How to Change Your Full Name

Unless you are changing your name because of adoption, marriage or divorce, you will need to file a petition with the court to be granted a name change. The petition must be filed with the court in the jurisdiction where you live and then must be reviewed and approved by the court. In most circumstances, you will be required to attend a brief hearing in front of a judge.

Instructions

1. Draft a petition that lists your basic information, including your current name, proposed new name and reasons for wanting to change your full name. You will need to format the name change petition according to your jurisdiction's Civil Rules, which you can find at the office of the court clerk in your county or city.

2. Certify that you are not changing your name for illegal or unethical reasons. Your petition will need to include a statement that certifies you are not trying to evade debts or other legal obligations by changing your name.

3. File your petition with the court. After you submit your petition to the court, you will be assigned a hearing date and will have your case heard in front of a judge. During your hearing, the court will review your petition and make a determination on whether to grant your name change.

4. Request a new birth certificate and identification. Once the judge approves your name change you will be given a signed court order that you can use to request a new birth certificate, passport, driver's license and other identifying documents.

Tips & Warnings

• Because the rules regarding name changes vary by state, consider consulting with an attorney or the court clerk prior to drafting your petition.

References

• Name Change
• Name Change FAQ