What do I have to do to have my last name changed?

Answer 1

ADDED: Just a word of caution: Depending quite a bit on your age, it may not be quite as simple as imagined. You must notify absolutely EVERYONE and EVERYWHERE your name has EVER been left for official purposes. Social Security - DMV - doctors - hospitals - dentists - ANY medical facilitiy (especially with advent of HIPPA) - bank accounts - investments - voter registration - real estate records - etc - etc - etc. Many (if not all) of these places will want a certified copy of the court order granting the change. The process is fairly simple. There are many sites online which can provide you with the legal templates to fill out and to submit to the courthouse of the county or city you reside in. Most times the form has you fill out: your present name your requested name The reason why you are changing it the city,state and country you were born in The form will also state that you are not attempting to change your name to hide from any legal action nor for any unlawful purpose. Ask any recently married lady you know who changed their last name after they were wed. they should be able to help you through the process quite easily.

Answer 2

Changing one's name is a simple process. Either a name can be changed by the common law "use" method whereas the person simply begins using the name in their personal and business affairs. Or a name can be changed by court order which is always the best choice as many governmental organizations such as the SSA require proof of a name change. Any adult person can change their name. Contact or visit the office of the clerk of the probate court for information on the procedure in the state in which you live. Requirements and costs vary.

You must file the petition for name change at the appropriate court. Some courts will schedule a hearing others simply notify the petitioner once the name change has been approved by a judge. Some states require that you publish a notice in the local newspaper and some states have you sign a form or complete a fingerprint card so they can do a background check on you. Other jurisdictions use what is called a deed of change of name, a type of deed poll. Others, including some of the previous, also use a statutory declaration to change the name.

In all cases, various agencies must sometimes be alerted to the change, such as those maintaining passport or driver's license records. If you want to change your name you must check the requirements in your particular jurisdiction.

Answer 3

Depending on the reason for a name change, the steps required may simple or complicated. Following marriage, for example, a person need only take their certified marriage certificate to the Social Security Office and the DMV and request new identification. If the person's name will be changed, but not due to marriage or divorce, there are steps that must be followed. Usually this requires a court order. Each state has different regulations. In California, a person will need to fill out the appropriate legal documents, attend a hearing, and even put advertisements in the newspaper regarding the name change.