Road Block

When I got my marriage license I should have filled the portion on the bottom "new name" to change my last name.  Since I didn't do that, now it's going to cost me.  My name is not free (anymore).  I'll admit it- I'm an uninformed citizen.  No one told me I had to fill out the bottom portion nor did I think it was a big deal not to fill it out.

I read the details on how to change your name- Social Security office, DMV, banks, credit cards, passports, etc.

First stop, Social Security's office.  I brought my marriage license to the SS office, and they changed my last name on my card.  Yay!  Easy breezy!

Next stop, DMVs office.   I made an appointment, and got through no problem.  I gave them my marriage license, and they said my name is not legally changed.  They told me I have to go to court to change it.  I'm thinking, What?  Doesn't the license show that I'm married and my last name is different now.  No because you didn't fill in the box here.  You have to go to court to change it.
I thought this was strange, but I didn't have any other argument.  I wondered if there was going to be a fee, but it shouldn't be too bad right.  It's my name, and it should be easy to change.

Next stop, the court.  I'm not sure what to expect, but I go in a little nervous.  I talk to the clerk, and she says I have to legally change my name.  Yep, that's what I want to do today.  It'll cost you $480-$500.  Wait what??  $480, yes that's correct.  Okay thank you.

Did I do it??  Heck NO!  In my head I'm thinking...It's my name, and it should be free!  I could go to Hawaii for $480.  This is going to cost more than a speeding ticket?  Are you kidding me?  People who break the law get to pay less.  What kind of society do we live in?  I got married legally for about $60.  I might as well just get married a second time.  It really doesn't make sense.  Why do abiding citizens have to pay hefty fees?  I googled the cost to change a name, and I stumbled upon waivers for people who couldn't afford it.  You get to waiver the fee because you can't afford it?  This really doesn't seem fair...I always thought the government was fair, but now I'm not so sure.  I guess because I was never let down by it.  I finally understand why people think the government sucks.  This is just the beginning huh? 

Sorry I completely went on a tangent from the house, but I really had to let this out.  If you get married and want to change your name, make sure you fill out that bottom portion.  It'll cost you if you don't.

P.S.
$480 is to change the name at the court
$25 is to change with the DMV
$140 for a new passport

Just to change my name...this is sad...i'm sad...