Step 1

Folder Creation

Create a physical folder that will house all your main identity documents, including your current social security card, U.S. passport, driver’s license, and birth certificate.

Step 2

Marriage Certificate

Once received, add your Certified Marriage Certificate to this folder. Note: If you haven't obtained your certificate yet, we have a curated 3-step process to help you navigate the necessary steps. Check out our blog post here with more information.

Optional: Step 3

Vow Guide Intake Form

The Vow Guide Advantage: By completing this form, we provide you with a master data summary to house your non-sensitive data (e.g., address history, date of birth, etc.). You can reference this summary for every form submission so you aren't gathering the same information over and over again.

Note: Vow Guide never stores highly sensitive information like social security or passport numbers.

Step 4

Social Security Card

Once you have your Certified Marriage Certificate in hand and it’s been 30-days since your marriage date, it’s time to set an appointment to update your social security card. After your appointment, your new card will arrive in the mail in around 2-weeks time.

The Vow Guide Advantage: Once Step 1 is initiated, you can immediately use our direct links for voter registration and Global Entry updates, which can be completed 100% online.

Step 5

U.S. Passport

Once your social security card is updated, it’s time to update your passport. For this appointment, you’ll need proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, and a passport photo. After your appointment, your updated passport should arrive in the mail within 2 to 6 weeks. More information is available here.

Step 6

Driver’s License

In parallel to your U.S. passport, with your updated social security card in hand, you can now obtain your new driver’s license. For this appointment, you will need your Certified Marriage Certificate, proof of identity, social security card, proof of residency, and proof of date of birth (Usually a prior driver’s license can confirm this. If you don’t have one, you can use your existing U.S. passport).

Note: Driver's license rules are set by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). With this, please ensure you review their requirements when setting your appointment with the DMV.

Step 7

Tax Documents

Why: Your name on your tax documents must match your name on file with the Social Security Administration for tax reporting.

Update First: Payroll/HR.

Step 8

Financial Accounts

Why: Your bank is your "financial hub." Most other accounts (e.g., utilities, digital life, etc.) are paid via these accounts.

Update First: Primary bank and savings (requires updated ID/passport and Certified Marriage Certificate).

Followed by: Credit/debit cards and mortgage/lease agreements.

Note: Investment accounts (401k/IRA) can follow once the primary bank name update is completed.

Step 9

Insurance

Why: A name mismatch on an insurance policy can delay a claim or lead to a "verification of identity" hurdle during an emergency.

Update First: Health insurance (often tied to your HR update).

Followed by: Auto, home/renters, and life insurance.

Step 10

Travel Documents

Why: Global Entry and TSA PreCheck must match your passport exactly to work. If you have a trip booked, this becomes the number one priority.

Update First: Global Entry/TSA PreCheck and airline loyalty programs.

Followed by: Amazon, PayPal, and streaming services (these can be done at your leisure).

Step 11

Utilities

Why: While important for proof of residency, a name mismatch on a water bill rarely causes an immediate crisis.

Update Last: Electricity, water, gas, and internet.