Getting a name change might seem like a trivial thing on the surface. But in reality, it can greatly impact your personal and professional life. So, before you consider changing your name, be sure to understand the process.
You might want to change your name for many reasons, and when done properly, legal name changes are an inexpensive and effective way to accomplish that. Changing your name can be a complex process, however, and while you may not be able to change your name legally simply by changing your mind, there is a procedure you can follow to get a name change. This article will explain the basic steps required to change your name legally, including the legal procedure for changing your name.
Complete Required Forms
Changing your name is a legal process. You must complete and submit the required forms to apply for a name change. You can change your name by filing the appropriate forms with the clerk of the court in your county of residence. The clerk will provide you with a “change of name certificate” that you must file with the clerk of court in the jurisdiction where your name is being changed.
Background Checks
Your name says a lot about you, so it is no surprise that many men and women undergo background checks to change names to match their personalities better. Changing your legally recognized name is an alternative to a name change, and it is used for people going through a divorce, remarriage, or adoption, those with criminal records, and especially those in prison; and to avoid lengthy court battles. Background checks to determine your legal name are a regular part of many divorce and child custody proceedings, along with providing proof of identity when you apply for many government and private services.
Public Notice if needed
If you want to change your name after marriage, divorce, or adoption, you will need to publish a public notice if required by the procedures in your state. Take the time to research the publication requirements in your state. Some states require you to publish in a newspaper, while others require you to publish a notice in a legal magazine or both. Others will require you to publish only in a specific location or publication. And if you want to change your first name only, make sure you search your home state for all the locations you have to post.
Name Change Hearing
The laws regulating name changes are different in each state, and the rules vary from county to county. In order to change your name within the state, the name change hearing procedure must be followed. Attending your hearing appointment is the first step to a successful name change petition.
You must update your Official Documents
Did you know that changing your name requires updating your official documents? If you are in the process of getting your name changed, you need to request an official name change form from your Secretary of State. You will need to fill out that form, file it with your local Social Security office, and mail it to the address indicated on the form. You should also update your passport, driver’s license, and other official documents with the new name.
Once you adopt a new last name, you will want to register it with the government. Yes, even the name on your driver’s license, Social Security card, and birth certificate needs to be changed. Some papers require Social Security number changes; others simply require updating your name, while birth certificates must be re-certified to become official.
Retain Proof of Your Old Name
In today’s world, people are constantly changing their names. This could be because of marriage, divorce, adoption, or loss of a mother’s maiden name. You get a new legal ID when you officially change your name (or give your legal name to your county records). Since the Social Security Administration maintains your name (and address) on the Social Security Card (and your driver’s license and other government documents), you may need to obtain a certified copy of your old ID to prove your former name (when filing a change of name form). To make sure your new identity is secure, you will need to show proof of both your old name and current name.
