You can change your name through a court petition, and in many cases through marriage or divorce documents. The process is mostly paperwork, and the details vary by state.
Court name change
- Get the petition forms from your county court or its website.
- Complete the petition with your current name, the new name and the reason.
- File it with the court and pay the fee. Fee waivers are available for people with low income.
- Follow any publication or notice rules, which some states require and others waive in special cases.
- Attend a hearing if required. If approved, the judge signs an order.
- Order several certified copies of the order.
Marriage and divorce
A marriage certificate is usually enough to change a last name to a spouse's, and many divorce decrees allow you to return to a former name. You still need to update your records using the certified document.
Update your records
- Social Security Administration first, since other agencies check it.
- Driver's license or state ID, and voter registration.
- Passport, banks, employer, insurance and utilities.
- Property titles, wills and beneficiary designations.
Limits
Courts generally deny name changes made to avoid debts or evade the law, and some states place extra requirements on people with certain criminal convictions. Changing a child's name usually involves notice to the other parent.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take?
From a few weeks to a few months depending on your court's schedule and any publication period.
Do I need a lawyer?
Usually not. Most courts provide forms and instructions for straightforward adult name changes.