How to Change My Last Name to a New One

Change Your Last Name

Most people who apply to change their last names do so after they have been wed or divorced. Others may want to change their last names to get rid of an unpopular last name that has a stigma attached to it, to have a name that is more common, or maybe to have a last name that is different and makes some kind of political or artistic point. Whatever the reason, the process of changing your last name in the U.S. is normally not difficult, as long as you are not doing so to avoid legal responsibilities.

Instructions

1. Go to your local county courthouse and fill out a "Petition for Legal Name Change." Make sure your new last name is clear and legible. (This step is not necessary if you are requesting to change your last name because you are married or have gotten a divorce. Instead skip to step 5.)

2. Notarize the form, if required. Look up notary publics in the phone book if you need help finding one. Some notaries charge a small fee for their service.

3. File the form at your county courthouse. Once the form is filed with the clerk at the courthouse, you will be given a date to appear before the judge.

4. Appear before the judge on your court date and verify what you want your new last name to be. You will also need to swear before the judge that you are not attempting to change your last name to avoid legal responsibilities, like debt collection, or to take on the identity of someone else. The judge can then sign a court order for your name change request. There may be a fee charged before or after this court appearance; contact your count courthouse for more information on fees.

5. Take your signed court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree to the local Social Security office and apply for a new Social Security card with your new last name on it.

6. Visit your local licensing bureau or department of motor vehicles office with your new Social Security card, and the court order or marriage certificate to request that your last name on your driver's license be changed.

7. Notify your bank, credit card companies, etc. of your new last name and follow their procedures for changing your last name on your accounts.

References

• Minnesota Courts: Basics on Apply for a Name Change
• Social Security Administration: Changing a Name on a Social Security Card