Yes, you can change your name at any time. Whether you’re getting married or you want a new identity, changing your name can seem like an overwhelming process. This article has 19 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. To legally change your name through marriage, you must apply for a marriage license at your county courthouse. Jones Smith) or make up something totally new. Also applicable info was shared on my responses. This form tells the Court about your current legal name, the new name you would like to have, and the reasons why. Really, it's totally up to you. All rights reserved. In most cases, a judge or magistrate will review your forms and grant the name change. For regular mail, you can use any name you want. In California, applicants must publish for four consecutive weeks. The first place to update your name after your marriage is with the Social Security Administration (SSA). This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Can I change back to my maiden name? The problems arise when it comes to government and financial agencies. Court staff cannot give you legal advice, which includes telling you which form to choose. Notify any employers, banks, or services of your changed name so they can adjust their documentation accordingly. How can I legally change my name if I have been using the new name for years? Sounds like something I can do, "I found this helpful, especially since I am a minor and my original name was considered a boys name. If the judge denies your request, get a copy of the denial and try again. Just get the petition from the local courthouse. In the United States, a legal name change can be obtained through a court order and any US citizen has the right to change his/her name through either common law or court procedure. Whatever the reason, we make it easy to get court approval of your name change. In some states you will be expected to present a prepared testimony explaining your name change. A divorce decree is all you need to change your name back after divorce. After your wedding, you’ll receive a marriage certificate in the mail which serves as your official legal name document. Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported. Check your local court's website to determine if your petition must be submitted in person, and to determine the hours that they are open for such business. There are restrictions respecting personal names when choosing, altering or correcting a legal name on Vital Statistics certificates and documents. Your new name violates a trademark (e.g. Civil Cover Sheet (pdf fillable) Petition for Change of Name . The steps and complexity vary depending on the state and the situation – for example, it's easier to change your name when getting married than it is to change your name simply because you want to and you can. Each state has different requirements for what constitutes change of gender. You will generally need a certified copy of the decree changing your name. Your new social security card should arrive within 10 days of processing. The cost for publication can vary greatly between newspapers and your court fee waiver will not waive your publication fees. Be patient, and continue enforcing the use of your new name. Apply and pay online with a credit card. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Luckily, all it takes is a little paperwork! You can find the address for the Social Security office nearest you via a locator on the Social Security Administration website. Keep reading to learn how to change your name for other reasons. ", "It helped me a lot. Adult Name Change Forms. No, unless it's an official letter to the CPS, State Department, police, or something. Changing your legal name is easier than you think Both adults and children decide to change their name for a variety of reasons. "I'm single & starting the retirement chapter of my life. Name changes due to marriages and divorce make up the majority of name changes in the United States. In most states, it's a rather simple process to change your name through the court system. Changing your last name after your marriage takes a lot of work and requires a bunch of steps. Usually, both parents need to agree to change a child’s name, even if they're not together. For example, in California, applicants must fill out. This article has been viewed 2,164,730 times. If you’re changing your name because you’re getting married, make sure you list your new name on your marriage certificate. The email address cannot be subscribed. For example, you can't: Marriage and divorce are easily the most common reasons people change their names. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. References Search online to see what legal aid resources are available in your community. It's important to be aware of any restrictions your state imposes on the type of name change you … o Contact a newspaper in your county and set up publication of the notice. You'll need your marriage certificate, birth certificate, photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and a completed application for a new Social Security card, available online. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. Fill out the Petition using the appropriate application on your computer; the form cannot be filled out by hand. If you're an immigrant, ex-convict, or attorney, you'll probably need an affidavit of service of notification to authorities in addition to your petition. He or she may be able to help you expedite the process, since changing a name for this reason is quite common. trying to name yourself "Chuck E. Cheese" or "Adidas Batman"). 3. Not in most states, but it's helpful. Keep reading to learn how to change your name for other reasons. However, it is substantial proof of your name change. In fact, most state government websites have forms online that you can print and use. Other documents vary by state. The process you must follow, however, differs depending on your state's laws and why you want the change. Nothing else is required to legally change your name, and the certified marriage license or divorce decree can be used to notify other parties and agencies of your name change. Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy. List your new name on your marriage certificate. When you go to the courthouse to get your marriage certificate, the clerk should ask you if you want to change your name. If I am separated, but not divorced. In most cases you must publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name in a newspaper of general circulation once a week for 4 weeks in a row.Your court most likely has a list of newspapers that are approved for publishing legal notices. How to change your name in Virginia is the subject of this article, so read on to find out: Most states allow you to legally change your name simply through usage. Changing your name again. How old do I have to be to change my name? This form packet has moved to Indianalegalhelp.org. Once you have that, you can visit your local DMV to change your name on your ID card. Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life, Name Doctor of Law, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Next, bring your marriage certificate, birth certificate, and photo ID to your local Social Security Administration office. Get the petition papers from your local courthouse; they will have the instructions. Can I just change my last name to my boyfriend's last name? Google Chrome, If you are having trouble determining if your name change is legal, or need legal assistance with this process, hire an attorney. You should not change your legal name lightly. Jones-Smith), double barrel your name (e.g. ", "Answered most my questions in one place.". To legally change your child's last name, you need court permission. For a federal document, such as a social security card, you must provide a court-ordered name change document in order to be issued a new card. Gender details do not appear on social security cards, but to change you gender filed with the Social Security Administration, you can show a state-issued amended birth certificate, a physician’s letter certifying clinical treatment, or a ten-year U.S. passport showing the appropriate gender marker. The most important thing to do to legally change your name is to start using your new name. Are you a legal professional? I want to get a middle name, how can I do that? Once your gazette notification is published, your name change will be legally complete. Complete Form DS-5504 either Online or in Adobe PDF 2. themselves moving to assisted living & changed first names to start anew! The name uses numbers or symbols (except Roman numerals). You can make an appointment to change your name in person, or you can mail in the appropriate documents. All states are pretty similar. In California, for instance, your physician can use the Declaration of Physician Attachment, which is officially. Include your entire first, middle, and last name where listed. Use these forms if you are only changing your name but not your sex. This can be a completely legal name change. Before beginning the process of changing your name, practice signing it and have a few people close to you call you by that name, to make sure you like it. Make a copy for your records. Legal self-help centers are often available to help with name changes, and legal fees may be waived if sufficient financial need is demonstrated. There are 33 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. How do I change my name after moving to a different state than I was born in? wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Reviewed by Kellie Pantekoek, Esq. While your heirs can't be disinherited because of a name discrepancy, they may have to go through more steps in order to show your former name and true identity before being awarded their share. Clear, and it will really help me change my name! Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select, Please enter a legal issue and/or a location. Some brides like to keep their maiden name within their new name by taking on their maiden name as their middle name. Petition to change your name by filling out a name change form, an order to show cause for legally changing your name, and a decree to legally change your name. Gather your paperwork together. 4. The process of legally changing your name generally includes petitioning to change your name and using your new name. We recommend using Some states allow you to simply post in a public place such as a designated bulletin board at the courthouse. How to change your name if you’re an adult in Arizona. Court staff cannot give legal advice. There are several reasons someone may want to change their name, often after a marriage or divorce. Adding a middle name is still considered changing your name. o Give a copy of the I don't want to change my name, I just want a middle name. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Change-Your-Name-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Change-Your-Name-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid20081-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"