Updated as of September 2024
After the stress and bliss of wedding preps and the wedding day, the new missus often faces a practical question: how to change her name after marriage? In the Philippines (and many other countries), changing one's maiden name is not required.
If you plan to, I want to share my experience because I know it could feel confusing and overwhelming without guidance.
It's really not.
Yes, it could be frustrating since we're talking about government offices here (duh). But hang in there. With this Change Name guide and tips, you'll accomplish this task with ease.
We arrived a little past 7 a.m. I asked the guard for a number, and I was #27. They let us in around 7:40 a.m. (their office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and started transactions right away.
After handing over my picture, she printed my name and pasted my picture. It took less than a minute, maybe 20 seconds.
I didn't know I could get an updated ID right then and there, but I was glad I did.
💡 To protect your ID from damage, you need to laminate it yourself. There's a lamination service just outside their office.
Itkind of pissed me off that I made an effort to look for a lawyer to notarize the petition form because that's what it says on their website, only to be told I didn't have to. ðŸ˜
I told Miss Not-So-Pleasant at Window 1 that it's what the website says. I even showed the list I downloaded, but Miss Window #1 just said, "No, we don't require that. We don't ask you to do that."
Cute. 🙄
2. Proceed to the back of the room, where you will have your passport-size picture taken (they have blazers if you're not wearing a top with a collar). They only needed one photo, but you'll get six copies.
This is also where you will pay for the stamps.
I paid Php 110 for 2 pieces documentary stamps (which the woman wrote on a piece of paper, not an official receipt), Php 120 for the pictures, and Php 25 for the postal envelope.
The pictures and envelopes were not written on the paper, nor was I given an official receipt for these requirements, but I didn't ask why anymore because welcome to the Philippines. 😅
3. Back to Window 1. She pasted the stamps and my picture on the form, wrote some things, and gave me back my documents.
4. Pay the statutory fee in Window 5 (Cashier). No sarcasm; she was nice and helpful. You need a number for this, though. You can get one from the Cashier after you're done with the requirements, but my husband got me a number while I was processing.
The cashier already called my number, but this good guy in front of the line allowed me to go before him because I said I had to wait for my photo (I did for about 5 minutes because it was quite busy). Bless his heart.
They'll give you an official receipt for the Statutory Fee.
5. Proceed to Window 6.
Brace yourselves. Major rant incoming.
Again,it was a little annoying because Mr. Window 6 (Brian) pointed at the notary on my paper to his colleague and sniggered.
You can now update your status online.
Changing your name after marriage is no fun, but it is necessary. It's part of making things legal.
What's your experience in changing your name after marriage? Let me know!
If you plan to, I want to share my experience because I know it could feel confusing and overwhelming without guidance.
It's really not.
Yes, it could be frustrating since we're talking about government offices here (duh). But hang in there. With this Change Name guide and tips, you'll accomplish this task with ease.
Want to skip reading the blog and get your copy of the requirements and steps in one place? Download the FREE checklist and guide below (Passport name change included).
How to Change Name after Marriage in the Philippines
First: Obtain a Marriage Certificate from PSA
- Ensure you have a copy of your marriage certificate from the PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority), formerly NSO (National Statistics Office).
- Schedule your online appointment as they no longer accept walk-ins as of this writing.
💡 Pro tip:
Get at least 5-6 copies of your marriage certificate to avoid argument with the spouse. 😅
Because some agencies will need to keep the original.
Because some agencies will need to keep the original.
I'm currently based in Bacolod. Though the requirements listed here may be the same nationwide, the processes (like which window, building, etc.) may differ.
- For Philhealth, we went to their main office (map below). They're also in Robinson's Mandalagan.
- For PRC, SSS and PAG-IBIG, we went to Robinson's Bacolod 3/F. If you have the time, go to their main offices. The lines there may be shorter.
DOWNLOAD the complete list of requirements and straightforward steps for changing your maiden to married name in the Philippines - including passport change with DFA (This one's rant-free, promise. Lol!)
PHILHEALTH
Requirements:
- PSA-certified marriage certificate: Bring the original and photocopy (In my case, she didn't bother checking the original and gave it back to me but kept the photocopy).
- Valid government ID: A photocopy of a valid government ID (I brought mine with my maiden name, and they accepted it).
- PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF): You can download the printed and filled-out PMRF from their website. Their site is often down, so just check the link to see if it works. You can also ask in the office directly if you don't want to download.
- 1x1 ID picture with white background: This one was not listed on the website, but you need it for your new ID.
Steps:
- Fill out the necessary information that applies. For Purpose, tick off ✔ For Updating.
- Wait for your number to be called and submit all requirements for checking.
- Wait for your updated record and ID.
That's it!
Personal Experience:
The PhilHealth office is my favorite so far.
We arrived a little past 7 a.m. I asked the guard for a number, and I was #27. They let us in around 7:40 a.m. (their office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and started transactions right away.
My number was called around 8:15 a.m., and in less than a minute, I was done!
However, I had to quickly grab a 1x1 ID photo nearby after submitting the papers and go back to the same window. 😒
After handing over my picture, she printed my name and pasted my picture. It took less than a minute, maybe 20 seconds.
I didn't know I could get an updated ID right then and there, but I was glad I did.
💡 To protect your ID from damage, you need to laminate it yourself. There's a lamination service just outside their office.
Philhealth office location:
Click the photo to view it on Google Maps
PRC
Requirements:
- Filled out Petition Form from their website
- Photocopy AND original Marriage Certificate
- Photocopy of current PRC ID
- Statutory fee of Php 225
- Metered documentary stamp
- 2 pcs passport size picture with white background and name tag (your married name)
- PRC postal envelope - this is not listed on the website but required in Bacolod which I think is because they will mail your requirements to Manila office.
Steps with comments
1. Proceed to Window 1 with requirements 1-3 above.It
I told Miss Not-So-Pleasant at Window 1 that it's what the website says. I even showed the list I downloaded, but Miss Window #1 just said, "No, we don't require that. We don't ask you to do that."
Cute. 🙄
2. Proceed to the back of the room, where you will have your passport-size picture taken (they have blazers if you're not wearing a top with a collar). They only needed one photo, but you'll get six copies.
This is also where you will pay for the stamps.
I paid Php 110 for 2 pieces documentary stamps (which the woman wrote on a piece of paper, not an official receipt), Php 120 for the pictures, and Php 25 for the postal envelope.
The pictures and envelopes were not written on the paper, nor was I given an official receipt for these requirements, but I didn't ask why anymore because welcome to the Philippines. 😅
3. Back to Window 1. She pasted the stamps and my picture on the form, wrote some things, and gave me back my documents.
4. Pay the statutory fee in Window 5 (Cashier). No sarcasm; she was nice and helpful. You need a number for this, though. You can get one from the Cashier after you're done with the requirements, but my husband got me a number while I was processing.
The cashier already called my number, but this good guy in front of the line allowed me to go before him because I said I had to wait for my photo (I did for about 5 minutes because it was quite busy). Bless his heart.
They'll give you an official receipt for the Statutory Fee.
5. Proceed to Window 6.
Brace yourselves. Major rant incoming.
Again,
He did this not only once but three times because his colleague (Miss Nice and Helpful Cashier) didn't find it amusing that he was acting like a total jerk, pointing at my "mistake" in front of me for having my paper notarized.
So I told him, "Your website says notarized Petition Form." 😈
To which he replied that it was only for something else.
It's time to update your website and specify which transactions need a notarized petition form and which don't, PRC. We're professionals; we're not mind readers.
And train your employees (or at least Sir Brian at Window 6) to act professionally next time. The P on your agency's name means Professional, after all. 🙄
I returned to the woman who had sold me the postal envelope for a refund because I had said it was not required. But then she said they should've taken it and called the trooper, Sir Brian. He forgot he needed to fill it with my papers.
He's such a delight! 🙄
Note: I was instructed to check online (within 2-8 months) if my record has been amended. After that, I have the option to apply for an online transaction like a license renewal or just wait for when my present ID expires.
They will then give me an ID with "Duplicate" on it (if I apply for renewal right away), reflecting the same expiration date as I have on my current ID.
Transactions may be quick or slow depending on the number of people applying on the day. I think we were there for only about 40 minutes.
So I told him, "Your website says notarized Petition Form." 😈
To which he replied that it was only for something else.
It's time to update your website and specify which transactions need a notarized petition form and which don't, PRC. We're professionals; we're not mind readers.
And train your employees (or at least Sir Brian at Window 6) to act professionally next time. The P on your agency's name means Professional, after all. 🙄
I returned to the woman who had sold me the postal envelope for a refund because I had said it was not required. But then she said they should've taken it and called the trooper, Sir Brian. He forgot he needed to fill it with my papers.
He's such a delight! 🙄
Giphy
Note: I was instructed to check online (within 2-8 months) if my record has been amended. After that, I have the option to apply for an online transaction like a license renewal or just wait for when my present ID expires.
They will then give me an ID with "Duplicate" on it (if I apply for renewal right away), reflecting the same expiration date as I have on my current ID.
Transactions may be quick or slow depending on the number of people applying on the day. I think we were there for only about 40 minutes.
PRC Location:
I went to PRC Robinson's Bacolod. The mall wasn't open yet, but if you tell the guard your purpose, they'll let you in.
SSS
Requirements:
- Two (2) copies of Member Data Change Request
- Marriage Certificate (must show the original but only leave photocopy)
- Old SSS ID
- Photocopy of valid ID with married name
Steps:
- Line up to have your forms checked and get a number. So, if you ask me, it's better to download the form online so you can fall in line right away.
- Wait (for eternity 😅) for your number to be called and submit your requirements.
Note: I was also told to put my husband under Dependent because, apparently, that's automatic when you're married. I didn't know that.
They will mail your new SSS ID within 30-60 days.
They will mail your new SSS ID within 30-60 days.
Personal Experience
This one's a pain. Although I'm thankful that Robinson's has Lingkod Pinoy Centers, where you can find government offices in one place, the lines could be daunting. I spent more than two hours waiting.
🚩 Update: I never got my SSS ID. It was lost in the mail, the post office told me. They advised me to just get a new one. That was more than 2 hours wasted, including me going back. 🤬
Follow the steps on this link: ONLINE SSS CHANGE STATUS.
PAGIBIG
Requirements:
- Marriage Certificate (they didn't look for original, just photocopy)
- MCIF (Member's Change of Information Form)
- Valid government ID (it's on the list, but they didn't ask for mine)
Steps:
- Get a number.
- Wait for another eternity. ðŸ˜ðŸ˜… Wait for your number to be called and submit all your documents. They will update your information immediately, but you'll have to go back for the form with your updated married name. They'll tell you when. For me, it's three days after.
Giphy
Changing your name after marriage is no fun, but it is necessary. It's part of making things legal.
Personal Advice
Remember to bring with you:- black pen
- some snacks or candy to avoid getting hAngry
- water
- a fan (it was hot even with the mall's AC)
- extra cash in case the rates have changed
- a whole lot of patience and understanding for uncultured people like Brian at the PRC office 🙊
What's your experience in changing your name after marriage? Let me know!
👇 Get your FREE downloadable list of requirements and easy-to-follow steps (Passport name change included) 👇
5 comments
I really had a bad experience with getting my digitized SSS ID. I waited a year to get it, and it was not delivered in my apartment. I had to trace its whereabouts and I ended up finding it in the post office.
ReplyDeleteHow I wish they could move some of these transactions online!
You know update on this article, I still don't have my updated SSS ID. They lost it in the post office. Sadly, I have to go to the office and process it again. Yeah, it's 2020. Why can't we do things online for everybody's convenience? :(
DeleteFiling for such in the PSA is so frustrating in the Philippines it will take days or a week to request for it.
ReplyDeleteGosh. Tell me about it. ��
DeleteExcellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am inspired!
ReplyDeleteVery useful information specially the last phase :) I care for such
info a lot. I used to be looking for this particular info for
a long time. Thank you and good luck. Read More