By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. court to change your name and is published in a newspaper for 3 weeks. You can do this by: Be sure to check the requirements in your state by visiting your state government's website or calling your court clerk. How do I change or correct my name on my Social Security number card? "I'm single & starting the retirement chapter of my life. Change your bank accounts. https://www.findlaw.com/family/marriage/how-to-legally-change-your-name.html This can be a completely legal name change. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. How to Change Your Name With the Social Security Administration. A filing fee is required. Some states allow you to simply post in a public place such as a designated bulletin board at the courthouse. When you go to the courthouse to get your marriage certificate, the clerk should ask you if you want to change your name. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. You will need proof of your identity. Submit form by mail with your passport, one color photo, and evidence of the error (e.g. Let an experienced family law attorney walk you through the process. For a federal document, such as a social security card, you must provide a court-ordered name change document in order to be issued a new card. Microsoft Edge. With a court order you can change your legal name on government-issued identification … Notify any employers, banks, or services of your changed name so they can adjust their documentation accordingly. Provisions for this are made in the marriage license as well as in divorce proceedings. Discover your look! But you'll need parental permission if you're underaged. Can I just change my last name to my boyfriend's last name? In some states you will be expected to present a prepared testimony explaining your name change. To change your identity, you'll need to contact the Social Security Administration and request a form to change your name. You will need to present a completed form with proof of identity (state ID, passport, etc), and have a location to mail your new card once approved. Gather your paperwork together. View all name change forms File all forms (including both copies of the petition) with the clerk of circuit court office in your county. Seek the help of a local notary to make an affidavit for name change. By using our site, you agree to our. This article has been viewed 2,167,617 times. I have known several older senior widows who found, "The article is well written and informative. This article is intended as legal information and does not provide legal advice. There are some exceptions though. Arrive at your hearing 15 to 20 minutes early, just in case. Most states allow you to legally change your name simply through usage. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Change-Your-Name-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Change-Your-Name-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid20081-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"