To legally change your name in the US, the process typically involves either changing it through marriage, divorce, or adoption, or petitioning a court for a name change by court order.
Common Ways to Change Your Name
- Marriage: After getting married, your marriage certificate serves as legal proof to change your last name. This is often the easiest method.
- Divorce: You can request to revert to a previous name during the divorce process.
- Adoption: Name changes can be part of the adoption process without a separate filing.
Court-Ordered Name Change Process
- File a Petition: Submit name change request forms at your local courthouse, including reasons for the change.
- Pay a Filing Fee: Fees vary but can sometimes be waived.
- Public Notice: Many states require publishing a notice in a newspaper to allow objections.
- Court Hearing: Appear before a judge to explain your reason for the name change.
- Receive Court Order: If approved, the court issues an order that legally changes your name.
After Name Change
You must notify various government agencies and update your name on important documents like Social Security, driver's license, passport, and bank accounts using your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order as proof.
Additional Notes
- Changing a name for reasons like gender identity may require a court order.
- The exact procedure and requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.
- Some states allow name changes during citizenship naturalization.
This summary provides the general steps and variations depending on circumstances.
