South Dakota 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 Notification Package - Brides, Divorce, Marriage

View all South Dakota Name Change Forms

Completion services are provided for all name change packages. To order completion services, look for the Submit buttom 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.

Learn more by using our Name Change Questionnaire

South Dakota Name Change FAQ

South Dakota Name Change Law Digest

Top Questions about South Dakota Name Change

  • How to legally change your name in South Dakota?

    To legally change your name in South Dakota, you must file a petition with the circuit court in your county. You will need to provide your current name, the name you want to adopt, and a reason for the change. USLegalForms can assist with the necessary documentation and ensure that your South Dakota Name Change process is completed accurately and efficiently.

  • Why was South Dakota named South Dakota?

    South Dakota was named for its Native American Lakota and Dakota Sioux tribes, which means 'allies' or 'friends.' The name reflects the region's rich cultural heritage and history. Understanding the origins of the state's name can enrich your experience as you explore the process of a South Dakota Name Change and your place within this vibrant community.

  • What documents do I need to change my name in South Dakota?

    To change your name in South Dakota, you typically need to provide a government-issued ID, birth certificate, and any legal documents that support your name change request. Additional documents may be required based on your circumstances, such as marriage certificates or divorce decrees. USLegalForms can assist you in verifying and preparing all necessary documents for a smooth South Dakota Name Change.

  • How do I legally change my name in South Dakota?

    To legally change your name in South Dakota, you must file a petition in the county court where you reside. The court will review your petition and, upon approval, a judge will issue a name change order. Utilizing resources from USLegalForms can simplify the paperwork involved in your South Dakota Name Change, ensuring you don’t miss any crucial steps.

  • What is the best way to legally change your name?

    The best way to legally change your name is to follow the established legal process which includes filing the necessary documents in court. Starting with a name change petition ensures that your request is official. Consider using a platform like USLegalForms for guidance and to streamline your South Dakota Name Change experience.

Tips for Preparing South Dakota Name Change

  1. Consider all the pros and cons of changing your name. Before starting the whole process of a last name change and completing South Dakota Name Change, you need to bear in mind that it's essential to maintain name uniformity throughout your vital papers, such as your passport or social security card. Usually, it's an incredibly time- and resource-consuming process. In some scenarios, it's preferable to keep your old name if you want to have the same surname with your kids after divorce or in the interest of your career.
  2. Make sure to gather the proper set of papers. Depending on your scenario - be it marriage and divorce, or any other personal circumstances, you need to get all the necessary documents ready. For example, if you want 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 South Dakota Name Change at US Legal Forms, the most extensive online collection of legal paperwork.
  3. Check the polices related to changing names where you reside. The guidelines for name transition differ from one state to another. For example, in certain states, a name change after divorce requires you to endure the troubles of doing a lot of documents and other activities, whereas these steps are viewed unnecessary in other states. All you need to do is update the details in an array of documents. If you need to fill out the South Dakota Name Change, consider US Legal Forms. It has over 85,000 forms drafted by legal experts and provides various supporting materials to help you get and fill out the papers correctly.
  4. Never use a transition of name form to avoid problems with the legal authorities. You have the right to get or not to get your old name back for whatever reasons. Nevertheless, if think about completing and submitting South Dakota Name Change as a way to hide from creditors or paying for your child's support, it may result in huge penalties or other implications.