How to Change Your Name Legally

There are plenty of reasons a person might want to change her name, including a change in martial status or just not liking a birth name. Laws vary from state to state, but the process is generally the same. You must have the court's permission to legally change your name.

Things You'll Need

• Driver's License
• Social Security Card
• Birth Certificate

Instructions

1. Carefully decide on a new name. You can change your first, middle and last name as long as your new name doesn't imply fraudulent intent by avoiding bankruptcy, violating a trademark, using numbers or symbols (except Roman numerals) or using obscene words.

2. Contact your local government office or district court to find out the rules and get the paperwork you need to legally change your name officially.

3. Fill out the forms, which typically include a petition or "deed poll", an order granting name change, a notice of petition to the public and an affidavit of consent

4. Make copies of all your documents to keep with your own records and then submit your paperwork to the appropriate court.

5. Wait for the approval. If your name change is not immediately approved, you may need to go to court to defend your reasons. Follow court guidelines for publishing your intent to change your name in a local newspaper. This will give the public a chance to object your name change if you have debts under your old name.

6. Take the judge's order granting your name change to the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Social Security of Administration and the Bureau of Records in the state you were born to get a new driver's license, Social Security card and birth certificate.

Tips & Warnings

• Some states require you to get your forms notarized.

• You will need to go to the Social Security office before the DMV, as the SSN has to match the number on the driver's license.

References

• Lawyers.com: Name Changes and Document Updates After Marriage