Again, something the women are left to handle probably because men are clueless and impatient. (Can you tell married life is affecting me a little?) Just kidding...
Anyway, I have seen media advertisements for a web site called http://www.missnowmrs.com/ and thought I'd give it a whack. Here's my review:
Photos Courtesty: MissnowMrs.com
1) It was extremely simple to register for.
2) It only costs $29.95 (which I think is unnecessary), however, if you are smart and do a google search, you can find coupon codes. I used the following one: BRAVO10 for $10.00 off! You can even give gift certificates as bridal shower gifts for the service!
3) It was extremely easy to complete the information online. The only things I needed to gather were like my parents names, birth cities and social security numbers for applying for a new social security card.
4) They give you good instructions. Fairly simple to understand.
* They let you know that you should start the entire process by first obtaining a certified copy of your marriage license (usually available within 4-8 weeks after your wedding date). Mine cost $14 to pick up in person.
* You should then handle the name change paperwork with the local Social Security office. I went in person and was out of there in less than 10 minutes! Super easy.
* Then you have to wait at least 48 hours to go to the DMV to apply for your new driver's license.
The social security change is most important because all the other agencies/companies will be looking up your new name with your SS number. The driver's license is important because it allows you to have picture ID to get everything handled with banks and such.
5) Simple step by step fill in the blank process and nav bar menu on the left allows you to skip through different forms and parts. You can save your info and come back to it at any time.
6) Easy to view documents before you print them out and prints instructions from major government agencies with the paperwork for you to take with you or use to complete mailing.
8) Also has form letters for notifying banks, credit card companies, utility companies, insurance companies, professional licenses/organizations, mortgage, medical and investment companies, etc of your new name and address.
It even reminded me after a week or two that I had started the process and not yet completed it when I took a break for a while!
So far, I have been really happy with it. The fact that I didn't have to go visit 5-10 different government sites was time saving enough for it to be worth the $20.00 to me. Though I don't know that it will be very useful for the notification letter part. Though I intend to use it for a few of those things, it seems a little more tedious for that part of the process because you have to add in the names and addresses of all of those companies in order for it to generate the form letter for you. I'm too lazy right now to get all that paperwork out and sorted to complete that part. So for now, I've only completed all the government paperwork.
The only bummer about the process so far for me is that California does not let you download or apply online for the new driver's license. They use specific pre-printed forms that are only available by visiting the DMV or ordering it to be delivered in the mail. So I am waiting for that to arrive and then once I get it, I'll have to manually fill it out and take it in to the DMV. Then once that is done, I'll start mailing off the rest of my government forms and handle the passport photo taking, etc.
So, what about you girls? Any of you used Miss Now Mrs or another service like this? Any thoughts, suggestions?
Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with this company, organization or site, nor have I been approached, asked or compensated for the information or opinions shared in this post.
