Change Your Name

The steps needed to change your name will vary depending on country and state rules. The following is a general guideline for replacing your name. The specifics for each state / country may differ, but the basic process should be similar.

Step 1

Call the government bureau or department in your area tasked with name management. Call or email them first so you’ll know what the regulations are and what paperwork has to be done.

Step 2

Next you’ll have to fill out some forms. The exact type will vary, but in the United States, it will usually include a petition (also called a deed pool) stating you want a new name. The forms will also include a legal backer and a notice of petition to the public.

Before you can change your name, you’ll also have to fill out an affidavit of consent (if necessary) and the affidavit of service of notification to the authorities. The latter will be necessary if you are an alien, a lawyer or have a criminal record.

Step 3

If the state law requires it, have the forms notarized.

Step 4

Make certain you make copies of these papers for yourself.

Step 5

When you’re done, you can submit the documents to the office.

Step 6

Wait for the process to finish and your application to be approved. If your application to change your name is denied, you have to go to court and state your reasons.

Step 7

Place an ad in the newspaper stating your name has been replaced. This will allow anyone to state their objection. This can happen if you owe people some money.

Step 8

Fill out the affidavit and go back to the court clerk.

Step 9

The Order Granting Change of Name will come after your application is approved. When it arrives, it will become your new I.D.

Step 10

Take the document to the local vehicle registration office and Social Security. Depending on the state, you’ll also have to take them to the statistics office where you were born. This may be necessary after you change your name so you can obtain a new driver’s license, birth certificate and Social Security card.

Step 11

In most cases, you’ll have to notify Social Security first before going to the motor vehicle registration office. You can’t get a new driver’s license if your old name is on your Social Security card.

Other Important Information

If you are getting married, the process will be easier, whether you are adding your spouse’s last name or employing your maiden name as your new middle name.

The process will be in the marriage license. Married women who want to replace their name after marriage must present the marriage license to Social Security. After this is completed, you’ll have to notify the bank and other services.

If you want to change your name, you’ll have to fill out some forms and go through some paperwork. By going through the process, everything should work out correctly.