Legal Name Change Documents

What to Know about Legally Changing your Name and More

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This is the website where legal forms are available for adults, minors and families. You can easily download the form package you need or order our preparation services. With our preparation services, you will get all of your forms completed based on the information you provide. Our professional preparers will review your documents with special accuracy, so you can be sure that your application won’t run into any error-driven rejections or delays. Free form descriptions, previews and law summaries are provided for each state in the USA.


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What is Legal Name Change

Your Name is part of your personality and your primary legal identifier, appearing on all personal legal documents. Your name is given at birth but it might not remain the same during your whole life. You can change name at any time. There are different reasons for people wanting to change their government name. Following the official procedure, they can obtain new identity documents with new personal details.

This process is not very complicated but it requires time to reach consistency throughout all your documents. Around the country, this process has some distinctions that need specific paperwork to be completed. Getting the correct forms for a name change that comply with your state’s standards and regulations is one of the first steps to take in this process. If you want to learn how to legally change your name and look for specific templates, you're in the right place.

A legal name change refers to the administrative process of altering an individual’s current name under local legal requirements. Citizens who want to obtain ID documents with new personal details need to file a petition and undergo a particular court procedure. Depending on the reasons for such a change, they must accompany their application with certain paperwork used as proof of the legality of their request. Here’s a list of forms to provide:

  • a marriage certificate is the primary evidence to legally change a name on a passport, SSN, and other documents after marriage;
  • a divorce certificate serves as a reason to legally change your name and return to your maiden surname after marriage termination;
  • an adoption decree is used for a minor’s name change and confirms the relationship between the adoptee and their new parents. It’s necessary to give the adopted child your surname officially;
  • a court order serves as evidence for changing a name due to reasons other than the above. For example, this is applicable when an adult decides to alter their first or last name to the one they have chosen themselves;
  • a birth certificate and public records showing personal details can serve as evidence when petitioning for a government name change after ID documents are stolen or lost.

After the court procedure is completed and you get a positive decision, consider the next steps for your name change checklist. This includes getting a new SSN and driving license, informing your bank and getting new credit cards, updating your records with your medical care and insurance provider, and changing rental agreements and other contracts.

Reasons for Changing a Name

The law allows anyone to change their name for almost any reason and at any time. A person can not apply for this if they are trying to escape from various liabilities, cover up a committed crime, or for any other unlawful reasons. Among the most common grounds to legally change your name can be one of the following:

1. Name change after marriage. This is the most popular reason to change a surname. Traditionally, brides take their husband’s family name but any of the spouses can do it or even decide to double and hyphen their surnames.

2. Common-Law marriage name change. A common-law marriage refers to a relationship not officially registered by the authorities. Therefore, if partners decide to have the same surname, the legal process requires a certain court petition to be filed.

3. Divorce. If one of the partners decides to return to their maiden name after the marriage is terminated, it may be stated in the divorce judgment. Otherwise, there’s the need to go through standard court formalities for the name change.

4. Minor child name change. Parents change their minor child’s surname when the custodial parent gets married and wants to make it consistent with their new surname. Also, minors go through this procedure after adoption or after a previously absent father reunites with the family.

5. Name adaptation during immigration. In some situations, an immigrant may change their name to make it sound more typical for their new country or adapt it to the local phonetics and spelling rules.

6. Name inconsistency in documents. Sometimes an individual's government name on their passport or ID card doesn't match the details on other documents, like an SSN or a driving license. This may cause various legal issues. To avoid them, the citizen should apply for a legal name change in those papers.

7. Individual wishes and preferences. Anyone can change a name they got from birth to a name they want. They may decide to do this due to religious reasons or simply choose something more unique.

How to Change Your Name

Although the name change process is generally straightforward and inexpensive, it’s important to strictly follow the guidelines to avoid further document issues and inconsistencies. Adhere to the instructions below on how to change your name legally and obtain proper legal templates to complete it without hiring a lawyer:

  • Review your state regulations. Each state has its own laws and policies in most areas. Look for your state of residency name change requirements, check whether you need to additionally provide your fingerprints and how long the process takes.
  • Check the required form checklist. Along with the petition to the court, you also need to provide a determined set of evidence documents accompanying your request.
  • Get the essential legal templates. Use the US Legal Forms website to get professionally drafted state-specific templates. Create an account with a valid subscription to use the service. Choose your state, search for the suitable forms, look through the Preview, and click Buy Now to save them.
  • Fill out your petition sample. Follow the guidelines to complete your petition and other required name change forms. With the US Legal Forms Premium plan, you can fill out and sign forms electronically with the integrated document editor.
  • File your application and attend the hearing. Bring your document package to the local court clerk and pay the fee. During the hearing, confirm your motives for changing a name and swear under oath you have no unlawful reasons for that.
  • Make a formal advertisement in local media. If your state demands it, make an advertisement in local newspapers about your name change to inform your creditors.
  • Initiate other documents update. Apply to change a name in your SSN, driving license, and other documents to keep them consistent.

FAQ

How long does it take to change your name?

Because laws and regulations vary from state to state, the duration of legal name change also differs throughout the country. Before filing your name change petition to the court, applicants should take different steps depending on their residency. Generally, it can take a couple of weeks to 4-5 months until the court will approve your request.

Do I need a lawyer to change my name?

No, there’s no need to hire an attorney and spend extra money on legal services to change your name. Regardless of your reasons, you can prepare all the necessary paperwork yourself. The only requirement is to strictly follow your state regulations for the name change procedure and follow the guidelines. On the US Legal Forms website, you can easily choose the correct templates to suit your case and your state’s local regulation, and use them multiple times. Also, with a Premium subscription, you can complete and sign your forms electronically in a secure document editor.

What is involved in a court-ordered name change?

The court-ordered name change process consists of several steps. First, the applicant completes the appropriate legal form and prepares an order to show cause for their request and a decree for such a change. They file the package of all the necessary documents to the court clerk and, in some states, inform the local newspapers about getting a new name.

Who should I notify of my new name?

Once the court procedure is completed and you receive the positive court decision, you should notify all of your related authorities and organizations. For instance, you need to initiate your driving license and SSN name change and update your passport. You also need to inform your bank and employer (or educational institution), postal service, insurer, and doctors about any change in your personal details.

Do I need to file a name change if I'm getting married or divorced?

In the case of changing a name after marriage or divorce, there’s no need to file a special petition to the court. Your marriage/divorce certificates are legal grounds for requesting your documents renewal.

Is there a deadline for a name change after marriage?

There are no time limits for changing a name after your marriage. As long as you get your marriage certificate, you can start the procedure of obtaining a new ID and other essential documents, but the law doesn’t set any strict deadlines.

How is a name change for a minor different from a name change for an adult?

Adults (aged over 18) can choose their new name and apply for a change through the court procedure. For minors, this procedure requires the parents or legal guardians to make such an application. Both parents must file the petition to the court on behalf of their child. If only one parent is the applicant, another must give their consent to change their child’s name. If the second parent disagrees with this decision, another parent can request such a change, officially notifying their spouse about it.

Can I choose any name I want?

Typically, the law allows citizens to choose any name they find appropriate for themselves. However, there are some restrictions: you can't select confusing or intricate names containing numbers and punctuation symbols. Also, you can’t change your current name to something offensive, insulting, or obscene.

Top Questions about Legal Name Change Documents

  • What should I bring to change my name?

    When you decide to change your name, bring essential Legal Name Change Documents with you. You should present a valid ID, such as a passport or state-issued identification, as well as any legal documents supporting your name change, like marriage certificates or divorce decrees. It’s also wise to have copies of these documents for your records. Be prepared with any paperwork your local office may require to streamline the process.

  • What is required for a change of name?

    To change your name legally, you must gather specific Legal Name Change Documents. These typically include a completed application form, your identification such as a birth certificate or driver's license, and any court orders related to your name change, if applicable. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of residency. Always check your state's requirements to ensure you have all the necessary documents.

  • What document is required for name change?

    To initiate a name change, you will need a completed Petition for Change of Name, which serves as your main legal document. Additionally, you may require supporting documents such as a birth certificate or proof of identity. Using a service like USLegalForms can help ensure that you gather all necessary Legal Name Change Documents accurately and efficiently.

  • What is the document for change of name?

    The primary document for a legal name change is typically known as a Petition for Change of Name. This petition outlines your request to change your name and includes necessary details such as your current name, the desired name, and reasons for the change. It is crucial to use the correct Legal Name Change Documents approved by your state to ensure a smooth process.

  • Where can I get name change documents?

    You can obtain Legal Name Change Documents from various sources, including local government offices, online legal service providers, and legal aid organizations. Websites like USLegalForms offer a wide range of customizable name change documents that meet state requirements. This makes the process easier and ensures that you have the most accurate and appropriate paperwork for your needs.

  • How do I fill out an affidavit for name change?

    Filling out an affidavit for name change requires attention to detail. Begin by entering your current name and the new name you wish to adopt. Include any information requested regarding your reasons for the change and corroborate these details with relevant documents if needed. Finally, sign and date the affidavit before submitting it. If you’re unsure, uslegalforms can assist you in gathering and preparing the legal name change documents required.

  • What are the documents required for name correction?

    To correct a name, you usually need several essential documents. These may include a legal name change petition, a current identification document, and proof of the name's usage, such as utility bills or bank statements. Each state may have specific requirements, so it’s best to confirm what applies to your situation. For comprehensive support, uslegalforms provides the necessary legal name change documents that align with your needs.

  • How to fill a change of name form?

    Filling out a change of name form can be straightforward if you follow specific steps. First, clearly write your current name and the desired new name. Be sure to complete any required sections, such as stating the reason for your name change. Finally, review the form before submitting it to ensure all information is accurate. If you need help, uslegalforms offers guidance on legal name change documents and how to complete them.

  • What documents do you need to change your name?

    To change your name legally, you will generally need a few key documents. These often include a petition for name change, proof of identity such as a birth certificate or driver's license, and any relevant court documents. Depending on your state, you might also need to publish a notice in a local newspaper. Using platforms like uslegalforms can streamline this process by providing the necessary legal name change documents.

Tips for Preparing Legal Name Change Documents

  1. Weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of changing your name. Before starting the entire process of a surname change and completing Legal Name Change Documents, you need to keep in mind that it's necessary to preserve name consistency throughout your important documents, such as your passport or social security card. As a rule, it's an extremely time- and resource-consuming process. In some situations, it's preferable to keep your old name if you want to share the same surname with your children after divorce or for the sake of your professional development.
  2. Make sure you put together the right set of papers. Depending on your case - be it marriage and divorce, or any other personal situations, you need to get all the necessary paperwork ready. For instance, in order to make changes to your name after getting married, you’re required to get a few copies of the executed marriage certificate and submission-ready documents. You will find Legal Name Change Documents at US Legal Forms, the most extensive virtual collection of legal paperwork.
  3. Check the polices associated with changing names in your state. The guidelines for name transition differ from one state to another. For instance, in certain states, a name change after divorce requires you to undergo the troubles of executing a great deal of paperwork and other actions, whereas these actions are regarded needless in other states. All you need to do is update the information in an array of papers. If you need to fill out the Legal Name Change Documents, try US Legal Forms. It features more than 85,000 forms drafted by legal professionals and offers different supporting materials to help you find and fill out the documents properly.
  4. Never use a change of name form to dodge problems with the law. You have the right to get or not to get your old name back for whatever reasons. However, if consider filling out and submitting Legal Name Change Documents in an effort to hide from creditors or paying for your child's support, it may result in heavy fees and penalties or other implications.