in Fayetteville). Since the state only issues the actual laminated card from offices in Charlotte and Raleigh, you can go to a center in any county (so I was told when I called). Again, make sure you bring all the correct documentation (to include your new SSA card). You shouldn’t have to retake the road test, but they may have you retake the vision / sign identification test. Assuming you pass, they’ll snap another photo, issue you a paper license, and send you on your merry way. Your new card should be in the mail in a few more business days.

Once you have your nice crisp SSA card and shiny driver’s license, you can visit your bank, insurance agency, etc. You also need to notify your employer, so your tax status can be changed (I didn’t really realize this. My CPA sister told me I had to). Eight months later, I still haven’t completely changed everything. Whoops.