The Best Way to Get a Name Change

How to change the last name or the entire name on your records isn't a complicated procedure. The name changing process is governed by state laws, which vary by state. A form for name change offered by US Legal Forms is state-specific, to comply with the latest name change state laws in your state. A form to change name is available in a package that includes step-by-step instructions and notifications. In order to change a name properly, you will want to make sure to follow the steps outlined for your state's name changing process and obtain a court order. A copy of the court order for name change can then be used to apply to get a passport change of name, name change for social security card, DMV name change, etc. You will also want to send a notification to relevant entities when you change a name, such as your bank, employer, credit card issuer, insurance agency, tax agency, and others.

Where Do You Change Your Name?

The name changing process may be needed for various purposes, and motivated for various reasons, such as adoption, marriage, divorce, or personal preference.

  • Name change after marriage - The courthouse where you reside is where to change name after marriage, not the court where you were married or the marriage certificate was filed.

  • Passport - A name change on passport records can be handled by mail instead of in person when a court order for name change is obtained. Passport name change is important when traveling out of country to make sure your travel plans go smoothly.

  • Social security name change - After going through the name changing process and getting a court order for name change, you should apply for a name change with the Social Security Administration, using a copy of the court order, to ensure that your benefits will be properly calculated.

  • To change last name, forename, or both, the process can be accomplished easily and inexpensively, using the proper name change forms that are designed according to your state's law. Changing your name needs to be accomplished according to the proper legal procedures, and the form for name change offered by US Legal Forms make it easier than ever to accomplish at minimal cost.


    Related Topics

    Other Name Change Forms: Marriage name change forms. | Change your name after a divorce

    Learn more by using our Name Change Questionnaire

    Tips for Preparing Form for Name Change / Name Changing Process

    1. Think about all the advantages and disadvantages of changing your name. Before initiating the process of a surname change and completing Form for Name Change / Name Changing Process, you need to be aware of the fact that it's important to maintain name consistency throughout your important paperwork, such as your passport or social security card. As a rule, it's an extremely time- and resource-consuming procedure. In some situations, it's preferable to keep your old name if you wish to have the same surname with your kids after breakup or in the interest of your career.
    2. Make sure to put together the right set of files. Depending on your scenario - be it marriage and separation, or any other personal circumstances, you need to get all the required documents prepared. For example, in order to change your name after getting married, you’re required to get a couple of copies of the licensed marriage certificate and submission-ready forms. You will find Form for Name Change / Name Changing Process at US Legal Forms, the most extensive virtual database of legal paperwork.
    3. Check the restrictions associated with changing names where you reside. The guidelines for name transition vary from one state to another. For example, in certain states, a name change after divorce requires you to go through the troubles of doing a great deal of documentation and other activities, whereas these actions are viewed unnecessary in other states. All you need to do is update the details in a range of files. If you need to fill out the Form for Name Change / Name Changing Process, try US Legal Forms. It contains more than 85,000 forms drafted by legal professionals and offers various supporting materials to help you locate and fill out the documents correctly.
    4. Don't use a transition of name form to avoid issues with the legal authorities. You have the right to get or not to get your old name back for whatever reasons. However, if think about filling out and submitting Form for Name Change / Name Changing Process in order to avoid lenders or spending money on your child's treatment, it may lead to huge fees and penalties or other implications.