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Sunday, February 16th
NewlyNamed, founded in 2019 by Colie Christensen from Minnesota, is one of the newer name change services in our evaluation. With features like auto-filled applications, online document access, step-by-step instructions, and responsive customer support, it's incredibly user-friendly.
Print it yourself or have it printed for you
NewlyNamed offers two package options: a DIY package for $39 and a printed-out-plus-postage package for $89, which includes prepaid mailing envelopes. It's up to you to decide if the added convenience is worth the extra $50.
Covers all the bases
What sets NewlyNamed apart is their comprehensive list of institutions to notify for name changes. Alongside the usual ones like Social Security, passport, and driver's license, they include unexpected ones like TSA Precheck, loyalty programs, and even the IRS. NewlyNamed will fill out the applications for Social Security, voter registration, and passport name changes; others like driver's license, personal accounts (like bank accounts and investment accounts), and vehicle registration will be explained and the corresponding applications/instructions are provided for you to fill out.
Excellent reputation
With a 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust that NewlyNamed will refund you if you're not satisfied. Fortunately, based on customer reviews, it's likely you'll be impressed by their lightning-fast customer service response, which sets them apart from competitors. Across the ratings left on the NN website, the average is a nearly-perfect 4.9 out of 5 stars - but, of course, the company decides which reviews to include on their own site, so we made sure to look in other places as well.
Positive customer feedback
While we didn't spot any listing with the Better Business Bureau, we were able to gather feedback from some top wedding websites and other sources. That consensus was also overwhelmingly positive. People were so relieved to have an easy way to figure out exactly who to notify of their name change and to get it done with minimal effort.
Now serving clients outside of marriage/divorce name changes
Those third-party reviews were also where we found something new: while in the past, NewlyNamed didn't seem to offer help for court-ordered name changes or new legal first names, several reviewers praised the service for making it possible to do just that. Although you can't change your first name in conjunction with a marriage or divorce, if you already have a court order with a name change for other reasons, NewlyNamed can absolutely support you. Just remember that the court process is separate from NN's service: you have to go through the courts first, then use NewlyNamed to process all of the name changes you need.
Definitely worth considering
While there might be slightly cheaper name change services out there, few provide the same level of client attention as NewlyNamed. They take the stress out of the process by offering all the necessary help and convenience at an affordable price. For us, NewlyNamed is still one of the top choices for name change services - especially with the added benefit of being able to assist with any court-ordered name change, beyond marriages and divorces.
Changing your name in the United States is an important decision that many people make for various reasons. Whether it's to express your true identity, leave behind a difficult past or walk with joy into a future with a spouse, honor your cultural heritage, or adapt to new circumstances, the process involves legal and administrative steps that can be daunting.
The specifics may differ depending on the state, but generally, you'll need to file a petition with the appropriate court and pay some fees. Some states may require you to attend a court hearing. If so, at the hearing, you'll explain why you want to change your name. If the court approves your request, they'll issue a legal name change order, which serves as the basis for updating your identification documents and notifying relevant institutions.
Of course, if your name is changing because you're getting married, your license/certificate stands in place of a court order with respect to documentation. Once you have the name change order (or your marriage/divorce is official), it's time to update your official documents.
You'll need to get a new Social Security card, driver's license or state ID, passport, and other identification papers. Don't forget to change your name on bank accounts, credit cards, utility bills, and insurance policies too. It's also important to inform your employer, school, healthcare providers, and anyone else who needs to know about the change.
Are you exhausted just thinking about it? Fortunately, name change services can make this whole process much easier by providing guidance throughout the journey. With their expertise, you can save time and make sure you've completed all the necessary steps accurately. In many cases, you can even submit all of your information online and with one click, the name change service sends a request to hundreds (or thousands) of financial institutions and businesses in their database to update your record with your new name.
Which name change service is right for you? Many of them are similar, but here are some key characteristics that will help you make the choice:
Whatever your reason may be for changing your name, there's no need for it to be complicated - or expensive - to get it done. Top Consumer Reviews has made it simple and straightforward by reviewing the best (and the worst) name change services available today.
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