About a week before the wedding, you are supposed to go to your local probate court to apply for a marriage license. Please check your local government regulations for required documents etc. Many hassles later, we acquired it and were able to continue with our wedding. What they don't tell you is that after the wedding, the officiant hands you the signed copy to take back to the probate court to get a marriage certificate. Well, this information wasn't posted and I wasted valuable time and gas in getting necessary things done.
Last Saturday (3 weeks after the wedding), I went to the nearby DMV to get my name changed. I had the signed copy of the marriage license not the certificate (oh and they use certificate and license interchangeably as if they are the same thing, when they are not!!), my birth certificate, and drivers license. Turns out they don't need the birth certificate, however after an hour and a half waiting, we were denied because I did not have the right paperwork. The gentlemen at the counter did tell me I could come straight to the window next time. Needless to say, we left and I started crying I was so upset.
Monday during lunch I drove to the probate court. I made a mistake the first time and paid to park (pay attention to the signs!!). I paid in a free parking for 2 hours. I was in and out within 10 minutes! Scott also did not need to go with me which was great with our crazy schedules. I had enough time to drive to the DMV too, but as you know something would go wrong - it was closed!!!
Frustrated, I knew Georgia had something against me changing my name. Well, I decided to try one more time. Tuesday during lunch I drove back to the DMV with a heavy determination. Upon arrival, I noticed the parking lot was packed and a line stood outside trying to just enter. I feared the worst looking at my clock. I waited in the line for about 20 minutes to just sign in. I sat down inside looking at the numbers being called. I held B402 in my hand.. they had just called B364. I knew it would never work, I didn't have the time. I looked around to see if the same guy from Saturday was there, and to my delight he was! My heart jumped up and pulled me to the counter. I waited as he helped out a gentleman. He had a smile on his face so I knew he was in a good mood too. Once the man left, I stepped up and told him he had asked me to come to the counter on Saturday. He grabbed my ticket and looked on the computer. He said I'm glad you came up, you saved over an hour wait! I was so excited I couldn't help but smile! Within 7 minutes we were done and I was walking back to my car texting pictures to both sets of parents and my husband. It was a huge sign of relief knowing that I can now take steps towards doing things we want like purchasing a home!
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