What Happens If a Name Is Not Changed on Legal Documents?

Fees apply to change a name in a passport if it has been more than a year since the passport was first obtained.

Changing your name can be very exciting, but it also can be a lot of work. You have to register your new name and get all of your legal documents updated to reflect the change.

Name Change

If you get married, divorced or encounter another reason to change your name, the first thing you should do is update your legal documents. This includes your passport, driver's license, social security card, bank accounts and other important documents that have your name.

What Happens if it's Not Changed?

If you have a legal document that does not have your updated name, you could experience a serious inconvenience. If you are trying to travel between countries with a ticket that has your new name and a passport that has not been updated, you may not be allowed entry. If you don't update bank accounts, you may have difficulty proving that you are the person on the account and may be denied access to your funds.

What to Do

While you should update all legal documents, it can be easy to forget some things. Make sure you have proof of your former name, such as your birth certificate or an expired passport. This will allow you to prove your identity and make the necessary changes.

Proof

In order to change your name through the Social Security Administration, you need proof that your name has changed. This can be a divorce decree, marriage document, certificate of Naturalization or a court order.

References

• Social Security Administration: Your Social Security Number and Card