How to Legally Change Your Name on Government Documents: A Step-by-Step Guide

When you decide to change your name following a marriage, divorce, or out of personal choice, it can feel like a fresh start. However, in order to do so, you’ll need to jump through a few hoops.

You’ll need to share your new name with key government departments and agencies so that your new name is on all important government documents. Once you do that, you’ll also need to reach out to financial institutions, insurance companies, and other companies that you do business with and let them know you have a new legal name.

Understanding the Legal Name Change Process

Common reasons for changing your name include getting married, divorced, and changing your name out of choice.

When you get married, your new married name appears on your marriage certificate. If you should get a divorce, you can change your name back to the one you had before you got married. You can do this name change before you apply for your divorce decree.

Other people change their names out of personal choice. In most cases, you’ll need to file a court petition to do this. You’ll need to file paperwork and appear before a judge. When legally changing your name, it is important to check local and state laws and requirements. Reach out to your local court for details.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Name

Here is a guide for changing your name with all the important steps you will need to take.

Step 1. Obtain Necessary Documents

To change your name, you’ll need important personal documents such as birth certificates, divorce decrees, and marriage licenses.

Step 2. File a Petition With the Court

You will need to file a petition for a name change with your local court. This step includes filling out forms and paperwork required by the court and possibly making court appearances.

Step 3. Attend a Court Hearing (If Required)

A judge will ask you to explain the reason for changing your name. The judge will also verify that you’re not changing your name in order to break any laws.

Step 4. Receive a Court Order or Certificate

Once the judge hears and approves of your testimony, the court will issue an order for the name change that you requested.

A judge may turn down a name change petition if it is believed you are changing your name to run away from debts, escape law enforcement, or defraud other people. An obscene name will also be turned down for a name change by the court.

If your name change is turned down, you can file an appeal to a higher court. You may wish to consult an attorney in your state for assistance with your case.

Updating Government Documents

Social Security Administration

Request a Social Security card with your new name by visiting the Social Security website and filling out an application. In some instances, you may need to make an appointment at a local Social Security office.

Department of Motor Vehicles

The cost of getting a new driver’s license with a new name varies by state. In Florida, for example, this procedure costs $25, and you’ll need to provide documents with your new name, such as an updated Social Security card. Other documents you may need include a birth certificate and a passport.

Passport and Other Federal Documents

To get a passport with your new name, you must provide proof of a court-ordered name change, a marriage certificate, or a divorce decree. A new passport book costs $130.

Depending on the rules in your state, you may be able to get a voter registration in your new name by registering online, phone, in-person, or by mail. Reach out to your local election office for more details.

Notifying Other Agencies and Institutions

Financial Institutions

Once you’ve legally changed your name, you will want to reach out to banks, credit unions, credit card companies, mortgage companies, and other financial institutions and provide them with your new name. It is important that all your financial institutions have your updated information.

Employers and Insurance Providers

For accurate employment and insurance records, you’ll want to inform your employer and your insurance companies of the name change.

Utilities and Service Providers

Utility companies and other service providers should be alerted that you’ve changed your name to avoid any discrepancies in billing.

The Bottom Line

Gather documents such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree with your new legal name. If changing your name by court order, you’ll need to file a petition with a court and make a court appearance.

After changing your name, you’ll want to alert government agencies and financial institutions about the change. You’ll also want to inform your insurance company, employer, utility company, and other service providers that you have a new legal name.