South Carolina Name Change - Application For Change Of Name

Want to Legally Change Your Name?

Legal South Carolina name change forms are available for adults, minors and families. Download the name change form you need or order our completion services.  If you order completion services, the forms will be completed for you based on the information you provide and reviewed by a professional. Free form descriptions, previews and law summaries are provided.


Name Change Instructions and Forms Package - Minor 
Name Change Instructions and Forms Package - Adult
Name Change Notification Package - Brides, Divorce, Marriage

View all South Carolina Name Change Forms

Completion services are provided for all South Carolina name change packages. To order completion services, look for the Submit buttom in the search results.

Regardless of why you change your name, you will need to notify the appropriate agencies and take other steps to make the name change in SC legal. This also applies to individuals who change their name as the result of marriage.

Learn more by using our Name Change Questionnaire

South Carolina Name Change FAQ Sc Minor Name Change Forms

South Carolina Name Change Law Digest

Top Questions about Sc Name Change Form

  • Where is the easiest place to get a name change?

    The easiest place to get a name change typically involves visiting your local courthouse, where you can file the necessary petitions. In South Carolina, county courthouses are well-resourced for helping residents navigate the name change process. Additionally, you can access forms and instructions online, making the process more convenient. Utilizing platforms like uslegalforms can simplify the experience and provide essential templates.

  • What state is the easiest to change your name in?

    The ease of changing your name can depend on various factors, including how familiar you are with the process. Many people affirm that states like New York or Florida have relatively straightforward procedures. However, South Carolina is also accommodating when it comes to a South Carolina Name Change. Always check local rules and resources, or consider using uslegalforms to guide you through your options.

  • How do you change your name on your driver's license in South Carolina?

    To change your name on your driver's license in South Carolina, you must first legally change your name through the court system. After receiving your court order, visit the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to update your driver's license. Bring your ID, court order, and any other required documentation. It is helpful to plan ahead and check the DMV website for specifics on what to bring.

  • Which state is easiest to legally change your name?

    While ease may vary, some people find that states like California or Texas have simplified processes for name changes. However, South Carolina also provides a clear path for obtaining a South Carolina Name Change, especially with its straightforward filing procedures. Ultimately, the experience can depend on individual circumstances, so it is advisable to review state-specific requirements. Resources like uslegalforms can help streamline this inquiry.

  • Can I change my name in a state I don't live in?

    Changing your name in a state where you do not reside is generally not permitted. Most states, including South Carolina, require you to file for a name change in your state of residence. However, if you have lived in South Carolina and plan to return, you can file for a South Carolina Name Change even if you are currently out of state. Always consult with legal resources or use platforms like uslegalforms for clarity.

  • How do I change my name legally in South Carolina?

    To change your name legally in South Carolina, you need to file a petition in the circuit court. This petition should include your current name, the desired new name, and the reasons for the change. After filing, you will attend a hearing where a judge will review your case, and upon approval, you will receive a court order allowing the name change. Utilizing a platform like uslegalforms can simplify this process by providing the necessary forms and guidance.

  • Where is the best place to change your name?

    The best place to initiate a South Carolina Name Change is usually at your local county courthouse. Courthouses have dedicated resources and personnel to help guide you through the process. Additionally, visiting your courthouse allows you to ask specific questions tailored to your situation, ensuring you have all the required documentation. You can also find forms and filing instructions directly online.

  • How long does it take to legally change your name in South Carolina?

    The time it takes to legally change your name in South Carolina can vary, but typically, the process might take four to six weeks. This timeframe includes filing the petition and waiting for a court hearing. If you need to expedite the process, using the services of USLegalForms may help streamline your name change and reduce delays.

  • How do you legally change your name in South Carolina?

    To legally change your name in South Carolina, start by filing a petition with the local court. Provide necessary documents to verify your identity and the reason for your name change. Once approved, follow up with updating your name on legal documents and identification, including social security and credit cards, to complete your South Carolina Name Change.

  • What is the procedure to change name?

    The procedure for a name change in South Carolina typically includes filing a petition in court, providing valid reasons for the change, and notifying certain parties, if necessary. You may have to attend a hearing, where your request will be considered. Platforms like USLegalForms can simplify this process by providing templates and detailed instructions tailored for your South Carolina Name Change.

Tips for Preparing South Carolina Name Change

  1. Weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of changing your name. Before starting the whole process of a surname transition and completing South Carolina Name Change, you need to remember that it's important to preserve name consistency in all your vital paperwork, such as your passport or social security card. Usually, it's a very time- and resource-consuming procedure. In some circumstances, it's preferable to preserve your old name if you want to have the same surname with your children after separation or divorce or for the sake of your career.
  2. Make sure you put together the proper set of files. Depending on your scenario - be it marriage and separation, or any other personal situations, you need to get all the required paperwork ready. For example, in order to change your name after getting married, you need a couple of copies of the licensed marriage certificate and submission-ready forms. You can find South Carolina Name Change at US Legal Forms, the most extensive virtual database of legal paperwork.
  3. Check the polices related to changing names in your state. The rules for name transition differ from one state to another. For example, in some states, a name change after divorce requires you to go through the troubles of filling out a lot of paperwork and other activities, whereas these steps are considered needless in other states. All you need to do is change the information in a range of papers. If you need to fill out the South Carolina Name Change, try US Legal Forms. It features more than 85,000 forms drafted by legal experts and offers various educational resources to help you locate and fill out the documents correctly.
  4. Don't use a change of name form to dodge issues with the law. You have the right to get or not to get your old name back for whatever reasons. However, if think about filling out and filing South Carolina Name Change in order to avoid loan companies or spending money on your child's treatment, it may result in huge penalties or other implications.