How to Change Your Name in 10 Steps
- Get Your Marriage License and Certified Copies.
- Update Your Social Security Card.
- Get a New Driver’s License.
- Get a New Passport and Travel Documents.
- Change the Name on Your Bank Accounts.
- Change the Name on Your Credit Cards.
- Provide Your New Name and Banking Information to Your Employer.
Contents
What needs to be updated when you change your name?
Once you have changed your name legally, remember that you should also change your name on bank and other financial accounts, credit cards, utility bills, and other personal records as well.
What to do after changing last name?
Post Name Change Next Steps
- Social Security Card. The Social Security Administration requires Form SS-5 to change information on your social security card.
- Driver’s License or State ID.
- Birth Certificate.
- Passport.
- Other Records.
What are the benefits of changing your name?
Legally changing your name does offer quite a few potential benefits. First of all, it can give you a fresh start. Whether you want to put a difficult past behind you, escape the attentions of a stalker or start fresh during a new phase in your life, a legal name change can be very empowering.
How much is it to rename yourself?
When 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.
How do I notify of a name change?
What you need
- a current email address.
- your personal and contact details.
- the reason why you’re changing your name.
- digital copies of: 3 proof of identity documents including a current photo ID.
- all identification and supporting documents must be certified by an authorised witness.
- a current credit card for payment.
How do you start the process of changing your name?
- Step 1 – Petition For Name Change California. First, Prepare it.
- Step 2 – Give Name Change Notice in California. You must advertise the particulars of your Name Change Hearing (see California Code of Civil Procedure, Section 1277a).
- Step 3 – Get the Certified Copy of Your Court Order.
- Step 4 – Change Your ID and Records.
How can I change my last name without marriage?
Each state’s name change requirements vary, but most require you to file a formal petition (written request) with the local court. Your request must be complete with your current and proposed new name and include a statement that you’re not seeking a name change for any illegal purpose.
Do I need a reason to change my name?
You don’t need to have any kind of valid reason to change your name, so long as it is not for any fraudulent purpose, such as avoiding paying a debt or fulfilling an obligation — you are free to change your name at any time. However typical reasons people change their name are:because you dislike your current name.
What are the negatives of changing your name?
Con: It’s not free
It needs to get notarized. If your name change is the result of a divorce or a marriage, you may need additional documentation. It’s not prohibitively expensive — court fees may be a few hundred dollars — but it does cost money. This is only something you want to do if you’re serious about it.
Why would a name change be denied?
Reasons a Judge Will Deny Name Change
If a Name Change is likely to cause harm, confusion, fraud, etc., you may get denied.A Judge will deny a petition to change a child’s name if the Judge believes Granting the Name Change would not be in the best interest of the child. This kind of denial is very rare.
Can you legally change your age?
Aging is inexorable. Your age changes by itself, no legal action required. In fact, no legal action is possible.
What are some good last names?
100 Most Popular American Last Names
- Smith.
- Johnson.
- Williams.
- Jones.
- Brown.
- Davis.
- Miller.
- Wilson.
What age can you change your name?
A child age 14 or older must consent to their own name change. If any of the children are 14 or older, each child must complete a consent. This is the form the judge signs to grant the child’s name change.
How long does it take to change your name?
Name change actions can take anywhere from a day, to six (6) months (sometimes even longer). The time it takes for name change actions to be ordered/decreed varies not only from state to state but from county to county and courthouse to courthouse as well.
Can I change my name online?
If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you must tell Social Security so you can get a corrected card. You cannot apply for a corrected card online.
How hard is it to change your name?
Although it may be seem daunting to show up at court or fill out legal paperwork, you don’t need to hire a lawyer to change your name. Filling out a Petition for Name Change can be fairly straightforward. But if you do feel overwhelmed by navigating the name change process yourself, consider outside help.
Can I have 2 last names?
In the Western tradition of surnames, there are several types of double surname (or double-barrelled surname). If the two names are joined with a hyphen, it may also be called a hyphenated surname. The word “barrel” probably refers to the barrel of a shotgun, as in “double-barreled shotgun”.
Can I make up my own last name?
It’s certainly not as common as the more conventional solutions of combining names or taking on a new name at marriage, but inventing last names is definitely a thing. And it’s totally legal, though it can cause paper trail hassles until everything is all straightened out.
Can you legally have no last name?
In the United States, going without a name is not inherently illegal. Police won’t arrest you for not having a name.For instance, you need a legal name on a birth certificate or social security card to obtain a driver’s license or passport, open a bank account and get a job.
Does changing your name affect anything?
You probably expect to need to update your Social Security information and your credit cards, but there are plenty of other people who need to know about your new name as well. “A name change can have an impact on your taxes. All the names on your tax return must match Social Security Administration records.