Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Change of name due to marriage
• Part 2 of 2: Change of name for any other reason
• Tips
• Source and Citations

There may be several reasons why you want to change your name, be it a change in marital status or just a dislike for the name given at birth. While US laws vary from state to state, the basic process is the same. For procedures used in other countries, consult your local Citizens Advice Bureau, government advisory service, or a lawyer.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Change of name due to marriage

1. 1 Gather all the required paperwork. You will need a marriage certificate, a birth certificate, an identity document with a photograph (driver's license, passport or ID), and a completed application for a new social security card (you can get it here: http: // www. socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.pdf).
2. 2 Submit your documents to the Social Security Administration. To change your name, you can either make a personal appointment or send all the necessary documents by mail (all originals will be sent back to you with notification).
3. 3 Get your new social security card. It must come within 10 days from the date of submission of documents (i.e. from the date specified in the notification of receipt of your documents or the date of your personal visit to the OSS).
4. 4 Change your name on your driver's license or ID. To do this, visit your local Motor Vehicle Department with your new Social Security card and your old driver's license or ID.
5. 5 Change your name on all other documents. Here's a quick list of things to consider:
   • bank accounts,
   • credit cards,
   • rent or mortgage,
   • ownership of the car,
   • voter registration,
   • medical offices,
   • mailboxes.

Part 2 of 2: Change of name for any other reason

1. 1 Choose your new name carefully. Practice subscribing to them.Ask someone close to you to call you that name and see how much you like it. You can change your first name, middle name, last name, or all at once. Your new name must not be "fraudulent" or affect the public interest by:
   • Attempts to avoid bankruptcy by pretending to be someone else;
   • Violations of the use of brand names;
   • Use of numbers and symbols (excluding Roman numerals);
   • Using obscene words.
2. 2 Fill out the application. Many states require you to complete a petition (or statement) stating the reasons for wanting to change your name. Remember that it will be directed to a judge, so ensure that it fully and correctly explains the reasons for your intentions.
   • If you change your name after a divorce, contact your divorce lawyer. He may speed up the process.
   • If you are an immigrant, have a criminal record, or a prosecutor, you will also need an affidavit.
3. 3 Notarize your application or sign with the court clerk.
4. 4 Make copies of your papers.
5. 5 File your petition with your local civil court. Visit the civil court in person to register your petition with the clerk. He will tell you the date of the court hearing for which you will have to appear.
6. 6 Attend your hearing. Most name change hearings are fairly straightforward. However, the judge may have a number of questions for you. Try to answer them clearly and honestly.
   • If the judge denies your request, get a copy of the denial and try again.
7. 7 Get a copy of your name change judgment. If the judge approves your request, you will be rewarded with a court order, which may be given to you by a local civil court clerk. Make a copy of the solution for yourself.
8. 8 Place your name change announcement in the newspaper (optional). This will allow the public to object to a name change, for example if you are in arrears on your current name. Some states allow you to simply post a notice in a public place, such as a special notice board in a court of law.
9. 9 Take the judgment to the Social Security Administration or mail in a certified copy. Make sure you also have your birth certificate, photo ID (driver's license, passport or ID) and a completed application for a new Social Security card (you can get it here: http: // www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.pdf).
10. 10 Get a new social security card. It should arrive by mail 10 days after your request has been processed (i.e. from the date indicated on the notification of receipt of your documents or the date of your personal visit to the OSS).
11. 11 Change your name on your driver's license or ID. To do this, visit your local Motor Vehicle Department with your new Social Security card, court order, and your old driver's license or ID.
12. 12 Change your name on all other documents. Here's a quick list of things to consider:
    • bank accounts,
    • credit cards,
    • rent or mortgage,
    • ownership of the car,
    • voter registration,
    • medical offices,
    • mailboxes.

Tips

• Make sure you notify your lending institutions and the Internal Revenue Service so you don't get into trouble.
• Depending on local laws, if you have already changed your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce, you may not be allowed to do so again.
• Each state (and country) has its own identity change legislation, which mainly applies to name change procedures, but may also apply to other identifiers such as gender.You should always check the local requirements of where you live and / or intend to make changes.
• Keep your old identification, just in case.
• Changing your first name due to marriage is much easier if you only change your last name to your spouse's, or use your maiden name as your middle name. If you change your first name or middle name to something other than your maiden name, you will have to use the traditional court procedure. Provisions affecting this issue are recorded on the marriage certificate, as well as on the divorce papers.
• Save your old ID just in case.
• Lawyers, convicts, and immigrants must notify the State Bar, the Criminal Justice System, or the Immigration and Naturalization Services, respectively, in addition to posting a newspaper ad.
• Make sure you spell your new name correctly.

Source and Citations