Maryland Name Change

Want to Legally Change Your Name?

Legal name change forms are available for adults, minors and families.  Download the name change form you need or order our completion services.  If you order completion services, the forms will be completed for you based on the information you provide and reviewed by a professional. Free form descriptions, previews and law summaries are provided.


Name Change Instructions and Forms Package - Minor 
Name Change Instructions and Forms Package - Adult
Name Change Instructions and Forms Package - Family
Name Change Notification Package - Brides, Divorce, Marriage

View all Maryland Name Change Forms

Completion services are provided for all name change packages. To order completion services, look for the Submit button in the search results.

Regardless of why you change your name, you will need to notify the appropriate agencies and take other steps to make the name change legal. This also applies to individuals who change their name as the result of marriage.

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Maryland Name Change FAQ

Maryland Name Change Law Digest

Learn more by using our Name Change Questionnaire

Top Questions about Maryland Name Change

  • How long does it take to legally change your name in Maryland?

    The time it takes to legally change your name in Maryland can vary based on several factors, including the court’s workload. Typically, after filing your petition for a Maryland Name Change, you should expect some waiting time for a hearing, often several weeks. After the court hearing, obtaining the court order may take additional time. Staying proactive will help ensure a smoother process.

  • What documents do I need to change my name on my license in Maryland?

    To change your name on your license in Maryland, you will generally need your current driver's license and documentation supporting your name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. It’s wise to check the Maryland MVA website for any additional requirements or to confirm the most current protocols during your name change process.

  • How do you legally change your name in Maryland?

    To legally change your name in Maryland, you must file a petition with the circuit court. This process involves submitting necessary documentation, which may include your birth certificate, a government-issued ID, and any marriage or divorce decrees. After filing, the court will schedule a hearing where you can present your case. Once the court approves your request, you will receive a court order for your name change.

  • How long does a name change take in MD?

    The process for a Maryland Name Change can vary based on several factors. In general, it may take a few weeks to several months to complete, depending on court schedules and documentation. Keep in mind that if you file for a name change through the court, you may also have to wait for a hearing date. Planning ahead can help you navigate through any potential delays.

  • What do you need to change your name on your license in Maryland?

    To change your name on your license in Maryland, you will typically need to provide proof of your name change. This can include a marriage certificate or a court order detailing the name change. Additionally, be sure to bring your current Maryland driver's license or ID card, along with any applicable fees. You can complete this process at your local MVA branch to ensure your identification reflects your new name.

  • How long after marriage do you have to change your last name?

    After marriage, you should change your last name as soon as possible. While there is no strict deadline for a Maryland Name Change, many people prefer to update their documents within a few months. This helps to ensure consistency across your legal documents and personal identification. It also simplifies any future processes that may require a matching name.

Tips for Preparing Maryland Name Change

  1. Consider all the advantages and disadvantages of changing your name. Before starting the whole process of a surname transition and executing Maryland Name Change, you need to be aware of the fact that it's necessary to preserve name consistency in all your vital paperwork, such as your passport or social security card. As a rule, it's an extremely time- and resource-consuming procedure. In some circumstances, 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 you put together the right set of papers. Depending on your case - be it marriage and separation, or any other personal situations, you need to get all the required documents ready. For instance, in order to make changes to your name after getting married, you need a few copies of the licensed marriage certificate and submission-ready forms. You can find Maryland Name Change at US Legal Forms, the most extensive virtual library of legal forms.
  3. Be aware of the polices related to changing names where you reside. The guidelines for name transition differ from one state to another. For instance, in certain states, a name change after divorce requires you to undergo the hassle of executing a great deal of documentation and other actions, whereas these steps are regarded unnecessary in other states. All you need to do is update the details in a variety of files. If you need to complete the Maryland Name Change, try US Legal Forms. It contains more than 85,000 forms drafted by legal professionals and offers a variety of educational resources to help you locate and fill out the papers correctly.
  4. Don't use a transition of name form to avoid troubles with the law. You have the right to get or not to get your old name back for whatever reasons. However, if think about filling out and filing Maryland Name Change in an effort to avoid loan companies or spending money on your child's care, it may lead to huge penalties or other consequences.