What Are the Steps to Legally Change Your Name

Marriage and divorce are the most common reasons for legal name changes. Marriage and divorce are by far the most common reasons why people change their names. Generally, if you change your name after you get married, a marriage certificate is the only thing you need. A divorce decree is all you need to change your name again after the divorce. The process of changing the name is not difficult, but it requires a laborious effort. There are many steps, which can sometimes be slow, that are necessary to successfully change your name. It`s easy to change your name in social contexts, all you have to do is introduce yourself with the desired name. It`s changing all your documents, that`s the hard part, including your ID, Social Security card, birth certificate, and credit cards. Below are the steps you need to follow to successfully change your name. If your divorce is already final and did not contain such an order, it may be possible to amend the original order to reflect your desire to change your name, although this varies by state. In this case, you may need to file an application with the court to change your divorce decree. Hi, I changed my full name after being adopted at the age of six. My partner and I don`t want to get married legally, but I want to take his last name Is it possible without a marriage certificate? Be sure to check your state`s requirements by visiting your state government`s website or calling your clerk.

The most common reasons for a name change are marriage or divorce. Adoption, as well as the following situations, are also common reasons: for better or worse, there is no deadline for these changes and no official order of operations that you need to follow. In order not to be overwhelmed by endless paperwork, go step by step and approach the tasks in the order and pace that seem easiest to manage. What if in a few years you find that you forgot to update your name somewhere on a rarely used account? Well, unfortunately, it happens to most of us. If you apply less than 1 year after your previous passport was issued, you must collect: If you have a TSA PreCheck card (but not Global Entry), call 855-347-8371 and follow the instructions to speak to someone about PreCheck applications. You will receive an email address where you can send a scanned copy of your marriage certificate so they can start processing the change. The problems arise when it comes to government and financial authorities. Since identity theft, credit card fraud, and even fear of terrorist spies are widespread, many financial and government agencies may require legal court documents to prove your identity. There are certain forms of identification, such as a social security card, birth certificate, and passports, that absolutely require legal name change documents. You will need a marriage certificate if you want to take your spouse`s name after you get married.

Hi Sheryl, We recently wrote a blog post on how to change your name to Global Entry – newlynamed.com/global-entry-name-change/ A: You can`t legally force your ex-spouse to go back to their old last name. You have the right to keep your last name. Adult Name Change – For any adult for a name change after marriage, divorce, or for any other reason. If you choose to legally change your name, you will need to apply for a name change in your district court. Depending on where you live, this can be online or in person. The exact rules vary by state and sometimes even county, so you should ask the court for self-help forms and tools that include specific requirements. People change their official names for many reasons. In most cases, name changes occur due to marriage, divorce, sex change, or court order. My husband had legally changed his name when he was 8 years old, his birth certificate bears the old name he was born with. How do I replace it with its current name for the new Real ID license? Depending on where you live, your legal name change process can be as simple as filling out an online form or as intense as attending a formal hearing and taking fingerprints by the FBI. You`ll also have to pay an application fee, which can range from $50 in Hawaii to $450 in California. Thinking about changing your name? This guide to legally changing your name will help you get started.

When you adopt a child, a new birth certificate will be issued when the adoption is completed and this constitutes proof of the child`s name. To change your name for any other reason, you will need to use your state`s name change process in court. In some states, you can change a child`s name on their birth certificate for up to one year after birth. An adopted child can usually obtain a new name during the adoption process without having to apply separately for a name change. Once you have posted a notice of name change (if necessary), you may need to hold a hearing with a judge. The judge will consider your application and any objections before deciding on your application. If the court approves the change, you should get a copy of the court order so you can start changing your name on official documents. If you hire a lawyer, you will also pay legal fees.

You can also use an online legal service to help you complete the name change application. You may also need to consider other fees, such as: Here, we`ll break down the general process to get a name change. Your divorce decree allows you to change your name and allows you to revert to your maiden (or old) name if you update your Social Security card, driver`s license, passport, and other documents. With your new name and payment information in hand, it`s time to update the payment information for your mortgage or rent and utilities. Most can be easily updated online in your account portal or over the phone, and it should be as simple as entering your new last name and entering your new credit card number or banking instructions. In addition to your friends and family, here are some of the entities you should notify once you`ve legally changed your name: Before committing to a new name, take a test drive. For example, use this name for your next coffee order. Then pay attention to how you feel when you hear him call.

Jasjyot Singh Hans for NPR Hide subtitles Updating your driver`s license with a new name must be done in person. Most states consider this change part of the license renewal process, so you`ll need to take a new photo and pay the renewal fee. Visit your state`s DMV website to print the renewal application form. Filling this out in advance will save you time once you get there. Some DMVs also accept appointments, which speeds things up. If you are going to the DMV, bring the following documents with you: Follow these steps to have your name legally changed by a court. You certainly can, and it would almost certainly make the process considerably easier and faster. Unfortunately, avocados are (usually) not cheap. If legal aid is not included in your budget, you can change your name without it. Unfortunately, if you have a Global Entry card, you won`t be able to change your name online because you`ll get a new passport number if you change your name on your passport.

However, you don`t have to make an appointment months in advance. Once you have received your new passport, simply bring it to the nearest registration center where you can update your account information. You will keep your current Global Entry card (along with your maiden name) because the digital data attached to your card will reflect your new information and match your passport, even if the physical card does not. If you prefer to get a new card with your new name, you can order one through your Global Entry account (after personally updating your passport information) for a $25 fee. You can review all the requirements for your residency and file the required documents to change your name by contacting your local county court. Some states require you to file your name change in court, while others don`t. If your name of choice does not fall into the above categories, double-checking with a lawyer can help ensure that the change is legally valid. A legal name change for reasons other than marriage or divorce is a court-ordered name change and is usually due to personal preference or gender change. While there is no law requiring a name change after marriage, the practice is still common in the United States — and not just for women.