Information security is one of our top priorities - for this reason, we never collect any sensitive information from clients (i.e. Social Security number, Passport number, Driver's License number, Parental information, etc.). Instead, we'll provide a set of instructions with your HitchSwitch order that will explain where you'll manually add that information prior to submitting the application to each government or state agency.

Information and cyber security are our top priorities - for this reason, we never collect any sensitive/identifiable information from our clients such as your Social Security number, Passport number, etc. Instead, we will provide a set of instructions with your HitchSwitch order that will explain where you will manually add that information prior to submitting the application to each government or state agency.

The only information we ask for or see is what one can find in a basic social media or White Pages search.

Additionally, our SSL certificate and cyber security are monitored 24/7 not only by our development team but through an outside firm as well whose clients include Google, Amazon, Exxon mobile to name a few.

Absolutely not!

Client information security is one of our top priorities. We'll never ask for sensitive information (Social Security number, Passport number, Driver's License number, Weight, Parental info). Instead, we'll provide a set of instructions that will explain where you'll manually add that information once you've received (or printed) your name change applications.

Every HitchSwitch package streamlines your name change by providing auto-filled forms and easy-to-follow instructions for key agencies like the Social Security Administration, U.S. Passport, Department of Motor Vehicles (covering your Driver’s License and Vehicle Title/Registration), and the IRS. You'll also get access to the forms and guidance you need to update your name with numerous popular services and companies, including credit card providers, airlines, streaming platforms, and your social media profiles.​

As a valued Platinum+ customer, you'll receive a complimentary Shutterfly Photo Book! This is a special bonus we've arranged through our partnership with Shutterfly, allowing you to create a beautiful keepsake of your memorable moments. After your HitchSwitch purchase, you'll receive a unique redemption code to use on the Shutterfly website. Please be aware that standard Shutterfly terms and conditions apply.

Platinum customers receive a special perk: complimentary personalized address labels from our partner, Shutterfly! This allows you to easily update your outgoing mail with your new name. After completing your HitchSwitch purchase, you'll receive a unique code to redeem your address labels on the Shutterfly website. Please note that standard Shutterfly terms and conditions will apply.

​Yes, in some cases, in-person submissions are required due to identification laws.

Here's a breakdown by entity:

• Driver's License or State ID (DMV): All states and the District of Columbia require an in-person visit to update your driver's license. It’s required by law.
• Social Security Administration Card: Typically, you can complete this online through their portal, by mail, or in person. The options depend on your state's procedures and identity verification needs.
• US Passport Applications:
  • By mail typically.
  • An in-person appearance is necessary if:
    • It's your first passport.
    • Your previous passport was lost or stolen.
    • You applied for your first passport before age 16.
    • Your current passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
• Other Updates (Banks, Credit Cards, etc.): For most other name change updates, you can usually submit applications via mail, fax, phone, email, or their online portals.
  

The $39 to $129 you pay to HitchSwitch is for our service. Any other fees are standard government or state charges that you would pay directly to those entities, regardless of how you manage your name change.

Here's a breakdown of potential additional costs:

• U.S. Passport: Expect to pay a fee directly to the State Department when renewing a passport that's over a year old or applying for a new one. This fee typically ranges from about $130 to $220, depending on the processing method you choose.
• Driver's License Name Change: Updating your name on your driver's license usually involves a nominal fee payable to your state's DMV, generally between $10 and $35.
• Vehicle Title and Registration: The fee for changing the name on your vehicle title and registration differs from state to state.
• Other Name Changes: The good news is that most other updates, like those for banks and credit cards, are usually free of charge.

You can order your HitchSwitch package whenever. We recommend completing the EasyForm whenever you're ready. Many customers find it beneficial to order before their name officially changes. This allows you to get familiar with the forms and instructions so you're all set to go as soon as your new name is legal.

Remember, you'll need the following legal documents to officially change your name:

• Marriage: Your official marriage certificate, which usually arrives by mail around two weeks after your wedding. You cannot legally change your name before receiving this.
• Divorce: Your official divorce decree. Make sure it includes your former name.
• Gender Change or Name Change: The official court order granting the change.
  

Yes! The HitchSwitch forms allow you to update your name and address at the same time. When you fill out our EasyForm, just enter your new address in the "permanent address" field. If your current mailing or shipping address is still your old one, you can enter that information in the separate "mailing address" or "shipping address" sections.

Yes! Since we never submit forms on your behalf, you can simply disregard the applications for any of the steps you've already completed.

The Platinum Name Change Concierge is an exclusive benefit for our Platinum and Platinum+ clients. It's your direct line to a dedicated team of name change specialists. Instead of going through our main support channels, you'll be automatically prioritized and connected with our concierge team whenever you need assistance 

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You may need to provide information for three different addresses. However, in many cases, your permanent, mailing, and shipping addresses are the same, so you would only need to enter one address.

• Permanent Address: This is your official address for things like your driver's license (as it appears on the card), Social Security, IRS, and voter registration.
• Mailing Address: This is the address where your new official documents—driver's license, passport, Social Security card, etc.—will be sent.
• Shipping Address: If you selected the Full Service package or higher, this is the address where you'd like your HitchSwitch package to be shipped.
  

​Here's how to input your addresses on the HitchSwitch EasyForm:

• Permanent Address: Enter your permanent address.
• Mailing Address: If it's different from your permanent address, indicate "No" and then enter it.
• Shipping Address: If your shipping address (for Full Service or higher packages) differs from your permanent address, select "No" and enter it.

It will depend on which package you choose.

PRINT AT HOME: You'll have immediate access to your name change applications and instructions by logging in here.

FULL-SERVICE: We wish we could ship overnight, but since everything is personalized and customized, lots of TLC goes into every single name change. Your order will be processed by our Fulfillment Team within 2 to 3 business days. Once complete, we will ship the name change to your attention. Shipping takes between 3 and 8 business days - depending on where you live!

PLATINUM: Your order will be shipped in two parts. We wish we could ship overnight, but since everything is personalized and customized, lots of TLC goes into every single name change. Your order will be processed by our Fulfillment Team within 2 to 3 business days. Once complete, we will ship the name change to your attention. Shipping takes between 3 and 8 business days - depending on where you live! Second, the passport photo will be shipped once you redeem and submit your photo via the passportnow mobile app.

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you'll need to complete a couple of crucial steps: 

1. Report the loss or theft to the U.S. Department of State here.
2. After submitting the DS-64 form, you will then complete the DS-11 form.

On the HitchSwitch EasyForm, answer the passport questions like this:

• "Yes" to "Do you currently have a US passport?"
• "No" to "Do you still have the passport in your possession?" OR "Yes" to "Is the passport damaged, stolen, lost, or mutilated?"
  

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Not to worry! 

You can change your name and renew your passport at the same time. You will simply answer a couple of questions on our online easy form, and we will provide the necessary information.  

Please let us know ASAP!

Shoot us an email at (customerservice@hitchswitch.com) and we'll be more than happy to check on the status of your package and reship if necessary.

Yes! 

You can change your name for any reason. Prior to using our service, you will need to go through the legal name change process. The laws regarding name changes can vary by state or jurisdiction, so it's important to check with the relevant authorities to determine the requirements. 

In general, the steps are outlined below: 

• Step 1: Contact or visit your local County clerk’s office. 
• Step 2: Fill out the Name Change paperwork. 
  • Such as the name change petition, name change certification, affidavit, etc. This paperwork will ask for your current name, new name (what you want to change it to), social security number, other personal information, and why you want it changed (i.e. I have always gone by this name). 
  • It will ask if you have ever been convicted of a crime, or are changing your name for an illicit reason (i.e. avoid child support). 
  • A signature confirming this information. 
  • Pay a fee (around $250). 
• Step 3: File your application with the county clerk or judge. 
  • In some states, you will be required to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper. This is typically done to ensure that the public is aware of your new name. 
• Step 4: The clerk will schedule a date for you to appear before a judge. The county clerk’s office will review your information, provide you with a hearing date, and you will receive a docket number. The docket number is very important because it identifies your case and lets the court know how to find your case.  You must use the docket number on all future papers you send to the court about your case. 
• Step 5: Attend your name change hearing. Attend your name change hearing in-pre. After the hearing, the court will record your new name and provide you with the name change order or final judgment. This document with the raised state seal (typically) is the legal document used to change your desired name(s) in lieu of your marriage certificate or divorce decree.

After Marriage, the document that will facilitate your name change is the Marriage Certificate, which is very limited in scope. Your surname does not change automatically upon marriage unless you elect to change it. If your NEW NAME is listed on your marriage certificate, that is the name you must use.

• Option 1: the surname of either spouse. 
• Option 2: make your maiden name your new middle OR add your maiden name to your current middle name. 
• Option 3: a combination surname separated by a hyphen. 
• Option 4: a combination surname separated WITHOUT a hyphen. 

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The thing to keep in mind with travel is that the name on your ticket must identically match the name on your photo ID.

If you booked in your maiden name, please hold off on submitting your passport until after you return (so that you can use it to board your flight). Keep in mind that in the meantime you can make all other applicable updates (i.e. Social Security update, Driver's License update).

No! The team at HitchSwitch is focused on helping anyone who is changing their name for any reason!  Adults can legally change their names when they get married, divorced, a legal name change (ask the court for a name change), for immigration purposes, etc.

Each name change will require a legal document issued by the courthouse, municipality, etc. that originally issued the document. This document is the Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, Name Change Order, or immigration document.

Yes, If your divorce decree specifically states that you can change your name to a previous name (i.e. birth name or maiden name) you will be able to use it to change your name.  You can ask the court to use any last name that you used before the marriage when you get divorced. You can’t change your last name through a divorce to a new last name that you never had. If you wish to have a different last name, you will need to undergo a court petitioned name change.  Your divorce judgment will say if you can use your former name. This is a legal name change. The divorce decree or the divorce judgment is the document required to change your name on other identification papers, like your social security card or driver’s license. 

Yes!

HitchSwitch is a national service and works in all 50 states, and in Washington D.C. Each HitchSwitch package is customized for each client, and each state.

The marriage license is the document you receive (prior to the "big day") that allows you to get married

The marriage certificate is the document (sent to you in the mail about 2 to 3 weeks after the "big day") that proves you are married!

A Certified Copy of the Marriage Certificate is a DUPLICATE certificate that's issued directly from the county that issued the original certificate.

Please note: a photocopy or a notarized photocopy are NOT considered certified copies. If you attempt to use such a document, your name change will not be accepted.

To request Certified Copies, you'll reach out to the county in which you were married (there will be reprinting and shipping fees).

Technically, you'll only need the original Marriage Certificate as no government agency will ever keep that certificate. When you submit an application in the mail, the certificate will be returned when your new Photo ID (etc.) is shipped. If you submit in person, you'll leave with the certificate in hand. With that being said, you can absolutely request Certified Copies if you don't feel comfortable putting your original certificate in the mail, or if you want to complete multiple steps at a time, you should not need any more than 2 certified copies.

No, you cannot.

Your religious marriage certificate proves that your marriage is legally recognized by your religion. However, this religious document CAN NOT be used for name change purposes. If you only have a religious certificate, you will need to request/get your state-issued marriage certificate, as the state marriage certificate is the legal document that allows you to change your name after your wedding!

There are no strict deadlines to change your name. Your marriage certificate, the legal document you received after your wedding, doesn't expire and can be used to change your name at any time in the future. However, once you initiate the name change process, we recommend completing the name change process in at least one more year to avoid any complications. 

That being said, as long as you have a valid marriage certificate physically in your possession, there is no time limit on when you can change your last name. While the average HitchSwitch client makes the change within 90 days of getting married, we have assisted many clients who have been married for five, ten, and even twenty years.

Good News. The US will recognize marriage certificates issued internationally, so there is no need to also apply for a US marriage license.

Please note, if your international marriage certificate is not in English you will need to have it translated and notarized.

Once complete, the name change process is exactly the same

At this time HitchSwitch is only servicing US Citizens that reside permanently in the US (as the process greatly differs for clients outside of this situation).

Please continue to reach out, as we are always expanding our services, and we hope to be able to service you in the future!

Yes!

However, you will need to first update the name on your Green Card. Once complete, you will bring your updated Green Card AND foreign passport to Social Security to commence the name change process.

Not at this time.

Your visa will not allow you to change your name after the "Big Day." In order to commence the process, you will first need to obtain a green card. Once this has been completed, please return to HitchSwitch and we will be able to assist!

At this time, our name change service only works in the United States and United States territories.

We are continually expanding our suite of services, so please continue to reach out!

As HitchSwitch is a U.S. based service, unfortunately, we do not currently assist clients who need to update their name on their international/non-U.S. documents such as a passport, visa, etc.

For Platinum Clients, to redeem your complimentary passport photo, please follow the instructions below:

1. Scan the QR code below or download the PassportNow app from the App Store or the Google Play Store. 

   

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2. Once the app is downloaded and opened, tap the box that says "HitchSwitch Client?"
3. Enter your "Promo Code." Or tap the box that says,  "Get Promo Code," and enter your email, wedding date, and phone number associated with your HitchSwitch account to locate the promo code. 
   
4. Take your picture, confirm your shipping details, and tap "Continue".
5. Our Fulfillment team will receive the photo, process it, and ship it to your attention.

For other HitchSwitch clients who want a passport photo, please download 

1. Scan the QR Code below using your phone to download the PassportNow app. Or click here for the App Store or the Google Play Store. Scan the QR Code using your phone

1. Once the app is downloaded and opened, tap the box that says "Get Started." 
2. Select your package. 
3. Follow the on-screen prompts. 
4. Our Fulfillment team will receive your order, process it, and ship it to your attention.

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Apologies for any inconvenience. Please email support@passportnow.app ASAP.

Please contact support@passportnow.app. 

If you purchased our Print at Home package, most updates can be made via your name change dashboard (which you can access here). If you need to update your name or email address, please shoot us an email at "customerservice@hitchswitch.com" and we'll be more than happy to make the revision on your behalf.

If you purchased our Full Service or Platinum Package and your order has not yet shipped, please email the necessary update to "customerservice@hitchswitch.com" so that we can make all necessary revisions prior to shipping.

If you've already received your order you can make most updates via your name change dashboard (which you can access here). If you need to update your name or email address, please shoot us an email at "customerservice@hitchswitch.com" and we'll be more than happy to make the revision on your behalf.

Check out our Gift Card page here

A HitchSwitch gift card makes the perfect shower, engagement or wedding gift!

You can order an electronic gift card or a physical one!

If you choose the electronic route, the gift card will be sent to you ("buyer"), or the person you choose ("recipient") within a minute or two after you checkout.

If you choose a physical gift card, it will be shipped to you ("buyer") or the person you choose ("recipient") within 3 to 5 business days.

As long as you have already gone through the legal name change process, and have the legal document in hand (Name Change Order) we can assist. Please click here , and follow the on-screen prompts to #ClaimYourName Now!

Yes! As long as you have already gone through the divorce process, and have the legal document in hand (Divorce Decree) we can assist. Please click here, and follow the on-screen prompts to #ReClaimYourName Now!