The Pennsylvania Notice to Retake Prior Surname is a document issued by the Department of State of Pennsylvania when an individual wishes to legally change their surname back to one they formerly used. This document is needed when a person has had a name change due to marriage, divorce, or other legal action and wants to revert to a former surname. There are two types of Pennsylvania Notice to Retake Prior Surname: 1. Notice to Retake Maiden Name: This form is used when a woman changes her surname to that of her husband and then wishes to return to her maiden name. 2. Notice to Retake Former Name: This form is used when a person changes their surname for any other reason and wishes to return to their former name. The Pennsylvania Notice to Retake Prior Surname must be completed and filed with the Department of State, along with supporting documents such as proof of identity, and the appropriate filing fee. Once the filing is complete, the individual will receive a Certificate of Name Change, which is the official document that shows the name change has been legally recognized.