NewlyNamed FAQ
Who is NewlyNamed for?
NewlyNamed is focused on helping anyone change their name due to marriage or divorce.
We also support court-ordered name changes (first, middle, and last) if you have already obtained your court order.
Our name change kits assume you already have a legal name change document for your desired name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
How does NewlyNamed work?
Step 1: Select the name change kit that works best for you (NewlyNamed Box or Print at Home).
Step 2: You will then fill out a form with your basic personal information and select your personal accounts (banks, credit cards, loyalty programs, etc.). We will never ask you to enter sensitive information like your Social Security number, Passport number, account numbers, etc.
Step 3: Our software goes to work and creates your personalized name change kit.
Step 4: You’ll receive your name change kit via mail (NewlyNamed Box) or downloadable PDF (Print at Home). Your kit includes applications (social security, passport, driver’s license, voter registration, etc.) and step-by-step instructions so you can confidently complete your name change.
Step 5: Sign, date and submit each application. The step-by-step instructions in the kit will guide you through your entire name change.
How much time will I save using NewlyNamed?
You will save a significant amount of time. Our team has thoroughly researched your specific name change, so all you need to do is follow the instructions in your kit to submit each name change. The more documents and personal accounts you select, the more time you’ll save, as we’ve already completed the research.
Our goal is to ensure that your name change is completed accurately in the shortest amount of time possible.
What do I need to use NewlyNamed?
You need a marriage certificate (if married), a divorce decree (if divorced), or a court order (if you are changing your first name or creating a new name).
If divorced, your divorce decree must state that you are able to change your name to a previous name (i.e. birth name or maiden name).
I'm engaged. When should I buy NewlyNamed?
You can purchase a NewlyNamed before or after your wedding. However, you will need to wait until you receive your marriage certificate before starting the name change process using your NewlyNamed name change kit. Most couples receive their marriage certificate 1-2 weeks after their wedding.
I got married (or divorced) a while ago. Will NewlyNamed work for me?
You can purchase a NewlyNamed before or after your wedding. However, you will need to wait until you receive your marriage certificate before starting the name change process using your NewlyNamed name change kit. Most couples receive their marriage certificate 1-2 weeks after their wedding.
How long will it take to change my name?
You should be able to complete your name change within 2 weeks to 2 months. The timeline will depend on how many documents and personal accounts you need to update with your new name and the steps you take. Everyone’s situation is different.
The main factor will be whether you choose routine or expedited passport processing.
Your NewlyNamed name change kit is personalized to your specific name change and will guide you through the entire process to ensure that your name change is completed accurately in the shortest amount of time possible.
Is NewlyNamed safe?
Yes! We DO NOT collect any sensitive personal information (such as your Social Security number, passport number, driver’s license number, financial account numbers, etc.) when creating your name change kit.
Additionally, our website is secured with 128-bit SSL encryption and we have active security monitoring. We take security seriously and follow all the latest security guidelines to ensure your information is secure.
What personal information do you need from me?
We ask for basic information like name, address, date of birth, height, and hair color. We will never ask you for sensitive information like your social security number, passport number, driver’s license number, account numbers, etc.
What are my married middle and last name change options?
Your legal name change document is your marriage certificate.
If your marriage certificate lists a Married Name/Surname, then this is the only name you can change to.
If your marriage certificate does not list a Married Name, then you have the following last and middle name options:
Married Last name options:
- Take your spouse’s last name
- Hyphenate your current last name with your spouse’s last name
- Create a non-hyphenated double last name using your current last name and your spouse’s last name
Married Middle name options:
- Keep your current middle name
- Replace your current middle name with your maiden last name (note, if you don’t have a middle name you can move your maiden last name to create a new middle name)
- Create a double middle name using your current middle name and your maiden last name
Can I use NewlyNamed to change my first name?
Yes! As long as you have already obtained a court order through your city/county courthouse OR if your marriage certificate lists your desired first name as your married first name.
If you’re changing your name due to marriage, your marriage certificate must list your desired first name as your married first name. If it doesn’t, you will need to obtain a court order before starting the name change process.
Our name change kits assume you have your legal name change document (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree) in your physical possession.
I'm moving. Can I change my name and address at the same time?
Yes! Your name change kit will help you update your name and address at the same time. If you moved to a new state, your name change kit will walk you through the process of obtaining the proper documents for your new state. You do not need to change your name in your old state before moving. You can obtain a driver’s license in your new name by submitting your current driver’s license in your old/maiden name.
I have a flight booked in my old/maiden name. When should I start?
Don’t stress! You can start your name change now even if you have future travel plans. NewlyNamed will guide you through the entire process!
If you have international travel booked in your old/maiden name:
You can start changing your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and your DMV now, but you must wait until you return home from your trips before updating your passport. The name on your passport must match your travel reservations/boarding pass. Your current passport in your old/maiden name will remain valid until its expiration date even if you update your name with the SSA or your DMV.
If you have domestic travel booked in your old/maiden name:
You can start changing your name with the SSA now, but you must wait to update your passport OR REAL ID driver’s license until you have returned from any travel booked in your maiden/old name. Your travel ID document (such as your passport or REAL ID driver’s license) must match your travel reservations/boarding pass. Your current passport and REAL ID in your old/maiden name will remain valid until its expiration date even if you update your name with the SSA.
Does NewlyNamed work in my state?
Yes! We cover all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. We’ve got everything you need for your state.
What documents do you fill out for me?
We fill out your applications for:
- Social Security
- Passport
- Voter Registration
In addition, we provide you with name change applications and instructions for your state (driver’s license, vehicle title, vehicle registration) and personal accounts (banks, credit cards, investment accounts, loyalty programs, etc.).
Will I have to pay additional fees?
We charge $39-89 for our kits. All other fees will be paid to federal and state agencies. Changing your name with the Social Security Administration is free. Renewing a passport over a year old, or applying for a first-time passport, requires a $130 fee paid directly to the U.S. State Department. Changing your name on your driver’s license, vehicle title, and vehicle registration requires additional fees which vary by state.
When will I receive my kit?
NewlyNamed Box: We will process your order in one business day. Shipping takes 2-5 business days.
Print at Home: You will receive immediate access to your name change kit.
Does NewlyNamed work for same-sex marriage name changes?
Yes! NewlyNamed works same-sex marriage name changes as long as you have a certified marriage certificate or a court order authorizing your name change. Every state has its own marriage laws and/or name change laws which you will need to follow.
I’m not a U.S. citizen. Can I use NewlyNamed?
Yes, our name change kits work for non-U.S. citizens living in the United States. However, you will need to update the name on your Green Card (or primary immigration document) before starting the name change process. NewlyNamed will assist with updating your U.S. documents and organizations. We do not assist in updating immigration documents (such as a green card) or foreign passports because we do not want to interfere with one’s immigration status or naturalization process. Our name change kits assume you already have an updated green card (or primary immigration document) showing your new name.
Can I gift a NewlyNamed Box?
Yes! You can gift a NewlyNamed Box by purchasing a NewlyNamed Box gift card. We provide gift cards because we need to collect information from the person changing their name to create their NewlyNamed Box (with a personalized name change kit inside).
Join the 350k+ NewlyNamed Community
350,000+ Happy Customers
A Message From Our Founder
Colie Christensen
Founder, NewlyNamed
"I created NewlyNamed to solve the problems I faced when changing my name. I spent hours Google searching and navigating government sites (which are a complete nightmare!) hoping I had the right forms filled out. Then I had to figure out where to go or where to mail the forms. I even took a day off work to get it done which wasn’t enough—it took weeks. NewlyNamed is here so you won't have to go through the same difficulties I did!"