How to Change Your Legal Name

There are several reasons why people might want to change their legal name. Getting married or divorced are two of the most common reasons. Maybe you just don’t like your name and you want to change it to something new. These are reasons you might be ready for a name change. Like William Shakespeare said, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” So don’t worry, you’ll still be the same old you, just with a minor name modification.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. First, figure out why you need to change your name. Are you getting married or divorced or do you just want a new name? If you’re getting married or divorced, the process will be much easier than if you’re just changing your name because you feel like it. If you’re changing your name because you feel like it, you’ll have to make sure your name meets the legal standards. For example, your name change can’t be to avoid paying taxes, child support or bankruptcy. It also can’t include any profanity, racial slurs or numbers.
2. If you’re getting married, you will complete your marriage license with your new name. And voilà, you have a new name. At that point, the only thing you need to do is implement your name change. You can do this by using your name on your driver’s license, social security card and any other accounts and important documents. Notify all of your credit card companies, utility companies and anyone else who needs to know who you are. Some places will need a certified copy of your marriage license. So be prepared to provide them with that.
3. If you’re getting divorced, you may choose to go back to your maiden name, although you are not required to. If you decide that’s the route you want to go, be sure to have language to the effect that you are requesting this in your divorce decree. That way, when you attempt to use your previous name, all you will need is a copy of the divorce decree as proof and then you can change your name back in much the same way as you did when you got married.
4. If you’re just changing your name because you feel like it, it may be a little bit more tricky. The first thing you’ll need to do is find out what the state you reside in requires from you for a legal name change. You can research this online or at the library. But the best place to check is probably your county court.
5. Find out what forms you’ll need from the courts. This may include a petition for a change of name and a notice of petition to the public, in other words, an advertisement in the newspaper.
6. Complete all the necessary paperwork and submit to the court. Typically, the judge will review and sign your petition. Then you’ll need to take out the advertisement to let the world know that you’ve changed your name.
7. Once you’ve completed everything required by the court, your name change will be legal. The only thing left to do at this point is to notify everyone who needs to know. Contact your creditors, the DMV and social security office. You’ll want to update all of your documents and identifications and then begin using your new name.