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Sarah
Just Said Yes April 2019

Name Change and Real id

Sarah, on October 23, 2022 at 4:18 PM Posted in Married Life 0 6
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I am a California resident and am just looking to start the process the process of changing my last name (got married a few years ago). I however also need to at some point apply for a Real ID, but to do that I know one of the things that is required is two separate proof of residency (utilities bills, passport, etc). I'm assuming it's better to change my name first and update my normal license, bank accounts, etc. before applying for a Real ID, but that might take awhile and I don't want to deal with trying to prove who I am after having muddied the waters with introducing a new last name. Would it be better to get a Real ID under my maiden name and then change it as part of the name changing process? Has anyone had to deal with this before and have advice?

6 Comments

Latest activity by Andrew, on December 21, 2023 at 8:17 AM
  • B
    VIP July 2017
    Becky ·
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    The first thing you do is change your name with the SSA. They'll send you a new social security card. Then you can change your name with your bank, etc., so they have your new name.

    For the name change for your Real ID - you can do that while you're changing your name with most of the other stuff. They're just trying to make sure you're you (which I get, but I'm not really sure about effectiveness - a story for another day). I took my (new) SSC, my marriage certificate, a bill that had my name on it, and my birth certificate.

    If you need to renew your passport, you'll have to include your marriage certificate in the packet you send off to the state department as well.

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  • Sarah
    Just Said Yes April 2019
    Sarah ·
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    So you'd recommend changing my name prior to applying for a real ID? Or getting the real ID under my maiden name and changing it later?
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  • L
    Devoted October 2022
    Lav ·
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    Yes. You should change your name first and then apply for the real ID. Why would you want to spend $ twice if all can be done at once? The SSA is free and that should be the first thing you need to do, after that your DL Real ID, car registration and title so everything can match. After all of that it’s up to you if you want to change on your credit/debit cards. You should also change your name on your employment office because it also needs to be matching for taxes.
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  • B
    VIP July 2017
    Becky ·
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    Definitely change your name and then get your real ID

    ETA: Honestly, I didn't find the process of getting a RealID too very different from getting a regular driver's license, except that I had to bring different (extra) documents.

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  • Mcskipper
    Rockstar July 2018
    Mcskipper ·
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    Your proof of residency in your maiden name *shouldn’t* matter as long as you’re going in with your new social security card and your marriage certificate! I changed my license 2nd after getting a new social security card and ticked the box for a real ID and they checked my stuff and it was fine. They already know and are verifying that your maiden name and married name are both you. If for some reason there was any issue/policy change, they would be able to best guide you.
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  • Mrs.evans
    VIP October 2022
    Mrs.evans ·
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    Hello I live in New Jersey we have to have to social security card Marriage license and birth certificate something that has had your new name coming in 6 points. To do a name change here and it was less for me. And I got it in a week then start changing bank account etc
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