How to change your name on your bank account

Changing your name often means the start of an exciting new chapter in your life. But it can also come with some administrative headaches because you now need to update your name on all your important documents, including at your bank.

While it might seem like a small detail, it’s important that your bank account reflects your correct name to ensure smooth financial transactions and avoid complications with direct deposits, checks, and identity verification. Fortunately, the process is usually straightforward, but it does require the right documents and steps.

Here’s everything you need to know to update your name on your bank account with minimal hassle.

There are a few situations when changing the name on your bank account may be necessary. If you legally change your name for any reason, you must update your bank account.

Reasons you might need to change your name on your bank account include:

• Marriage: If you change your name after getting married, you’ll want to change your bank account information to reflect your new legal name.

• Divorce: After a divorce, you may decide to change your last name to your maiden name or a different legal name.

• Legal name change: There may be other situations when you want to change your legal name for personal reasons unrelated to marriage.

• Adoption: Occasionally, an adoption could mean changing the name on a bank account. For instance, a young adult with a bank account may be adopted, requiring a name change on the account.

• Correcting errors: If the bank has the spelling of your name wrong, you’ll want to have this fixed. Although it may not be your fault, you still must request a name change to the correct spelling.

Read more: Should unmarried couples have joint bank accounts?

If any of the circumstances in the previous section apply, or you legally change your name for any reason, you must change the name on your bank account. There are a few crucial steps to ensure your name is appropriately updated or corrected.

Follow these steps to avoid delays and other issues:

To change your name on your bank account, you typically need documents that support the change. Depending on the situation, that could be a marriage license, divorce documentation, or government-issued identification, such as a license or state ID.

Once you have the supporting documentation, contact your bank. For traditional banks, you might choose to visit a bank branch in person. If you use an online bank, you can call customer support.

Your bank likely has a name-change form to fill out with the updated or corrected information. You can usually find these by calling your bank or visiting a branch. Once completed, submit the form.

4. Order a new debit card and checks

You may have a debit card and/or checks from your bank with the old or incorrect name on them. If this is the case, submit a request with the bank for new ones or ask for support for guidance.

Your bank may take a few business days to update or correct your name. Check your account periodically to see if the name has been changed. If necessary, follow up with your bank.

Your bank account is just one of several places to update your name, especially if it isn’t just a misspelling on the bank’s part. Other places you should make the change are with the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and other financial accounts, such as investment accounts.

If you are changing the name on your bank account, you may have already changed it with the DMV and other agencies. Remember to update your name in all the relevant places as part of the process. This might include utilities, mortgage accounts, and credit cards. These accounts should all reflect the change, particularly if you legally change your name.

Read more: What do you need to open a bank account​?

If you use a traditional bank, visiting a bank branch is often the easiest way to change your name. This allows you to present documents like your driver’s or marriage licenses and sign the necessary documents.

While some banks operate entirely online, completing a name-change request online isn’t always possible. These banks often have a customer support number, which is often the easiest way to get help with a name change.

You typically can't directly change who owns a bank account because ownership is usually tied to a person’s identity. However, you can often add or remove joint account owners. In either case, the process involves both account owners visiting the bank (or calling online banks), providing proof of identity, and filling out the relevant forms.

Read more: What is a joint bank account and how does it work?

After getting married, you should update your name with the appropriate agencies, such as the Social Security Administration and DMV. Then call or visit your bank with your updated identification, fill out the necessary forms, and submit them to the bank.