Changing your last name after marriage is a significant and personal decision that many people consider. In Oklahoma, the process is straightforward but requires specific legal steps and associated fees. Understanding these costs and the steps involved can help you navigate the name change process smoothly. In this article, we will break down the typical expenses involved in changing your last name after marriage in Oklahoma, from legal fees to documentation, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make this change efficiently.
Understanding the Name Change Process in Oklahoma
Changing your last name after marriage in Oklahoma is primarily linked to your marriage certificate. This document serves as proof of your name change, and you will use it to update your identification and records. Here’s an overview of the process:
Marriage Certificate: After your wedding, you will need to obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This certificate is issued by the county clerk where your marriage took place. The marriage certificate acts as the legal document that allows you to request a name change on your legal documents.
Government Agencies: Once you have your marriage certificate, you will need to visit various government agencies to update your name on essential documents such as your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and bank accounts.
Filing Fees for Name Change in Oklahoma
Marriage Certificate Costs
The first expense involved in changing your name after marriage is obtaining a certified copy of your marriage certificate. In Oklahoma, marriage certificates are usually issued by the county clerk’s office, and the cost varies slightly from one county to another.
Average Cost: The cost to obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate ranges from $10 to $20, depending on the county. You may need multiple copies to update various legal documents.
Social Security Card Name Change
Changing your name on your Social Security card is a crucial step. Fortunately, this service is free in Oklahoma.
Cost: There is no fee to update your Social Security card with your new last name. You will need to complete a name change form (Form SS-5) and submit it along with a certified copy of your marriage certificate to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Driver’s License Name Change
After updating your Social Security card, you will need to visit the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) to update your driver’s license with your new last name.
Cost: The fee to update your name on your driver’s license in Oklahoma is $25. You will need to bring your current driver’s license, your new Social Security card, and your certified marriage certificate to the DPS.
Passport Name Change
If you have a U.S. passport, you will need to update it with your new last name. The fees for changing your name on your passport depend on whether you need a passport book, a passport card, or both.
Cost:
If your passport was issued less than one year ago, there is no fee to update your name.
If your passport was issued more than one year ago, the cost to update your name on a passport book is $130 for adults. If you also need a passport card, the fee is an additional $30.
See Also: Common Law Marriage in Oklahoma: Requirements, & Implications
Additional Costs to Consider
Updating Legal Documents and Accounts
Beyond your official identification documents, you will also need to update your last name on several other accounts and records, such as:
Bank Accounts and Credit Cards: Most banks do not charge a fee to update your name on your account, but you may need to provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Voter Registration: You will need to update your voter registration information, which can usually be done online or by submitting a new voter registration form at no cost.
Vehicle Title and Registration: If you own a vehicle, you will need to update the name on your vehicle title and registration with the Oklahoma Tax Commission. There is typically a small fee for updating your vehicle title and registration, which ranges from $10 to $15.
Legal Name Change Petition (If Necessary)
In some cases, individuals may want to change their last name to something other than their spouse’s last name or hyphenate both names. In these cases, a legal name change petition may be required, and the costs are higher.
Court Filing Fee: The filing fee for a name change petition in Oklahoma can range from $150 to $200, depending on the county. You may also need to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper, which could add an additional cost of $30 to $50.
Attorney Fees: If you require assistance from an attorney to file a name change petition, legal fees will vary depending on the lawyer’s rates. On average, attorney fees for a name change can range from $200 to $500.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Last Name After Marriage
Changing your last name after marriage involves a series of steps. Below is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Obtain a Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate
After your wedding, visit the county clerk’s office where your marriage was registered to obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You will need this document to prove your name change.
Update Your Social Security Card
Visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) to update your name on your Social Security card. You will need to fill out Form SS-5 and provide your marriage certificate. There is no fee for this service.
Update Your Driver’s License
Take your updated Social Security card and marriage certificate to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety to update your driver’s license. The fee for this service is $25.
Update Your Passport
If you have a U.S. passport, you will need to update it with your new name. Complete the appropriate name change form and submit your current passport along with your marriage certificate. If your passport was issued less than one year ago, there is no fee; otherwise, the fee is $130.
Update Other Records
After updating your Social Security card, driver’s license, and passport, you should also update your last name on other important records and accounts, such as:
Bank Accounts: Visit your bank to update your name on your accounts.
Employer Records: Inform your employer of your name change so they can update your tax and payroll information.
Utilities and Insurance Policies: Update your name on utilities, insurance policies, and other accounts.
Legal Name Change Petition (If Applicable)
If you are not taking your spouse’s last name or want a different last name, you may need to file a legal name change petition. This process involves submitting a name change application to the court and attending a court hearing. The filing fees range from $150 to $200.
Conclusion
Changing your last name after marriage in Oklahoma involves several steps and varying costs, depending on the documents you need to update. The process is generally straightforward, with costs typically ranging between $50 and $200 for most individuals, depending on how many documents you need to update. For those requiring a legal name change petition, the costs can increase significantly. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can efficiently manage the name change process after marriage and ensure all your legal documents reflect your new last name.
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