How to Change a Name in Georgia

People want to change their names for many different reasons including not liking their old last name, getting married or divorced. If you have a reason that you want to change your name and you live in Georgia, you may change your legal name through the Georgia court system at the county court level. Once the judge has approved the name changes you need to change your name with Social Security, the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles your bank and anyone else that you do business with.

Instructions

1. Collect the form called "Petition for a Name Change" from the Georgia county court house in the county that you live in. Fill the form out and include your old name, the name you want, information on where you live, your age and date of birth and the reason you want your name legally changed. Submit the petition along with the appropriate fees to your local county court house. Fees will vary from county to county.

2. Publish your name change with the local newspaper in your county every week for a month. This is a requirement for a name change in Georgia, according to the Georgia Name Change Law website.

3. File proof with the Georgia county court house that you published the name change in the newspaper. A receipt from the newspaper and a clipping of the article in the paper will suffice.

4. Attend the court hearing regarding your name change case. The judge will make a final ruling whether you are allowed to legally change your name.

References

• Name Change Georgia: Georgia Name Change FAQ
• Name Change Law: Georgia Name Change Center
• Georgia Department of Driver Services: Name and Address Change
• New Last Name: Georgia Legal Name Change