Lesson Three: The Great Name Change: Part 1

Well, if that title didn't scare you away with it's longness and clunkyness, then continue on into the land of name changes.

While on my honeymoon I was so excited that when I got back I would be able to change my name. My new last name made me giddy with anticipation to make it legal. So after a two and a half week plus honeymoon, Luke and I reentered "normal" life. I had expected to find the marriage certificate waiting for me at home, along with all the other mail that piled up. However, it wasn't there. Disappointed, I continued on, sure that it would come soon. After nearly four weeks of being a Mrs. I was anxious to get my name legal. There's just something about that shiny new license with the beautiful new name that is now yours. And I wanted that. My new name, in all its glory.

Finally, I did a google search, like any good bride would do. "How long does it take to get a marriage license back?"

The answers ranged from one week (oh, and all the jealousy that aroused from that) to four weeks. So, I girded myself up and said, "Ok, well, I'm going to give them a few more days."

A few more days passed.

No marriage certificate.

I decided that I had to do something. No longer would I sit and wait for my marriage certificate to come. Facing my fear of calling people out of the blue, I called the County Clerk and Recorder's office.

After talking to one person, who transferred me to another person, I finally got to talk to someone who was at least somewhat helpful.

Something hadn't been filled out right, which meant that they sent the marriage license back to our house to get completely filled out. However, they had sent it about a week or so before, and I had not received it. So she said to wait through the weekend and then call her back if I hadn't gotten it.

Exasperated after a weekend of waiting and nothing coming, I called her back.

She had received it back as undeliverable. Thankfully, she was able to fill in the missing information and then she would be able to record it. She also said that she would call me when it was done so that I could pick it up instead of mailing it back. I jumped on that opportunity. I wasn't willing to trust the mail yet.

The next day the lady called against to say that it would be ready to pick up the following day! I was exuberant. Finally, I would begin to tread the crazy path called name changing!

The next day I picked up my beautiful marriage certificate (which, in case you don't know is what the marriage license is called after it has been recorded and filled out) and the four certified copies.

With my key to name changing in my hand, the next day I set out for the Social Security office. I was incredibly nervous. I had heard so many different things about what you needed, what to do, etc. etc. etc.

I filled out the form that everyone said that I needed, and then stressed because one person had said that I needed to have an old and new license with my old and new names on it. But the DMV said that I had to go to the Social Security office and get that changed first. I made sure that I had my birth certificate, social security card, license, and form all filled out with the information that someone had said that I didn't need. But I wanted to be completely prepared. I didn't want to be turned away and told that I had to come back with something else, and my elusive, glorious name change would elude me more.

Now, since I'm being honest, I must say that situations like going into a strange place, all by myself, not knowing what to expect or what to do, terrifies me. So, I was nervous to say the least. Pulling into the parking lot at the Social Security office, I looked up at the office building with the words SOCIAL SECURITY across them. Breathing in, I entered the building. I followed the signs to the second floor and through a door that had a million notices on it. The only one I noticed was the one that said if you have the flu, go away. Since I didn't have the flu, I continued on. A sign directed me to a computer. It told me to press a button based upon which item of business I was there for.

A moment of panic rose in me. What was I there for? Not that option. Not that one. Not that one. Oh! Replacement card or change on the card. Yes! I pressed it and was printed out a ticket with a number on it - and an estimated wait time. 24 minutes. My confidence rising a little, I made my way to one of those plastic chairs that grace almost every waiting office like the Social Security and DMV. Taking out my Agatha Christie novel, I concentrated on that. I pride myself in the fact that I looked poised, old, and married. I looked like I new what I was doing. Of course I grace the Social Security office with my presence frequently. I know exactly what I'm doing. But, I must admit, inside I was worrying. Did I actually press the right button? Do I have the right number? I remembered my wallet, right? Is my form filled out right? Worrying and reading, the time passed quickly and my number was called.

I walked, confidently outside - quaking inside.

"Hello. Do you have your ticket?" The lady behind the glass asked, sounding devoid of all interest and certainly not caring a wit about the importance of this moment.

I handed my ticket to her.

"So you want a replacement card?" The woman asked, dryly.

"Oh, no. No. I need to do a name change. I just got married!" I beamed. Surely she would realize the excitement of that.

"Social number?"

Of course, I'm not THAT blond, so I won't tell you what I responded to that.

"Marriage license and driver's license."

I handed them over, waiting for her to ask for my form and my birth certificate and make a huge deal about something.

She typed away at her computer.

"Just going straight to Porter?"

"Yes!"

She typed again.

"Is this address right?"

"Yes." (For now, until we have a house...but that's another blog post.)

She pushed a piece of paper through the hole in the glass.

"Read that. Is it spelled right?"

I glanced over the jumble of words and information on the paper, trying to understand it.

"Uh, yes." I responded, handing it back to her.

She then proceeded to speak faster than anyone I've ever heard talk before. She was also behind a glass thing. But I did catch something about this information being accurate to my knowledge and something about perjury.

"Yes." I meekly responded. It was accurate to my knowledge.

She stamped another piece of paper and handed it through the window.

"You'll get your new card in about 2 weeks."

I stared at her. She turned away.

She was done with me. That was it. I was done.

I looked down at the paper in my hands. There was my name at the top. My new, married, wonderful name!

"Thank you!" I said, rushing from the room.

That was the least painful process I'd had when dealing with a government agency. And my name, at least in Social Security, was now changed!

So, my lesson this time, is two-fold.

Lesson Three A: When filling out your marriage license, make sure you fill it all out.

Lesson Three B: When changing your last name because of marriage - first of all, don't freak out! It's pretty easy. Also, I won't even begin to give advice. My experience was quick, easy, painless, and I barely needed anything. But it might be different for you! So, my lesson is to be calm and collected - and enjoy it!

P.S. I learned one more thing from this blog, too! I can't spell license to save my life. Good thing for spell check!