How to Change a Chinese Name

Changing a name takes effort, but is your legal right.

The Chinese name you were given at birth does not have to be your name for your whole life. In the United States, the 14th Amendment of the Constitution allows any citizen to change her legal name to any name of her choice. If you would like to change your Chinese name to an English name, a French name, your spouse's surname---or even another Chinese name---it is your legal right as a U.S. citizen.

Things You'll Need

• Name change form
• Criminal background information form
• New name

Instructions

1. Contact the Superior Court in your state of residence. Each U.S. state handles name changes individually; there is no federal department that changes names of U.S. citizens.

2. Fill out the forms. Most states have the proper forms available for download on their websites, or you may pick up the forms in your local courthouse. You will need to give your legal Chinese name, the new name of your choice, your contact information and social security number, so be prepared with that information. A criminal background information form will also be required. Ask your local courthouse about any additional local forms that may be needed.

3. Publish your name in a newspaper. Many states, such as California and New York, require that you publicly announce your name change by publishing it in a local paper for several weeks. Not every newspaper qualifies, so be sure to inquire with each paper. Your local courthouse may have a list of qualifying publications.

4. Go to court. Most states require that you go to court and will issue you a court date once you have completed the necessary paperwork and public announcements. A judge must approve the name change, so bring all the paperwork and proof of public announcement with you to your hearing. Depending on which state you live in, an additional form may also be needed for this step, so inquire with your local courthouse for the appropriate form.

Tips & Warnings

• Legal name changes affect all other legal documents. Social Security cards, passports and birth certificates will also need to be changed.

• If you have a foreign or domestic bank account, you must also inquire with your bank to change the name on the account.

• If you are on probation or parole, or if it is determined a name change will be used for fraud, the judge has the right to refuse your name change.

References

• Cornell University Law School: 14th Amendment
• California Courts: How do I ask the court to change my name?
• Social Security Administration: Your Social Security Number and Card
• New York State Unified Court System: Name Changes

Resources

• California Courts: Changing Your Name or Your Gender