Name change and NCLEX

[princess_sophie]

hey yall!

I recently got married, and something just occured to me, i had a name change due to my marriage (i carried my husband's last name) yet i applied for my nclex-rn exam a year ago with my Maiden name and now i am wondering, should i call the BON and have them change my name or should i wait until i get my RN until i change my name. i also need to call them cause i am moving this weekend and i need to have them change my address on my application

[mason1]

I would call them to change your name before you go to take your test. Have you signed up for a date yet? I got married last July and took my boards in september and I called the board of nursing to change my name and also changed it online on the Pearson website.

[Jolie, BSN]

I would be surprised if you were able to accomplish either of these changes over the phone.

To make a name change, you may need to submit a copy of your marriage license by mail. (They may not accept a fax, because they may want to see the raised seal on the certificate.) Since you are not yet licensed and therefore not listed on the state website, you will probably have to provide your address change in writing as well, although a fax may suffice for that.

As far as when to make your name change, it probably doesn't matter, as long as you have an ID for NCLEX that matches the name on your registration.