Image: Created by Karl
It’s a pretty typical thing to take your husband’s surname after you say “I Do”, with most brides not giving it a second thought. But, are you unsure about giving away your maiden name? Today we look at your options and what you need to do if you want to change your name.
If you have a really cool surname that you love and after you get married would be taking with a less than funky name, having doubts about changing it might be on your radar- which is totally okay, by the way. There is absolutely no legal requirement to take on your husband’s name, other than it is traditionally what most brides have done in the past, and what most brides still do.
Image: Suzanne Black Photography
So, you have three options:
1. Take his surname;
2. Keep your own maiden name or
3. Double barrel your name, joining your own with your husband’s.
If you feel strongly about keeping your own name, we suggest (to avoid upset in the future) that you let your husband-to-be know your plans and your reasons for your decision as early as possible. It is a completely personal decision and one that only you can make, so if you have any doubts about it, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to consider your options.
If you do choose to take your husband’s surname, you do not need to execute a deed poll change in Ireland, as your marriage certificate is evidence of your name change. For further info visit here.
So here’s a list of things you may need to change:
You should bear in mind, you will need your original marriage certificate to change your name with most of the organisations listed below, so your best option is to go with one at a time!
- Bank Account
Changing your bank account details is especially important if you share a joint account with your other half. You might find you receive wedding gifts on your day in the form of cheques made out to Mr & Mrs X, until you change your name you won’t be able to lodge them, so give this priority!
- Revenue
You can call Revenue at any time after your wedding to inform them of your name change, but do remember you will continue to be taxed as a single person for your first year of marriage. For more information visit Revenue.ie.
- Passport
You can no longer replace your existing passport with your new married name, instead you have to apply for a new passport – find out all the details on renewing your passport here.
- Driving License
Whilst by law you should always carry your license, you are not required to have it changed to your married name, unless you choose to, but it is best to keep your information up to date. To change your name you have to apply through one of the NDLS centres with your original marriage certificate. Find out all the details on changing your license details here.
- Professional Life
You may have qualifications or a career associated with your maiden name. There is no reason for this to change, just like many doctors keep their maiden name, throughout their career, so too can you. If you do decide to change to your married name at work, remember to update your emails and email signatures. If you are a member of any professional societies, you should contact these individually to update your details.
- Facebook and other Social Media
Okay, so it is not required but many people love changing their Facebook status to ‘married’ and using their new surname – the change will certainly get you lots of comments and likes!
Phew, maybe keeping your maiden name is the easiest option!! But, certainly, if you have any major doubts on your new name, we suggest you think long and hard on the matter. You could pop over to our community forums where you will find lots of advice and opinions from brides in a similar situation.
Did we miss anything? Let us know about your experience or decision by leaving a comment below.
