change name legally?
There are several reasons why you would want to change my name. It might be
because of marriage or divorce, adoption, or maybe you just
don't like your name and desire to have another name. In the United States
the laws vary from state to state, but the process to
change your name is generally similar.
You cannot change your name for:
- Fraudulent purposes such as avoiding debts
- Infringing other people's rights such as celebrities
- Violating a trademark
- Using obscene words or numbers and symbols (except Roman numerals)
If you have decided to change your name you will need to change records including but not limited to:
- Social Security Card
- Drivers License
- Passport
- IRS
- Credit Cards
- Post Office
- Living Will
change name legally
If you are choosing a new name just because you don't like yours, make sure you choose your new name carefully. Have some people close to you call you by your new name to see if you like it. You can change your first name, middle name, last name, or all of them.
Changing your name because of marriage or divorce is easier if you are only changing your last name to your spouse's name, or taking your maiden name as a middle name. If you want to change your first or middle name to anything other than your maiden name, you will have to go through the courts.
It's best to wait till after the honeymoon to change name legally because you will need a copy of your marriage license as proof for a legal name change, and most couples don't obtain this document until shortly before the wedding. Usually there won't be enough time to change your name on your passport and other essential identification.
Depending on the laws where you live, if you have already changed your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce you might not be able to change it again.
legally change my name online
Don't be afraid to correct people if they accidentally use your old name. It may sound a little funny at first, but as you continue using your new name you will get used to it and everyone else will catch on.
Many different name-change kits are available online and provide the proper forms and information you need to legally change your name. Each state has different requirements, so make sure you select a plan that is customized for your state.
To find more detailed information about how to change your name legally, please check out our other pages.