How to Legally Change Your Name in Arizona?

Give yourself a new name.

If you don't like the name that you have been given, the state of Arizona allows you to legally change it to one that is more desirable. You can also change your name for a variety of other reasons, such as if you want a name to reflect your religion, you received a divorce, or you wish to conceal your identity from someone who wishes you harm. The only reasons you cannot request a name change in Arizona are to get out of debt obligations or to commit criminal activity.

Things You'll Need

• Petition for a change of name
• Filing fee

Instructions

Marriage or Divorce

1. Obtain a certified copy of your marriage license or divorce decree if you are changing your legal name due to marriage or divorce. The license or decree will serve as proof of your name change.

2. Show a copy of the license or decree to the social security administration, department of vital records and driver's license bureau to make the change consistent throughout the state's records.

3. Show a copy of the license or decree to any colleges/universities, creditors and banks for consistency in your name across personal accounts.

Name Change for Other Reasons

1. Visit the Superior Court for the county in which you reside.

2. Complete and submit the "Petition for a Change of Name" and the appropriate filing fee to the clerk of the Superior Court. The filing fee may vary by county. When completing the petition, you must state the new name that you desire as well as the reason that you are desiring a name change. If you are under the age of 18, a legal parent or guardian must complete and submit the petition for you.

3. Attend the court proceeding for your name change. The date for your court proceeding will be given to you by the clerk of the Superior Court. During the court proceeding, the court will either deny your name change request or issue a judgment approving your new name. For a minor child, the court will make a decision based on what it feels to be in the best interest of the child.

4. Obtain a certified copy of the judgment for your records.

5. Take the certified copy of your name change decree to important agencies and organizations to ensure that your new name is properly documented. For example, you should update your social security card, birth certificate, driver's license, college degrees, passports, creditors and banks.

References

• Arizona Legal Name Change
• Arizona State Legislature

Resources

• Arizona Supreme Court Website: Legal Name Change Forms
• Judicial Branch of Arizona: Maricopa County