Marriage or Divorce: Getting the Order Right

Steps, in order

1. 1

   Change your name with Social Security first

   Other agencies check Social Security's records. This is how they learn of a name change. Notify SSA early. Bring a certified marriage certificate or divorce decree first.

   Agency: Social Security AdministrationSS-5

   “Social Security card: Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) early. Other agencies learn of name changes through the SSA. ... Tax returns: Every name on your tax return must match Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says it is critical to update names with the SSA before filing your tax return.”

   “You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current (not expired).”

   See the how-to guide
2. 2

   Wait for Social Security to process before you go to the DMV

   State DMVs usually check your new name against Social Security's records when you apply. If SSA has not processed your change yet, the DMV can deny your application.

   Agency: State DMV

   “When you apply for a new DL/ID card using your new name, the first thing DMV will do is verify your information with SSA, so make sure you have informed SSA of your new name. If your SSA information does not match your new DL/ID application information, your application will be denied, and you will receive a Request for Verification of Information letter from DMV telling you what to do.”

   See the how-to guide
3. 3

   Update your passport on its own separate timeline

   The passport name change process depends on two separate clocks measured on their own: how long since your current passport was issued, and how long since your name legally changed. Being within one year of both keeps you on the free, mail-in path.

   Agency: U.S. Department of StateDS-5504

   “It's been less than 1 year since both your passport was issued and your name was legally changed: Submit the following by mail: Form DS-5504 ... You will not have to submit any fees for this service. ... It's been more than 1 year since either your passport was issued or your name was legally changed: You may be eligible to renew your passport by mail. If you are not eligible to renew by mail, you can apply in person.”

   See the how-to guide
4. 4

   Know your tax filing status is locked by your marital status on December 31

   Your filing status for the year is usually set by whether you were married on December 31. This is true even if the marriage or divorce happened just days before. Ask a tax preparer how this affects your timing.

   Agency: IRS
5. 5

   Check your health coverage's special enrollment window

   A marriage is usually one of the events that opens a special enrollment window. You can join or change a Marketplace plan, on a timeline similar to a birth or a job loss.

   Agency: HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace

   Deadline · 60 daysThe date of the marriageThis reuses the same general 60-day Marketplace rule confirmed for other triggering events; it was not independently confirmed with a quote naming marriage specifically.

   “a qualified individual or enrollee has 60 days from the date of a triggering event to select a QHP ... 60 days before and...60 days after the triggering event”

   See ACA Marketplace notices