How to Change Your Second Name

Legally change your last name so that it is correct on your important documents.

People sometimes need to change their legal names for various reasons, such as marriage, divorce or adoption. When you want to change your name, you have to go through the legal channels so that your records and other documents are correctly amended. It takes several steps to change your name, but if you know what you need to do beforehand, you will be more prepared. In the United States, your Social Security card, driver's license and passport are the most important documents on which you need to change your name.

Things You'll Need

• Document that shows need for name change
• Document that shows your identity
• Document that shows your U.S. citizenship

Instructions

1. Gather the documents you have that reflect your need to change your last name. These documents could be a marriage license, a divorce decree, an adoption document or a court order approving the name change.

2. Gather a document that shows your current name and identity. For example, you could choose a driver's license, a passport or a military ID card. Check with your state to find out what other identification documents they might approve.

3. Gather documents that prove your U.S. citizenship. Some possible documents you could use are your birth certificate, passport or certificate of citizenship.

4. Take your documents to your local Social Security office. Show your documents and fill out any paperwork that is required. If your name change is approved, you will be issued a new Social Security card.

5. Go to your local department of motor vehicles and repeat the above process. Fill out paperwork, show your proof and receive a new driver's license with your new name.

6. Continue the name change process with your passport, if you have one. Receive a new passport that reflects your new name.

7. Notify other important agencies and people that need to change their records to reflect your new name. While some of these might change the name with just a phone call, others might require a copy of the document that proves the need for a name change. Some of the institutions you might need to contact include your bank, your employer, voter registration agency, credit card companies, utility companies, school associations and anyone else from whom you receive mail.

References

• The Knot: Postwedding To-Dos: How to Change Your Name After the Wedding Read more: How to Change Your Name After Marriage - TheKnot.com http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/planning-a-wedding/articles/name-change-101.aspx#ixzz1LEhF59Wc
• Social Security Online: Adult Name Change on Social Security Card
• US Legal: Name Change