I brought my official paid paperwork, along with my marriage certificate to the DMV and all they needed was the marriage certificate. The associate typed in my new info off the certificate and then I signed Lisa Cuffe and paid $5 -THAT WAS IT! They didn't need the document I filled out online :(
With my credit cards all I had to do was call them to change my name - no paperwork needed.
As far as my social security card goes, the office is only open M-F 9am-3:30pm, so I will have to mail that form in eventually. However, I can fill out the form for free online.
So my advice to all my newlywed friends is to call every place that you need to change your name with FIRST, before you buy any Name Change packages anywhere. Save your money :)
I remember how I used to practice writing my name as Lisa Cuffe when I was dating William in college, but as his fiancé, I never really practiced it. Then I'm at the DMV and suddenly the lady asks me to sign my name and I stared at her like a deer in headlights and said, "Which name do I sign? My new one or my old?" I was instantly freaked out and forced to sign a new name and she said, "Sign your new married name." So I signed Lisa is cursive and then slowly sign Cuffe after. I was so careful to make sure that all the letters were legible.
I bring home my new license and William wants to see it right away! He then laughed when he saw my signature and said I need to practice it.
Oh, BTW ladies - When you change your name on your license, you also have to take a new photo, which I didn't know, so I was a little perturbed because I had thrown my hair up in a ponytail and only had mascara on. I know none else really cares and the photos aren't HD quality, but I've always prided myself of getting all gorgeous for the DMV so that my license looks awesome. I mean, I want my form of ID to be awesome - after all, it represents me ;)
