
Acceptable documents showing a name change include:
- Certified marriage certificate issued by the county court where your marriage license was processed
- Court Order
- Adoption records
- Amended, certified birth certificate issued by government Office of Vital Statistics/Records with a raised/embossed seal
Full Answer
What documents are required for name change?
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Certificate of naturalization showing your new name
- Court order authorizing the name change
What documents do I need to change my name?
- A marriage document showing your name and either date of birth or age (only when submitted to support the application for a name change)
- A U.S. ...
- A non-government employee identity card/badge card showing your name and either a photograph or your date of birth.
- A health insurance card or U.S. ...
- Date of birth.
- A photograph.
- A school identity card
How do you get a copy of your name change?
To get a document notarized:
- Search the internet for a local notary public.
- Take your original name change document from the court and the copies you need to have notarized to the notary public you choose.
- The notary confirms and annotates the copy with information about it matching the original.
- The notary also adds the date and contact information.
How to obtain a record of my name change?
… online
- First you need to establish whether the deed poll record was actually enrolled at the Supreme Court of Judicature. ...
- Use our records and research enquiry form to request a free search of our change of name indexes – please include the current name, the former name and ...
- Allow 10 working days for our team to respond to your enquiry.

How do I get proof that I changed my name?
Search the internet for a local notary public. Take your original name change document from the court and the copies you need to have notarized to the notary public you choose. The notary confirms and annotates the copy with information about it matching the original.
What is the document called when you change your name?
Steps to Legally Change Your Name Petition to change your name by filling out a name change form, an order to show cause for legally changing your name, and a decree to legally change your name. Take these forms to the court clerk and file them along with your state's required filing fees.
How do I get a certified copy of my name change in Nevada?
You can get a certified copy of your order at your local Clerk's Office. You can request a new birth certificate to be issued with the new name as part of your final name change order. If so, you will need to contact the vital records department where you were born to find out their requirements.
How do I get a certified copy of my name change in California?
How To Get A Certified Copy Of Name Change Documents. You can file a petition in California Superior Court. If granted, you can obtain a Decree Changing Name from the clerk. That's a court order and it's the gold standard for change of name documents.
What to do when you change your name?
Get your marriage certificate. ... Get a new Social Security card. ... Get a new driver's license or state ID card. ... Update your vehicle title and registration information. ... Update your Passport. ... Update your voter registration information. ... Update your name with the United States Postal Service (USPS)More items...•
How do I change name on Social Security card?
To change your name on your card, you must show us documents proving your legal name change and identity. You also must show us a document proving your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them.
How long does it take to get your name changed in Nevada?
Name change actions can take anywhere from a day, to six (6) months (sometimes even longer). The time it takes for such action to be ordered/decreed varies not only from county to county, but sometimes from courthouse to courthouse as well.
How long does it take to change your name in Nevada?
How long does it take to change your name? For adults, the procedure for changing your name in Nevada can be completed in less than 2 months since hearings are usually not required. After filing the paperwork, there is a 3 week wait while your name change petition is published in a newspaper of general circulation.
How much is a name change in Nevada?
a $270You must pay a $270 filing fee with cash, money order or credit. If you can't pay the fee, you can request a fee waiver. There are three ways to file your papers: In person: Take your paperwork to the District Court Clerk's Office – Family Courts and Services Center.
How long does a name change take in California?
3 monthsChange your legal name Once the judge decides, you pick up a court decree (court order) with your new name. The process generally takes up to 3 months.
How much does a name change cost in California?
$435When you file your name change petition forms, you'll have to pay the California state Filing fee. The cost to file name change forms in California is $435. However, a few courts charge more (up to $480) but no California Name Change Courts charge less than $435 to file a Petition for Change of Name.
What court handles name changes in California?
civil courtHowever, filing a name change case in civil court is available for all types of last name changes in California. We understand how to change your last name, and help you with the process. Men or women can now also retake a former, or birth name, within a California divorce case.
How do I legally change my name in NC?
You'll have to:File an application with the clerk of the court;Submit a sworn statement that you're a bona fide resident of the county where the court sits;File a proof of your good character, offered by two citizens of the county who know you;Publish notice of the application through the courthouse;More items...•
How do I legally change my name in Alabama?
Not avoiding a debt.Step 1 – Fill-in the Petition. Complete the petition for a name change for an Adult. ... Step 2 – Sign the Petition with a Notary Public. ... Step 3 – Get a Background Check. ... Step 4 – Gather Your Documents. ... Step 5 – File at the Probate Court. ... Step 6 – Attend the Hearing.
How do you change your name legally in PA?
An adult must file a petition in the Court of Common Pleas to obtain a name change. In addition, an adult is required to publicize the fact that his/her name is about to be changed. Instructions and forms are available in this packet for an adult change of name.
What documents do you need for a name change in California?
Included with the application must be the following documents: Proof of name change such as your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Proof of identity (see list of accepted documents) Proof of citizenship such as your U.S. birth certificate or certificate of citizenship.
How to know if a copy of a document is certified?
They will stamp, sign and date the copy. They should also write their name, contact details, position and words to the effect that the document has been certified as a true copy.
How many photocopies of a certified document?
Take one or more photocopies of the document to be certified.
What is a notarized copy of a document?
A notarized copy is a photocopy of your document that has been signed by a notary public. They are unable to check the validity of the document with the issuing authority, but can validate that the copy is a true likeness of the original document.
What Is a Name Change Certificate?
Several types of certificates and documents serve to designate a new name. Marriage certificates record the new name directly on the certificate when signed and recorded. Divorce decrees are court orders outlining all directives in a marriage dissolution. An individual has the opportunity to designate a name change in the final divorce documents filed with the court.
What documents are needed to change your name?
For notification purposes, legal documentation or proof of a name change includes a certified court order, marriage license or divorce decree.
How to request a copy of a document?
Original copy requests are made in person, via phone, mail or fax in most counties. Some also have email correspondence requests available.
What is a certified copy of a name?
The original or a certified copy of the original is required as proof of the new name . A certified copy attests the document is an exact replication of the original and is considered equal to the original.
How to change father's name on birth certificate?
How to Change the Father's Name on a Birth Certificate. Certificate copies certifying a legal name change are available through your county vital records or public health office. Once your name is legally changed, you need certificate copies to update your name with schools , banks, employers and public agencies.
What is a court order for name change?
Some states also have a dissolution of marriage certificate that concisely records the name change. Adoption orders are another court order example that legally records name changes. Other court orders might involve transgender name changes, paternity surname changes or corrections to birth certificates.
How much does it cost to change your name?
Most counties will offer certified original copies for $10 to $25 per copy. Some states charge less for additional copies of the same certificate.
What document is used to change your name?
Original Name Change Document – Such as a Marriage License, Divorce Decree, or Certificate signed by the Judge.
What is the most important document to change your name on?
If the judge approves your application, a decree will be signed which is the most important document because it allows you to change your name on all the most sensitive documents including your passport, driver’s license, birth certificate and social security card.
Why do you need to make copies of petitions?
Knowledge Tip: The reason for making copies is because you will need to provide a copy of the petition for a change of name form when publishing your new name in the newspaper. Look at Step 4 for more information.
Why do people change their last name?
People change their name for a variety of reasons. By far the most common reason people change their name (last name) is due to marriage or divorce. Other reasons include: Entertainment Stage Name. Gender Change. State Witness Program. Troubled History. Dislike of Birth Name. Restoring a Former Name.
How to change your name without a lawyer?
There you will find out if you need a lawyer for the process but typically your county clerks office will give you information pertaining to self-help so you can do the name change on your own without hiring a lawyer. Each state has their own procedure so it’s important to go to your local county clerks office to gather this information.
How long does it take to change your name?
At a minimum, it will take about 6 weeks from start to finish. Depending on the state, the process to change your name could take anywhere from 6 months to 12 months. For example, in Florida it’s required that you must have your fingerprints submitted to the Department of Law Enforcement for a criminal records check and you cannot request a petition to change your name until the court receives the results. It’s these types of requirements that can slow down the process to change your name.
How much does it cost to change your name?
As it varies by state, changing you name typically costs under a few hundred dollars. It’s after you change your name that the fees add up with things like a new drivers license, social security card and passport. All of which will cost money to replace. Again, states charge different fees to replace IDs and documents.
What documents are needed to change your name?
Asking government institutions to recognize a name change usually requires you provide the following: Legal Document: a certified marriage certificate, final decree of divorce, or name change judgment from the court is needed. Identification: driver’s license, state ID card, naturalization certificate, or passport with your birth name.
What is a court decreed name change?
A court decreed name change is often needed by government institutions like the Social Security Administration for benefits, IRS for tax returns, and State Department for passports. The process of legally changing your name varies state by state but usually requires filing a petition in your local court and attending a hearing where others may ...
What is the name change on a N-565?
Naturalization Certificate: Form N-565 allows changes to your citizenship document. Passport: change the name on your U.S. passport with the U.S. Department of State or check change of sex marker information if you are in the process of completing a gender reassignment.
How to change your name on your Social Security card?
Once you have a marriage license, divorce certificate, or court order granting your name change, you will need to notify government institutions, banks, and others to complete the process of changing your name: Social Security: use Form SS-5 to change your name on your Social Security Card and visit your local Social Security Office.
How to notify people of name change?
Some states require you to publish a notice in your local newspaper notifying people of your proposed name change. Anyone affected may then attend the scheduled hearing.
Can you change your name on a plane ticket?
If you choose to not legally change your name, carefully purchase plane tickets using the name on your driver’s license to avoid getting stuck in the airport because your ticket does not match your ID.
Do women keep their maiden names?
According to a June 2015 New York Times article, women are increasingly keeping their maiden names, especially if they are Asian, Hispanic, have an advanced degree, or “made a name” for themselves professionally before marriage. More than ten years ago, however, a 2004 Harvard Study found that there was a decrease of women keeping their maiden names, at least in Massachusetts.
What is the legal name change document?
When one wishes to change his legal name the document to be issued is called the legal name change document.
What is a Name Change Certificate?
Name change certificate is another form of the legal document a person can have to show up in any case for his legal authentication.
What is Affidavit of a name change?
An affiant may file an affidavit to change the name in matters where the name modification or name change is required such as after marriage, divorce or other matters.
What is Affidavit of one and the Affidavit of Same Person?
It may also be called an affidavit of one and the Affidavit of same person, meaning the two or more names refers to one or the same person .
What is Same Name Affidavit?
Same name affidavit is a document in which the person enlists all the names under his or her use. The different names such as his maiden name, after marriage name, new name or all the different names that are over his or her documents are written on the affidavit. Same Name Affidavit allows that all the different names can be used legally by the person.
When to use affidavit of one?
Affidavit of One is usually used when you have different names on your educational documents, initials are missing, middle or last name skipped or you are using a different name without the name change affidavit.
Is an affidavit of name change enough?
Is Affidavit enough for the name change? After you issue a name change affidavit, depending upon your country’s laws and regulations, at times the affidavit of a name change is enough for the name change and at some places, an official issue of name change in newspaper gazettes is important as well.
AFFIDAVIT FOR NAME CHANGE
Have you ever wanted to change your name because you don’t like it and want a different name of your choice, but worried about the procedure and all legal proceedings? Well, it’s nothing to worry about! The thing that you need to do is get an “Affidavit for the name change.”
What is an Affidavit for Name Change?
Name Change Affidavit is a document in which an individual gives a sworn statement about his real name along with the previous or incorrect name in a certain document. Here are the few steps involves in the Correction Affidavit process.
Examples of Affidavit for Name Change
Affidavit for name changes officially requires a proper amount of paperwork. Whether it’s name change after marriage, divorce, family legal matters, court order on providing information on the process, you need to visit to make your name change legally. Some examples of Name Change Affidavit include:
1. Legal Name Change
Changing your name involves a legal process that varies depending upon your state; generally, it begins by petitioning the court for your new name change. The legal processing of name changing can take a few months; it requires a sample notice to be delivered to the relevant party or published in the newspaper.
2. Marriage Name Change
After getting married to live happily ever after, you need to take your marriage name legally. The married name change process requires you to take your spouse’s last name or choose a different one.
3. Divorce Name Change
The legal process of getting a divorce is tiring and time-consuming. The memories are harsh, no need to look back just move on. Take the first step and change your name back to the one you have before marriage. The judge will change your desired name on the final divorce certificate.
5. Family Name Change
People who want to change their legal name to multiple people in their family can go through the family name change process. You can petition for a family name change if you want to change it for more than one child, or yourself or your children.
How to get a record of name change?
How Much Money Does It Cost to Legally Change Your Name? To change your legal name, other than by marriage or divorce, you must file a name change petition in state court . When your petition is granted, you obtain an official name change order from the court, and you can request duplicate name change ...
How to get a copy of a name change decree?
If you find that you need more official copies of the court decree, contact the court clerk in the court that granted your name change. Bring your case number, and you can obtain as many copies as you like of the decree or any other name change records.
How to change last name in Maryland?
How to Change Your Last Name in Maryland. To change your legal name, other than by marriage or divorce, you must file a name change petition in state court. When your petition is granted, you obtain an official name change order from the court, and you can request duplicate name change records from that court at any time.
Why do people change their names?
People change their names for many different reasons, including just disliking their given name. It used to be possible to change your name by usage: use a name long enough and it just becomes your official name. While this is still technically possible in many states, it is no longer practical.
How to get a new license in your name?
Start with the Department of Motor Vehicles, and get a new license issued. After that, send documentation to Social Security and obtain a card in your new name. After that, you probably won't have much trouble with other businesses. If you find that you need more official copies of the court decree, contact the court clerk in the court ...
Do you have to take identification when changing your name?
Always take along your identification when requesting official name-change documents. Some court systems will not provide this information unless they can record who requested the document. This procedure helps protect individuals who change their names after domestic violence situations. Writer Bio.
Do you have to publish notice of name change?
Some states require that you publish notice of the proposed name change to let creditors know and/or object. But most legitimate name-change petitions are granted by the court without having to jump through too many hoops. When the court case is done, you'll end up with a court decree changing your name.
What documents are needed to change your name?
Your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order (no photocopies or notarized copies) Valid ID and photocopy of that ID. One color passport photo. Adult First-Time Applicant fees or Child Applicant fees, depending on your age.
How to correct last name on passport?
Submit form by mail with your passport, one color photo, and evidence of the error (e.g. your U.S. birth certificate showing the correct spelling of your last name).
What is the validity of a corrected passport?
The validity of the new, corrected passport depends on when you report the error.
Can a passport be corrected if it is still valid?
A passport issued with a data error (e.g., name, sex, or place of birth) or printing error (e.g., data is missing on the biographical page, discoloration, crooked printing, etc.) can be corrected at no charge if the passport is still valid.

Types
Name Change by State
How to Change Your Name
- People change their name for a variety of reasons. By far the most common reason people change their name (last name) is due to marriage or divorce. Other reasons include: 1. Entertainment Stage Name 2. Gender Change 3. State Witness Program 4. Troubled History 5. Dislike of Birth Name 6. Restoring a Former Name 7. Family Fallout The process of cha...
Name Change After Marriage
- General information about changing your name after marriage: 1. State Residency– Not one state requires you to be a resident in their state to get married. Some states have some small differences but in general, you can marry in any state regardless of where you’re from in the United States. In Florida, not only do you not need to be a resident to get married, you do not ne…