Congratulations! After the wedding, there are several documents you may need to update, especially if you're changing your name.

Typical Steps

1. Obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the county or state where you were married.
2. Update your name with the Social Security Administration (if applicable).
3. Update your driver's license or state ID.
4. Update your passport.
5. Update your voter registration.
6. Notify your employer, banks, insurance companies, and other institutions.

Documents You May Need

• Certified marriage certificate
• Government-issued photo ID
• Social Security card (current and updated)
• Birth certificate

Whether you're taking a spouse's name, returning to a maiden name, or making a legal name change for other reasons, the process generally follows the same steps.

Common Scenarios

• After marriage — Your marriage certificate serves as legal authorization in most states.
• After divorce — Many divorce decrees include a name restoration provision. If not, a separate court petition may be required.
• Other reasons — Typically requires a court-ordered name change through your local court.

Typical Update Order

1. Social Security Administration
2. Driver's license or state ID
3. Passport
4. Voter registration
5. Banks, employers, insurance, utilities

Documents You May Need

• Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
• Birth certificate
• Current government-issued photo ID

Losing a family member is difficult, and handling paperwork during a time of grief can be overwhelming. Here's a general overview of the documents and steps that are typically involved.

Immediate Steps

1. Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate. Many institutions require an original certified copy, not a photocopy. Ordering 10 or more copies upfront is common.
2. Notify the Social Security Administration.
3. Contact life insurance companies.
4. Notify the deceased's employer, pension providers, and veterans' affairs (if applicable).

Estate and Legal

• Contact the probate court if needed.
• Notify banks, mortgage companies, and financial institutions.
• Cancel or transfer utilities, subscriptions, and memberships.
• Update property titles and vehicle registrations.

Documents You May Need

• Multiple certified death certificates
• Deceased's birth certificate, marriage certificate, or Social Security number
• Will, trust documents, or letters of administration
• Your own government-issued photo ID

If your vital records have been lost, stolen, or damaged, replacements are available through the issuing state agency.

What to Know

• Replacements are ordered from the state where the event occurred, not where you currently live.
• You will need to verify your identity and your relationship to the person named on the record.
• Most states offer online, mail, and in-person ordering options.
• Expedited processing is available in most states for an additional fee.

Tips

• Order extra copies while you're at it — many processes require originals, not photocopies.
• Store certified copies in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box.
• Consider keeping a digital scan for personal reference (though officials will require the certified original).

Planning to travel abroad? Make sure your documents are in order well before your departure date.

Documents You May Need

• Passport — Apply or renew through the U.S. Department of State. First-time applicants need a certified birth certificate.
• Birth certificate — Required for first-time passport applications. Must be a certified copy with a registrar's seal.
• Name change documentation — If your current legal name doesn't match your birth certificate, you'll need a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Timeline Tips

• Passport processing can take 6-8 weeks for routine service, longer during peak periods.
• If you need a birth certificate first, add that processing time on top.
• Start at least 3-4 months before your travel date.

Not all copies of vital records are equal. Understanding the difference can save you time and frustration.

Certified Copy

• Issued by the official state or county vital records office.
• Bears an official seal, stamp, or watermark.
• Signed by the registrar or authorized official.
• Accepted by government agencies, courts, and most institutions.

Photocopy or Informational Copy

• A reproduction of the original — either scanned, photocopied, or printed.
• Does not carry an official seal or signature.
• Useful for personal reference but not accepted for legal or official purposes.

When ordering vital records, always request certified copies. Most processes that require a vital record will not accept a photocopy.

Divorce involves significant paperwork beyond the decree itself. Being prepared with the right documents can simplify the process.

Documents You May Need

• Certified copy of your marriage certificate
• Birth certificates for any children
• Financial records, tax returns, property deeds
• Government-issued photo ID

After the Divorce

• Obtain certified copies of the divorce decree from the court.
• If restoring your former name, update Social Security, driver's license, passport, voter registration, and financial accounts.
• Update beneficiary designations on insurance policies, retirement accounts, and wills.
• Update custody and guardianship documents if applicable.