If your legal name changes because of a marriage, divorce or other court order, it's a good idea to contact the credit bureaus directly to let them know.The credit reporting agencies will be notified when you update your name.This can take up to six months or more.There could be delays in the loan application process.You should notify the credit reporting agencies of the name change.
Step 1: You can contact the credit bureaus with your updated information.
The credit agencies should be notified when you change your name with Social Security.It is a good idea to inform them of the change in a letter.Drop off your information at the P.O.In Atlanta, you can get in touch with TransUnion.Box 2000, Chester, PA 19022 is where you can let Experian know about your name change.Information can be sent to the National Consumer Assistance Center.Box 2002, Allen, Texas.
Step 2: There should be information in the letter.
In order to process your name change, the credit reporting agencies will need specific documentation.They will need your contact information and legal verification of your name change.Tell them who you are.Let the agency know that you changed your name in your letter.Inform them of a new location.Let the agency know if your legal address has changed.Attach your social security number to the letter.You should include your social security number on the letter to make sure they are changing the information for the correct person.You can't be compared to any other person with the same name.You need to provide proof of your legal name change.Legal documentation relating to your name change should be in your envelope.Marriage license, official divorce papers or other court order may be included in this documentation.
Step 3: Your credit report is important.
As a follow up to your name change request, you should get a copy of your credit report.You can get a free credit report once a year according to the FCRA.You can get a copy of your credit report from the credit reporting agencies.The Annual Credit Report Request Form can be downloaded and mailed to the service.Box 105281 is located in Atlanta, GA.If you have received your free credit report within the past year, you can get a copy of it for $38.This includes your credit history from all three credit reporting agencies.MyFICO sells a credit report from one of the credit reporting agencies for $19.95.
Step 4: Know how a name change affects your credit history.
Changing your name won't change your credit history.Your credit should continue to grow with your new name.Your credit report should include your old and new names.After a marriage or divorce, your credit reports will automatically update after you notify your creditor of your new name.Changes to creditor records are sent to the credit reporting agencies.It is possible that your credit history will be affected if you change your name.Credit reporting agencies use your date of birth and previous mailing addresses to identify you, not just your Social Security number.When applying for credit under your new name, be sure to provide full and complete identifying information so the credit reporting agencies can link you to your credit history.
Step 5: You need a new Social Security card.
You can change your name on other forms of identification if you use this first.Your social security number will not change.Proof of your age, identity, and U.S. citizenship are required.The application for a new social security card can be downloaded.The adoption decree must show proof of your age, such as your birth certificate, a U.S. hospital record, or a religious record.State-issued non-driver identity card or a U.S. passport are acceptable proof of identity.There should be evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, passport, or certificate of citizenship.You should include an unexpired document issued to you by the Department of Homeland Security if you are not a U.S. citizen.Form I-20, DS-2019 and a letter from their school or employer are required for international students or exchange visitors.
Step 6: On your driver's license, change your name.
You can change your name on your driver's license if you have a new Social Security card.You can learn how to change your name on your driver's license by visiting the website of your state Department of Motor Vehicles.Legal verification of your name change, as well as your old driver's license, social security card, and birth certificate are likely to be required.
Step 7: Your name should be changed with your employer.
Changing your name on your work documents can be done by your employer's human resources department.You need to change your name in order for your paychecks and pay stubs to reflect it.Your life insurance and retirement plan documents should be updated with your new name.
Step 8: Change your name on your financial accounts.
Your new name should be reported to all of your banks.When you change your name, your credit bureaus will be notified.Your credit history will not be changed under your old name.Your credit will continue to grow under your new name.You may need to visit your bank in person to update your name.Bring your social security number, driver's license or passport, and legal verification of your name change, such as a marriage license, divorce decree or court order.You can change your name on your credit cards.If you got married or divorced, you may need to remove a spouse from ownership of your accounts.You should inform other creditor of your name change, including issuers of a car loan, line of credit, mortgage, credit cards and other credit accounts.
Step 9: The credit bureau can be reached.
If your name is reported as incorrect on your credit report, contact them right away.You can request a return receipt so that you can track the letter.Your identification, Social Security card, and legal verification of your name change should be included.The letter should be sent to Equifax Information Services, P.O.The box is located in Atlanta, GA.Go to P.O. and send the letter.Box 2000 is located in Chester, PA.The letter should be sent to P.O.Box 2002, Allen, Texas.
Step 10: You can contact the agency that is reporting the inaccurate information.
Contact the agency who reported the incorrect information if you have any inaccuracy on your credit report.You should work with them to update their documentation to reflect your new legal name.Inform them that you contacted the credit bureaus to report the inaccuracy.