The 5 Best Name Change Services That Make the Process Easy


11 months ago 154

If you’ve just gotten hitched or you’re planning to walk down the aisle soon, you may be wondering about the best way to go about changing your name. A legal name change is arguably one of the most tedious tasks when planning your wedding. It requires a lot of paperwork gathering, and the process may be tricky for some. 

Fortunately, numerous online wedding name change services are available to help make the task easier and less stressful. Some services offer website-based support for all your questions, whereas others can be accessed via an easy-to-use app. Here, we’ve rounded up the best name change services that can help you change your last name in a jiffy. Whether you’re looking for a service to use before or after your marriage, there’s one out there for you.

The Best Name Change Services

type="bulletList">

Best Overall: HitchSwitch

HitchSwitch

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Easy to use

  • Highly recommended by user reviews 

  • Includes everything you need to change your name for your passport, social security, and more

Cons

  • The lowest-level plan doesn’t offer much support for users

Why We Chose It

Highly recommended by customers, this service sends all of the paperwork and forms you’ll need for your name change in a kit in the mail.

Overview

HitchSwitch is a tried and trusted favorite for good reason. It’s easy to use, and it requires minimal time to complete everything. The service was founded by Jake Wolff during his first year of law school as a way to create a straightforward process for his wife to change her name when they first got married. Users can choose between three package options—print at home, full service, and platinum—that each offer varying levels of assistance and support. 

The lowest level, print at home, provides you with paperwork but very minimal support. The full-service option includes customized, pre-populated forms and access to a database of “anything name change-related.” On the other hand, the Platinum+ version offers access to the platinum concierge service along with customized forms, pre-stamped envelopes, and services to make the process as simple as can be. The prices for the levels range from $49.99 for the print-at-home option to $139.99 for the Platinum+ package. 

HitchSwitch also has resources to help you change your name on other accounts, like your social security number, to streaming services, which can be helpful if you’re looking for something specific. In addition, it’s highly recommended by users on the site and across the web. Plus, it only requires you to fill out an online form (which takes about three minutes) to get the entire process started.

Pricing: $49.99 to $139.99 | Number of Plans: 4 | Customer Service: Email or phone concierge, depending on your plan

Best Legal Services: LegalZoom

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Support available on weekdays and weekends

  • Provides you with a helpful personalized checklist, step-by-step instructions on how to file, and information on how to renew if needed

Cons

  • You still have to go and file it yourself 

  • It’s a bit pricey

Why We Chose It

LegalZoom has call services available with a support specialist and an attorney to answer all of your questions. Their pricing is reasonable and offers everything you could need.

Overview

LegalZoom is known for providing various online legal services. The company can help you plan your estate, start your business, change your name, and more. Since it’s run by both attorneys and a support team, they can answer whatever questions you have and are available most time during the day. 

The name change services themselves are available in two plans. One is for minors (or those 18 and younger) and the other is for adults, and the pricing is based on that. If you’re a minor, you can expect to pay $165 for the process, whereas adults would only pay $139. Note: the pricing itself doesn’t include the court fees, so that would be an additional cost based on where you live. 

To use the service, you’ll first need to fill out your information online. You’ll then get a package containing all the paperwork you need, along with instructions on where and how to file it at your local court. In addition, they will send you a checklist of other government agencies and financial institutions that you should notify of your name change, and also share other state and federal forms for your documents. 

Pricing: $139 or $165 | Number of Plans: 2 | Customer Service: Phone support

Best for After Marriage: NewlyNamed

Newly Named

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Step-by-step instructions and unlimited support 

  • Dubbed by reviewers as hassle-free and easy to use after marriage 

  • Affordable pricing

Cons

  • The difference between the two packages comes down to postage and printing

Why We Chose It

NewlyNamed provides step-by-step instructions and unlimited support, which makes the process hassle-free. It’s also affordably priced, compared to competitors.

Overview

NewlyNamed was founded by Colie Christensen after she realized how difficult it was to change her last name after her wedding. She decided to officially start the brand after her friends asked her how exactly she changed her name when they got married. The brand’s mission is to make the process of changing your last name as easy as possible. 

Much like other brands, NewlyNamed has two packages available: print at home ($49) and NewlyNamed Box ($99). The $50 price difference comes down to postage and printing—NewlyNamed Box includes prepaid mailing envelopes and doesn’t require any printing, making it the pricier option. Other than that, the two packages are essentially the same. 

This service is a great option for those who want a seamless name-changing process after they tie the knot. NewlyNamed also supports name changes outside of marriage, like in case of a divorce or general legal name changes. Since it’s relatively affordable, it won’t break the bank. Plus, the team will provide ample support and step-by-step instructions, which will make the process hassle-free and a pleasure rather than a hindrance.

Pricing: $49 or $99 | Number of Plans: 2 | Customer Service: Email

Best for a Quick Process: Update My Name

Update My Name 

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Provides online document access and auto-filled forms 

  • Has both federal and state forms with step-by-step instructions

  • Gives users up-to-date information for all 50 states

Cons

  • Print at home (the basic service) doesn’t really offer much to users

Why We Chose It

Update My Name has up-to-date forms and information for all 50 states, making the process seamless for those looking to get everything together quickly. It also offers premium support for two of the three packages to answer any and all questions that you may have.

Overview

Update My Name is a quick and easy service for those looking to change their name as speedily as possible. The site has current information and forms for all 50 states, so users can find whatever they need in one place instead of searching the web endlessly for answers. 

To start the process, you’ll answer a few short questions online, get personalized forms, and sign and submit your information. There are three plans—print at home, full service, and platinum—that offer varying levels of support and auto-filled forms, online document access, and step-by-step instructions. The print-at-home package offers the bare minimum, whereas the platinum package adds in premium support, printed forms, postage-paid envelopes, concierge service, and more. 

The print-at-home package is $39, the full-service package is $69, and the platinum package is $99. Much like other services, it provides everything you need to complete the process. However, its support features and up-to-date forms will ensure that you can get your name change done as quickly as you can. 

Pricing: $39 to $99 | Number of Plans: 3 | Customer Service: Email

Best App: MissNowMrs

MissNowMrs 

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Has an app to easily control and use the name change service

  • Provides comprehensive support via email, call, or text services

  • Even the least expensive plan offers unlimited access to experts

Cons

  • May be too technologically advanced for some users

Why We Chose It

MissNowMrs differs from other name change companies by offering its services via an easy-to-use app. It also provides comprehensive support and access to experts via call, email, or text.

Overview

MissNowMrs was started by Danielle Tate after she ended up going to the DMV three times just to change her driver’s license. She started MissNowMrs in 2007 to help other women getting married avoid the mishaps that she encountered. 

Additionally, MissNowMrs is the first name change app available for users. While they do offer traditional services that will print out the forms, the app is much easier to use. Simply enter your information into it, and then the brand will send you completed forms along with pre-addressed envelopes and save you time on the entire process. 

Packages are priced from $39.95 for the print-at-home package, $69.95 for a package that includes all of the necessary forms, plus six postage-paid envelopes, and $139.95 for an expedited package that includes all printed forms and unlimited notification letters. All packages come with comprehensive support that can be accessed via call, email, or text, which is great for users with many questions during the entire name change service process.

Pricing: $39.95 or $139.95 | Number of Plans: 3 | Customer Service: Call, email, or text services 

What to Look for in a Name Changing Service

  • Type of Service: When choosing a name change service, consider the different types of service the company provides. Most offer basic, print-at-home packages at a reasonable price. Others offer additional services, such as full-service options that include customized forms, or premium packages that include concierge assistance on top of customized documents.

  • Support: All of the name change services we recommend offer some type of support (phone, email, or text) throughout the process. In addition, some companies have support specialists or attorneys on staff to answer questions.

type="bulletList">

FAQ

  • The easiest way to change your name is to use a name change service. Typically, it'll ask you questions and then provide you with all the necessary information and documentation that you’ll need to change your name. Plus, most offer plans that have plenty of support for users.

  • Changing your name with the court can cost anywhere from under $100 to over $500, depending on the state that you live in. However, using an online name change service can cost anywhere from $39 to $165, potentially saving you a great deal of money.

  • No, you may only change your name in person or by mail, which is what makes it a bit tricky. Finding all the necessary information and forms online can be quite tedious and time-consuming, which is where a name change service can be helpful.

Why Trust BRIDES

Rachel Dube is a writer covering beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, and has written for BRIDES since August 2020. You can find her work in Real Simple, Hello Giggles, BuzzFeed, Shape, and more. BRIDES researched name change services, read reviews, and examined the different packages and services offered. We also looked for services that offer varying support levels and price options, as well as how short or long the process takes the service. It was important for us to showcase how different services differ and how they are similar to help users make the best choice.

Read More Blogs