How to Change Your Name After the Wedding in 2025: A Guide for Santa Rosa and Escambia County Brides, Marriage Licenses.
Congratulations on becoming a new Mrs.! Changing your name after your wedding in Santa Rosa County or Escambia County, Florida, is an exciting step but can feel overwhelming with all the paperwork involved. Here’s a streamlined guide to help you through the process while navigating the local requirements in these counties.
1. Get Your Certified Marriage License/Certificate
Before you can change your name, you’ll need an official certified copy of your marriage certificate. This is your legal proof of marriage and will be required when updating your name on all important documents.
For Santa Rosa County Brides: You can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court. You can request it online or visit their office.
For Escambia County Brides: Similarly, you can obtain a copy through the Escambia County Clerk of Court in person, online, or by mail. Super easy location fo ryour marriage license.
Pro tip: Order a few copies since you’ll need to provide the original to multiple institutions.
2. Update Your Social Security Card
After you’ve received your marriage certificate, the next step is to change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). This must be done before updating any other documents.
Steps:
Complete the SS-5 form, which can be downloaded from the SSA website or picked up at your local SSA office.
Provide your certified marriage certificate, current Social Security card, and an ID (driver’s license, passport).
Submit the form and documents either by mail or in person at the Pensacola Social Security Office (serving Escambia County) or the Santa Rosa Social Security Office.
Processing Time: Expect to receive your new Social Security card with your updated name in about 10–14 business days. Your number will remain the same.
3. Update Your Florida Driver’s License
Once your Social Security card is updated, head to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) to update your driver’s license.
Steps:
Bring your certified marriage certificate, new Social Security card, and your current driver’s license.
You’ll also need to fill out a name change form at the DMV. Both Santa Rosa County and Escambia County have DMV offices where you can complete this process in person.
Pro tip: Some local offices, like the one in Milton (Santa Rosa County) and Pensacola (Escambia County), allow you to schedule an appointment online, reducing your wait time.
4. Update Your Passport
If you plan on traveling, your passport also needs to reflect your new name.
If your passport is less than a year old: You can change your name without a fee. Use Form DS-5504 and mail it with your marriage certificate and passport.
If your passport is older than a year: You’ll need to submit Form DS-82, along with the renewal fee, and your marriage certificate.
Note: Passport processing usually takes 6-8 weeks, but you can expedite it for faster service.
5. Update Your Bank Accounts and Credit Cards
Now that your ID and Social Security card are updated, it’s time to tackle your bank accounts and credit cards.
Steps:
Visit your local branch (most major banks have branches in Santa Rosa and Escambia County) and bring your marriage certificate, new ID, and new Social Security card.
For credit cards, you can either call the customer service number or request the name change online, often requiring a copy of your marriage certificate.
6. Update Your Insurance Policies
Don’t forget to update your name with all of your insurance providers. Whether it’s health, auto, or life insurance, it’s important to keep these up to date.
Health Insurance: Contact your provider (especially if your employer manages your health benefits).
Auto Insurance: Call your provider or update your information online.
Life Insurance: Update your name with your life insurance company and review beneficiary details if needed.
7. Notify Your Employer
Ensure your employer has your updated name for payroll, benefits, and taxes.
Steps:
Provide your HR department with your new Social Security card and marriage certificate.
Update your name in all internal systems (email, ID badge, etc.).
8. Update Legal Documents and Registrations
Other legal documents and registrations you might need to update include:
Car title and registration: Head to your local DMV or tax collector's office in Santa Rosa or Escambia County.
Mortgage or lease agreements
Voter registration: You can update your voter registration online through the Florida Department of State or at your local elections office.
Wills and estate documents
Professional licenses (if applicable to your profession)
9. Update Your Online Accounts
Don’t forget about your digital life. Update your name on social media, email accounts, and online subscriptions.
Accounts to consider: Amazon, Netflix, frequent flyer accounts, utility bills, and any memberships you have in your local area.
10. Order New Checks and Address Labels
Once your bank account is updated, don’t forget to order new checks and address labels with your new name.
Local Resources for Name Changes in Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court: Visit Website
Escambia County Clerk of Court: Visit Website
Florida DMV for Appointments: Visit DMV Website
Social Security Office: Locate your nearest SSA office in Pensacola or Milton.
Conclusion
Changing your name after the wedding can feel like a big task, but by following this guide, you’ll navigate the process smoothly. Start with your marriage certificate, then work through your Social Security card, driver’s license, and everything else. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying life as a new Mrs.!
Comments