To change your name legally, you generally need to file a petition with your local court. This involves submitting paperwork and possibly appearing before a judge who will decide whether to approve your name change
. The exact process varies by state or country, but typically includes these steps:
- Obtain and complete a name change petition form from your local court or court clerk.
- Submit the petition along with any required filing fees (fee waivers may be available).
- Attend a court hearing where you explain your reasons for the name change.
- In some places, publish a public notice of your name change in a newspaper.
- If approved, receive a court order legally changing your name.
- Use certified copies of the court order to update your name on government IDs and records such as Social Security, driver’s license, and passport
If changing your name due to marriage or divorce, the process is often simpler. For marriage, your marriage certificate usually serves as proof of your new name and you update your records accordingly. For divorce, you can request to revert to your previous name as part of the divorce decree
. In summary, you go to your local court (often a county or circuit court) to file the petition and complete the legal process to change your name. Afterward, you notify relevant government agencies and institutions using the court order or marriage/divorce certificates as proof
