You've taken vows, heard toasts made towards your everlasting happiness, and even waltzed (or stumbled) onto the dance floor. Your big day has finally come and gone, and you're married. Now the real fun begins — updating all your important documents. While this may not sound that exciting, it’s a crucial step to getting married. Here’s a list of essential documents you’ll need to update after you get married.
Driver’s License & Social Security Card
This should be your first stop if you changed your name. You can't apply online for a new social security card. Instead, you'll have to:
- Obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other proof of citizenship.
- Complete the application for the card and print it.
- Mail the application or take it into the local social security office.
Keep in mind that it could take several weeks for you to receive your new card, so you want to do this as early as possible.
After you receive your new social security card, you'll want to go to the DMV with your new card and your marriage certificate to change your driver’s license. Be sure to bring proof of residency if your driver's license doesn't have your current address.
Financial Accounts
If you plan on adding your spouse to your financial accounts, or if you need to change your name on your account, make sure to do this right after you get married.
If you are either adding your spouse to your account or opening a joint account, you will both need to come into the credit union to do this.
Likewise, if you need to change your name on your account, you will also need to come into the credit union. Make sure to bring the following documents with you to make the change.
- Certified copy of your marriage certificate
- An updated photo ID (passport or driver's license)
This is also a good time to request new checks, debit/credit cards, and update information on your safe deposit box.
If you don’t live near a credit union branch location, simply give us a call and we’ll see about making other arrangements.
Auto, Life, Home Insurance Policies
If you didn’t update your insurance policies before you tied the knot, you'll likely want to review the following:
- Life insurance
- Health insurance
- Home and auto insurance
With your life insurance policy, you should assess whether you still have adequate coverage, particularly if you recently bought a home.
Take stock of your options for health insurance. Maybe you're better off being added to your spouse's plan or adding them onto yours?
Be sure to reach out to your renters' or homeowners’ insurance companies. You'll have twice as many belongings now to insure, including those wedding rings on your fingers.
Don't forget about your auto insurance coverage. Chances are, you'll receive a better deal if you bundle your renters/home insurance with your auto insurance.
Update Beneficiaries
Updating your beneficiary information on all your accounts is a simple, yet important step. This is particularly essential for 401(k) and IRA accounts. If you or your spouse decide to leave your 401(k) account to each other or if you prefer to split it between one another, you may need a notarized acknowledgment.
Medical Records
Don't forget to update your medical records. This includes hospitals and doctors' offices if you've changed your name, and you wish to add your spouse as an emergency contact.
We’re Here to Help!
Getting married is much more than just a romantic union between one another. You're also making a legal agreement, and this means letting your employer, financial institutions, and other companies you're doing business with know about your new status.
If you have questions about what financial documents you need to update after getting married, you can email us at members@agfed.org or give us a call at 202-479-2270, and we'll be happy to help.