General information only — not legal advice, and not written by a lawyer.

How to Legally Change Your Name — The Steps in Plain Words

This page gives the general steps to legally change your name in the United States. The facts below come only from the official government pages named in the Sources section. Court steps, forms, and fees vary by state, so this page prints no state fees and no state rules. For the local steps, check with your own state court, court clerk, or state court self-help site.

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1. The three ways a name changes

USA.gov says you might change your name through marriage, divorce, or court.

USA.gov also says the process of changing your name through marriage, divorce, or a court order can vary between states.

After the legal change, you update your new name with the government agencies that need it. USA.gov names the Social Security Administration and your state motor vehicle office.

2. Name change through marriage

USA.gov states that before you get married, you must apply for a marriage license.

USA.gov states that after you apply for the license and get married, your marriage certificate will reflect your new name.

USA.gov tells readers to contact the local government where they are getting married to learn how to apply for a marriage license and change their name.

3. Name change through divorce

USA.gov states that when you file for divorce, you can change your name back to the name you used before you got married.

USA.gov states that in most states, you may do so when you apply for your divorce decree.

USA.gov tells readers to contact their local government to learn how to change their name when they file for divorce.

4. Name change through a court order

USA.gov states that, in most cases, you must file a petition with your local court to change your name.

USA.gov states that to do so, you may need to file paperwork and appear before a judge to complete the process.

USA.gov tells readers to find their local government website and contact their circuit court to get information about how they can legally change their name.

The exact court steps, forms, and fees are not the same in every state. This page does not state what any one state requires. Ask your local court, your court clerk, or your state court's self-help site for the steps where you live.

5. First update after the legal change: Social Security

The Social Security Administration (SSA) states that if you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, or court order, you must tell SSA. That is how you get a replacement Social Security number card with your correct legal name.

SSA recommends updating your records with SSA before taking a trip to your local motor vehicle administration.

SSA states that, depending on your situation, you may be able to request the change online. In some states, you can use your personal my Social Security account to request a corrected card. Otherwise, you can start your application online.

SSA states that if you need in-person help, you must make an appointment at your local Social Security office or Card Center.

SSA states that if you are unable to use its online services, you will need to complete a paper Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) and show the required documents.

SSA states that, to get a card with a corrected name, you will need to provide evidence of your identity, your new legal name, and the name change event. You may also need to prove your current U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status.

For identity, SSA lists a U.S. driver's license, a state-issued non-driver identification card, or a U.S. passport. For the name change event in a marriage, SSA says a marriage certificate is ideal.

SSA states that you must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. SSA cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies.

SSA states that after it completes your request, you will receive your replacement card by mail in 5 to 10 business days.

6. Next: driver's license or state ID

USA.gov lists your state motor vehicle office as one of the government agencies to notify when you change your name.

USA.gov states that you use certified copies of key documents as proof to notify federal and state agencies that you changed your name. USA.gov states this can include marriage and divorce certificates or name change orders.

The steps at a state motor vehicle office are set by the state. Ask your own state motor vehicle office what it needs.

7. If you have a U.S. passport

The U.S. Department of State page named in the Sources section explains how to correct or update a U.S. passport due to a name change.

That page states that the process to change your name on your passport varies depending on your situation.

That page states that if your name has legally changed through marriage, divorce, or a court ordered change of name, you will need to apply for a new passport.

The page names different forms for different situations, including Form DS-5504, Form DS-82, and Form DS-11. It also calls for an original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Read that State Department page in full and follow the part that matches your situation.

8. Keep your proof documents handy

USA.gov states that certified copies of key documents are the proof used to notify government agencies of a name change.

SSA says keeping its records accurate helps avoid problems with employment, taxes, or benefits.

Each office you visit may ask to see your proof. Keep your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order safe.

Sources

General information only — not legal advice, and not written by a lawyer.