How to Change Your Last Name Legally in New Hampshire

If you just do not like your last name or if you want to change it for an acting career or other reason, you must ask permission from the court. In the state of New Hampshire, the probate courts handle name changes throughout the state. Anyone can make a request to change their last name in New Hampshire. It is something that you can do on your own without a lawyer. As long as you are not changing your name for fraudulent or illegal purposes, the process is straightforward.

Things You'll Need

• Petition for Change of Name form (NHJB-2175-P)
• Copy of driver's license or birth certificate

Instructions

1. Visit the New Hampshire Probate Court website (see Resources). Click on “Name Changes" on the left side of the page.

2. Review the checklist that applies to you. There is a checklist for adults and one for minors.

3. Click on “Name Change Form” to open the Petition for Change of Name form (NHJB-2175-P). You can fill out the form on your computer and then print it out, or you can print it out to complete by hand.Enter your current name, address, the reason you want to change your name and the name you want to change to.

4. Take the completed form with your identification to your local probate court. You will have to pay the filing fee, which is $90 as of March 2010. The New Hampshire Probate Court website (see Resources) has a listing of all the probate court locations in the state.

5. Wait for your court date where a judge will review your request for a name change. Unless anyone objects, you will be granted your name change by the judge and given a certified copy of the change. This is what you will need to change over other forms of identification, such as your driver's license.

Tips & Warnings

• There is a place on the name change form for attorney information, but you do not need a lawyer to change your name. This part can be left blank.

References

• US Legal Forms: New Hampshire Law Summary - Adult Name Change
• NH Courts: Information for Persons Obtaining a Name Change in New Hampshire

Resources

• NH Courts: New Hampshire Petition for Change of Name form (NHJB-2175-P)
• NH Courts: New Hampshire Probate Court
• NH Courts: New Hampshire Probate Court Locations