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Home / Life events / Name change

Best Name Change Services of 2026

Changing your name after marriage means updating Social Security, your license, your passport and dozens of accounts. We ranked the most trusted services that make it painless, next to the free DIY route.

By the Paperwork Hero editorial team
· Updated Nov 2026
· Fact checked
Advertiser disclosure
✓
Prices from each provider, Nov 2026
★
Scored on 4 weighted criteria
☰
Free step-by-step checklist
↻
Free government route included

Our top picks at a glance

Rank
Service
Hero Score
Price
Why it stands out
★ EDITOR’S CHOICE · OUR #1 PICK
1
G+
GOV+
Best overall
4.8
★★★★★
Excellent
From $97
+ gov fees
✓ Guided SSN & passport forms
✓ Error check before you submit
✓ Plain-English questions
Start my name change →
🎁 $30 off first application
2
M
MissNowMrs
Form-filling kit
★ 4.1
Very good
$39.95–$179.95
by package
No expert check of your federal forms
3
H
HitchSwitch
Mailed kit
★ 3.9
Good
$39.99–$129.99
by package
Paper-based; mixed recent reviews on support

The best name change services, ranked

★ OUR #1 PICK
#1
GOV+
Best overall
4.8
/5
★★★★★
Hero Score · Excellent
🎁 $30 off first application
Start my name change
On GOV+’s secure site
Why we chose it

The federal forms are where name changes go wrong. GOV+ guides you through your Social Security and passport updates with plain-English questions, then checks everything before you submit, so you don’t lose weeks to a rejected application.

Service fee
From $97
Covers
Social Security + passport
Best for
Getting the federal forms right
Pros
✓ Guided Social Security and passport forms
✓ Error check before you submit
Cons
✕ Less help with banks and accounts
✕ Optional subscriptions at checkout
Read our full GOV+ review →
#2
MissNowMrs
Best all-in-one checklist
4.1
/5
★★★★★
Hero Score · Very good
Visit MissNowMrs
On MissNowMrs’ site
Why we chose it

One questionnaire fills out dozens of forms, with a long checklist of banks, utilities and memberships to update.

Price
$39.95–$179.95
Format
Online kit + app
Best for
Updating every account
#3
HitchSwitch
Best mailed kit
3.9
/5
★★★★★
Hero Score · Good
Visit HitchSwitch
On HitchSwitch’s site
Why we chose it

Prefers paper? HitchSwitch’s higher tiers mail you prefilled forms with prepaid envelopes.

Price
$39.99–$129.99
Format
Print or mailed kit
Best for
Paper-first people
Compare all three →
The free route: do it yourself
Every step can be done directly with each agency, and a new Social Security card is free. Our free name change checklist shows the right order.

How we rank name change services

30%
Speed
Time to finish forms and avoid delays.
25%
Total cost
Service price plus government fees.
20%
Coverage
Federal, state and account updates.
25%
Trust & support
Error checks, support and reviews.

Name change FAQs

What order should I change my name in?

Marriage certificate copies first, then Social Security, then your driver’s license, then your passport, then everything else.

How long does a name change take?

About 6–10 weeks for the core documents. The passport is usually the slowest part.

Can I travel on a passport in my old name?

Yes, if it’s valid. Book tickets in the name on the passport you’ll use.

Start your name change the easy way
GOV+ · ★ 4.8 Hero Score · $30 off your first application
Start my name change
On GOV+’s secure site
Top pick · ★ 4.8 · $30 off
GovPlus
Start now