What's in a name?

One of the most exciting parts for me about getting married was changing my name. Not because I hated my maiden name, but because I couldn't wait to be "Mrs Ryberg." It may be just a name, but that name is part of what makes me his wife. As excited as I was though, I was far from enthused about the name changing process. Turns out, I had good reason not to be.



(Image source: http://themallmamma.blogspot.com/)

Social security was quick and easy, DMV was so-so (long wait, but it went smoothly), ironically it was the other parts of name changing that have been more difficult. I called and changed my name with my car insurance. . . card comes through and I'm still listed under my maiden name. Didn't I change that already? It's okay though because Robert and I will combine our insurance soon and it will change then.

Next was the bank, went in and changed my name (which almost took as long as the DMV by the way), and two days later I get a phone call asking me to come back in. Apparently they had forgotten to have me fill out a form releasing my new card. At this point I was still okay, even though I worked the same hours as the bank and finding a time to get back there was difficult. But a week later I signed the form and thought all was well. Two weeks later and still no card. When I called to find out why, the teller said my card hadn't been released and it would be another 3-5 days. Luckily that was the last call I had to make because 5 days later I had my card.

The ride wasn't over though! Next I had to wrestle with the tag and registration office. For some reason my dad is listed on my title and registration (I think it is because I had no credit when I bought the car). As such, the website hinted that he would have to be there for me to change my name, or at least, I needed to have a copy of his license. I called to double check and the lady confirmed this for me. After all, my dad does live in Australia, so having him with me would be a little difficult. Well the first time I went in I forgot my title, but still, nobody said anything about my missing dad- they just accepted the photocopied license. I went in last week, title in hand, registration ready, guess what. . . my dad does have to be there. I was given a form that he can sign since my mum has the power of attorney, but that will take weeks for us to get back. So once we get the slip back I'll try again.

Readers, this post may sound a little negative but I'm not complaining. It truly has been frustrating though, and while I knew changing my name would be a process, I had no idea it would be this challenging. I'll have to wait for my dad to come home to change my health insurance too. However, now all I have left is my title, registration, car insurance, and health insurance. Much better then when I started, right?

If I have any more adventures, I'll be sure to write about them. As for now, do you have any name changing stories? If so, please share so I don't feel so alone!