The Best Name Change Services for Newlyweds to Explore

You've planned the wedding, officially tied the knot, jetted off somewhere fabulous…and now it's time to settle back into the real world. Your first order of business? Changing your name after marriage to match your betrothed. If you're feeling overwhelmed by this process, then hiring a name change service is your golden ticket out of stress-ville.

Name-changing services simplify the whole ordeal by handling the bulk of the paperwork, filings and tedious details so you can focus on canoodling with bae and enjoying your newlywed life. Consider this your sign to officially outsource this laborious task to the pros—it might just be the best wedding gift you give yourself.

In this article:

• What Is a Name Change Service?
• Are Name Change Services Worth It?
• The Best Name Change Services

What Is a Name Change Service?

A name change service is a professional digital resource designed to simplify the legal changes associated with updating your last name. Basically, it's a headache-free shortcut to changing your last name everywhere it matters—your driver's license, passport, social security card, bank accounts and beyond.

So, instead of figuring out which forms you need, where to send them and how to deal with different government agencies, these services do the heavy lifting for you. They provide the right paperwork, pre-fill forms with your info and guide you step-by-step so you don't miss anything.

Are Name Change Services Worth It?

We know—it almost sounds too good to be true. But these services exist, and many newlyweds find they're completely worth it.

The benefits of hiring a name change service after marriage:

• Covers all the essentials, including social security, your driver's license, passport and more
• It saves you tons of time (no digging through government websites!)
• Minimizes paperwork since the forms are pre-filled for you
• Keeps everything organized with step-by-step guidance
• Reduces the risk of mistakes and delays
• Provides checklists and reminders so nothing slips through the cracks
• Some services even file paperwork on your behalf

The Best Name Change Services

We rounded up some of the best name-change services out there to help you narrow down your choices. Here's everything you need to know.

Easy Name Change

Photo: Easy Name Change

The name says it all. After getting married, Genevieve Dennis experienced the arduous task of changing her name and realized there had to be a way to streamline the process of researching procedures and filling out *so* many forms. In 2008, she and her husband Derrick founded Easy Name Change. There are two package options:

Print at Home Kit ($39): The team provides digital copies of ready-to-send forms, letters and emails as well as a personalized checklist and guide.

Printed and Posted Kit ($79): This option is great if you don't have a printer at home and don't want to run out to an office supply store. In addition to offering everything from the Print at Home package, the team will send all the filled-out forms, a folder to stay organized and stamped envelopes.

Price: $39 to $79

HitchSwitch

Photo: HitchSwitch

HitchSwitch was founded by Jake Wolff during his first year at Fordham Law School after he saw firsthand how frustrating and time-consuming the name change process was for his wife. The company remains one of the top choices for newlyweds and emphasizes user privacy and security which provides nice peace of mind when handling such important, personal data. There are four different package options to accommodate varying needs:

• Print at Home ($39.99): Provides access to personalized, auto-filled forms and step-by-step instructions, which you can print and manage independently.
• Full Service ($69.99): Includes all features of the Print at Home package, plus mailed hard copies of your forms and prepaid mailing envelopes.
• Platinum ($99.99): Offers comprehensive support, including all Full-Service features, along with additional perks like passport photos and personalized assistance from the HitchSwitch concierge team.
• Platinum+ ($129.99): Gives you all the benefits of the Platinum package, plus a complimentary 8x11 photo book that serves as a keepsake to commemorate your name change journey.

Price: $39.99 to $129.99

NewlyNamed

Photo: NewlyNamed

Founded by husband-wife duo Colie and Andy Christensen in 2019, NewlyNamed is another one of the top name-change services that newlyweds use to streamline the process. The inspiration for the company came from Colie's own frustrating experience with the name change process in 2014, and together, they developed a solution to cut back on frustration and headaches. There are two packages to choose from after you're married.

• Print at Home ($49): A digital version of the kit that provides instant access to personalized forms and instructions, which you can print and manage at your convenience. A lot of people rave about the company's super-organized system that helps keep everything straight.
• NewlyNamed Box ($99): A physical kit delivered to your door, including personalized, auto-filled forms, step-by-step instructions and prepaid mailing envelopes for a painless process.

Price: $49 and $79

NÉE

Photo: NÉE

NÉE is a name change service that eliminates postwedding name change stress—with a touch of posh vibes. This chic, Instagram-worthy package makes the name-changing process feel more like an exciting celebration versus a laborious drag via personalized bridal covers, complimentary gift wrapping and gift tags (making this one perfect for a thoughtful bridal shower or wedding gift).

There are two packages to choose from:

• Luxe Name Change Kit ($89): Includes a mailed delivery of a step-by-step guide with detailed instructions and all required forms for each part of the name change process. It also includes a custom bridal cover and complimentary gift wrapping.
• Bare Name Change Kit ($39): This is a digital version of the above that allows you to download and print the step-by-step guide with detailed instructions. It also includes all required forms for each part of the name change process, and you have the option to add a custom bridal cover.

(By the way, née is a French word that means born and is traditionally used to indicate a woman's maiden name.)

Price: $39 and $89

MissNowMrs

This name-changing service is one of the OGs and has been around for a long time, which is proof of its streamlined process, customer service and know-how. It was founded by ​​Danielle Tate in 2007, just after her wedding. She got the idea after her own challenging experience with the name change process. Over a half-million brides have used the service since it was founded.

Choose from three packages:

• Basic Name Change Package ($39.95): This print-at-home package gives customers the ability to complete all necessary forms digitally. It includes forms for Social Security, the IRS, passport, USPS, driver's license, voter registration and various notification letters.
• Premium Name Change Package ($69.95): In addition to all features of the Basic package, this option delivers printed forms directly to your address. It also includes postage-paid envelopes for all government forms, making the process even more convenient.
• Ultimate Name Change Package ($179.95): This all-inclusive package offers everything in the Premium package, along with expedited kit processing for faster service. It also includes a couples budget planning system, live chat support for personalized assistance, and a copy of Smart Couples Finish Rich by David Bach.

Price: $39.95 to $179.95

Courtly

Photo: Courtly

Courtly is an online service co-founded by CEO Micaela Beltran that simplifies the marriage process by offering legal online wedding services accessible to couples worldwide. In addition, it provides two name-changing service packages.

• Print-at-Home Kit ($35): This digital download is ideal for those with access to a printer. It includes personalized name change instructions and applications, a straightforward and user-friendly process, step-by-step guidance with a checklist, premium concierge support and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
• Courtly Box ($85): For added convenience, this package provides a complete name change kit delivered to your door. It encompasses all features of the Print-at-Home Kit, plus a Courtly box with printed checklists and applications, prepaid mailing envelopes and no printing required. Shipping is available anywhere in the United States.

Price: $35 and $85

UpdateMyName.com

Photo: UpdateMyName.com

Update My Name was founded in 2016 and stands out for its personalized, all-in-one kits that save you time, stress and headaches. The company stands by its service, ensuring that all documents are compliant and updated across all 50 states. It also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee to help you feel more confident in your purchase. You can choose from three package options:

• Print At Home ($39): This basic package comes with auto-filled forms, online document access, step-by-step instructions and premium support. You can download and print their completed forms at their convenience.
• Full Service ($69): Building upon the Print At Home package, this option adds printed forms delivered to your address, along with postage-paid envelopes for submitting documents. A free printed passport photo is also included.
• Platinum ($99): This comprehensive package offers all features of the Full Service option, plus VIP concierge service for personalized assistance throughout the name change process. It's a great option for those who feel like they need more support and guidance along the way.

Price: $39 to $99