How Hard Is It To Change Your Name?

It’s semi-complicated, but you can do it. It’s important and you can find inexpensive professional help if needed.

Deciding to legally change your name is a big decision. Rest assured, while the name change process does take focus and effort, it is very possible to work through it successfully with the right preparation and diligence. Here’s a deep dive into the full scope of what’s involved so you know precisely what to expect when altering your legal name.

The process to legally change your name involves a standard series of required steps:

• Paperwork – You will need to complete comprehensive name change forms and petitions, usually available from your local court or a name change specialist. Accuracy is critical.
• ID and Documents – Authorities will request proof of identity like driver’s licenses or passports, plus documentation like marriage certificates if changing your name due to marriage.
• Fees – Expect to pay court filing fees, which vary by state but typically range from $50 to $450 plus publishing, notifications, and copies.
• Background Checks – Courts generally run confidential background checks for any criminal history or other red flags that could impact name change approval.
• Public Notice – Some states require publishing notification of your name change petition locally as public notice. Some also may require that personal notice be served upon any interested persons, such as a current or former spouse, minor child or a non-consenting parent.
• Court Hearing – At the hearing, you will need to answer the judge’s questions about your application, including your rationale for wanting the legal name change. Dress business casual and speak politely.
• Court Order – If approved, the final step is obtaining a signed court order legally affirming your name change. That’s the certified document you need to update your official records.

While each state has its own process, most follow this general series of steps that will require your diligent attention from start to finish.

Aside from the paperwork and formality of the court process, expect to spend another large chunk of time handling all that comes after approval. This includes:

• Financial – Update your name on financial accounts with banks, credit card providers, loan services, title companies, retirement and investment accounts, etc.
• Government – These are the core, most important of the records to update. File name change updates with government agencies like the social security administration, DMV, voter registration, IRS, etc. This often requires visiting offices in person.
• Professional – Inform all jobs, alma maters, and professional certification bodies that maintain any records under your former name. Update bylines, websites, and email addresses accordingly.
• Personal – These are all a generally lower priority and you can get to them when convenient or as they come up in real life.
• Friends and Family – Ensure friends, extended family and acquaintances have your new name. Update social media profiles, email signatures, and anywhere your old name may appear.
• Organizations – Contact any organizations, clubs or volunteer groups in which you are involved to update their records with your new name.
• Service Providers – Notify utility services, internet/cable providers, newspaper subscriptions, insurance policies, healthcare providers, and other regular services of your name change.

The effort involved underscores the importance of being thoughtful when choosing and committing to a new legal name. Once legal, putting in the work to ensure it properly takes root is key.