I’m planning to take my husband's name after we're married. Who should I notify?

Once you have your marriage license in hand—it usually takes a few weeks to arrive once you say I do—you can begin alerting important places of your name change. Start with the Social Security Administration; check out  ssa.gov for all the details and requirements. You'll also need to update your driver's license and registration if you have a car, so your next step is to visit your state’s department of motor vehicles. With the stricter travel-identification requirements these days, your passport is another document you'll want to update right away—go to travel.state.gov to download the application. If you are taking your honeymoon immediately after your wedding, book your tickets in your maiden name, since you won't have your new driver's license and passport for identification. Contact your company's human resources department concerning your health insurance, payroll and 401(k). You will also want to change your name at your bank, including your checks and credit cards, as well as with your local post office so important mail doesn’t get lost. Other outlets to contact about your name change include clubs, utility and homeowners/auto insurance companies, doctors, election offices for voting and attorneys for legal contracts and wills.