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You are free to use an alias or a nickname at any time, but that is not your legal name. The reason for your name change will dictate which legal process you need to follow.

You can legally change your name by filing papers in court. If a judge agrees, they will give you a court order that states your new legal name. You need this order to change your name on identity documents, like your driver's license, passport, or social security card.

You may be referred to by a nickname in conversation, but when it comes to official documents, like bank checks, you must use your legal name. When signing a contract, like mortgage documents, using a nickname is inappropriate and makes the contract not legally binding.

This does take time, and depending on how many people and organisations you have to notify, it may take between a couple of weeks and a couple of months before your new name is legal.

The process of legally changing your name tends to be similar across most states and usually ranges from around $100 to $500. Sometimes there are added costs, like the fee for posting a name change in a local newspaper. Some common reasons for a legal name change include: You or your child has made a gender change.

Should I use a nickname or formal name on legal documents? You should use your formal name. If it is something like an auto title you are transferring, sign your name exactly as it is recorded on the title.

You can legally change your name by filing papers in court. If a judge agrees, they will give you a court order that states your new legal name. You need this order to change your name on identity documents, like your driver's license, passport, or social security card.