New name comes with the ring

When most women take their vows, they also take their new husband's family name. It's a time-honored tradition that still suits many brides, but it is also a choice that means you should consider all the legal requirements of a name change well before the wedding day.

When you receive your marriage license, contact your local Social Security office and Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain new identification cards. Be sure to ask your county clerk about the specific laws governing your area.There are plenty of institutions and government agencies that will need the updated name information. They include:

Employers, 401(k) or retirement accounts.
Banks, stockbrokers, credit card companies.
Post office, utility companies.
Voter registration, U.S. State Department (Passport Services).
Mortgage/deed/lease companies, insurance companies.
Personal memberships such as health or athletic clubs, schools and alumnae associations.