Some major holidays are quickly approaching and you know what that means – extra traffic in the DMV! For those of you planning to fly to your holiday destination, however, it is a good idea to review whether you have everything you need for your holiday travel, especially if you have recently had your name changed due to recent divorce.
There is still time to update your social security card, driver’s license, and passport before big travel days, but you have to act soon!
Name Change Checklist
Read more from Jamie Montoney on our name change checklist with our post-divorce support and logistics Fairfax, Northern Virginia.
Social Security
To change your name on your social security card, you will need to visit a local social security office. For a list of documents/forms you will need, please see the Social Security Administration information sheet they have provided on their website for your reference. Lines tend to be long, so plan your day accordingly! It takes about 4 weeks to receive your new social security card.
Department of Motor Vehicles
To change your name on your driver’s license, you will need to visit a local DMV. It will take about 7-10 days for you to receive your new license following your visit to a Virginia DMV.
In Virginia, you can find a list of forms/documents that you will need for the name change by visiting the Change of Address, Name or Sex Designation page on their website. You can also make an appointment to eliminate or lessen wait times in Virginia DMVs.
Important Reminder
While you can fly this holiday season without a REAL-ID-compliant license, if you do not have a passport or other acceptable form of identification and want to fly after May 3, 2023, you will want to include this update when you change your name at DMV.
There are some particular documents that are necessary, especially for people who have changed their names multiple times, so please be sure to review the Virginia DMV REAL-ID page to be prepared.
Passports
The process to change your name on your passport can be completed via mail or overnight service, depending on whether you require expedited service. You can find a list of documents/forms needed to complete your request for a name change on your passport by visiting the US Passport page on the State Department website.
You will want to start on this process as soon as possible if you are planning to travel internationally for the holidays, as you will need to allot at least 4-6 weeks (expedited) or 7-10 weeks (regular) to receive your new passport.
Post-Divorce Support in Fairfax, Northern Virginia
Jamie Montoney is CGG’s post-divorce coordinator. She assists clients navigate the name change processes with various agencies with our post-divorce support and logistics from our office in Fairfax, Northern Virginia. Learn more about our post-divorce support and coaching.