Legal Zoom Weddings: Can You Change Your Name?

Changing your name after marriage is a big decision and a complicated process that differs depending on your reason for doing so. LegalZoom offers a service that can save you over 13 hours of stress and hassle. After creating an account, you will be asked a series of general questions, and then further questions based on your state's requirements and the appropriate forms. Your answers will be used to complete the necessary forms, including Social Security, US Passport, State Driver's License, USPS, and State Voter Registration forms. You can then preview, print, and file each form along with its detailed filing instructions. However, it is important to note that you will need to wait to file them until after your wedding when you have received your certified marriage certificate.

Legal Zoom's name change service

Changing your name is a big decision and a complicated process, but Legal Zoom is here to help. The process of legally changing your name is usually pretty straightforward, but it differs depending on your state's laws and your reason for the change.

How it Works

After creating your account, you'll be taken to the Questions Page, where you'll be asked a series of general questions. Based on your answers, our intuitive service will ask you further questions based on your state's requirements and the appropriate forms. Your answers will be used to complete the relevant forms, including Social Security, US Passport, State Driver's License, USPS, and State Voter Registration forms, as well as letters to notify your creditors. You'll be able to preview and proofread the forms before printing and filing them.

What You Need

To get started, you'll need a few important documents, depending on your reason for the name change. If you're changing your name due to marriage, you'll need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. For a divorce, you'll need a divorce decree. For any other reason, you'll need a court-approved name change form. It's also helpful to have your state driver's license, US passport, and vehicle title/registration on hand.

What to Expect

The name change process can be overwhelming, as there are numerous steps to ensure that all important documents and accounts reflect your new identity. Here's a general overview of what to expect:

• Update your Social Security card with the Social Security Administration.
• Visit your local DMV to update your driver's license or state ID card.
• If you plan on international travel, update your passport with the US Department of State.
• Notify government agencies like the IRS and the US Postal Service.
• Update financial accounts, credit cards, and investment portfolios.
• Inform insurance agencies to ensure continuity of coverage.
• Update estate plans, including your will, trusts, power of attorney, and advance directives.
• Change your name on online profiles, email accounts, and social media accounts.

With Legal Zoom's Name Change Service, you can save over 13 hours of name change stress. Our service provides the guidance and tools you need to navigate the complex process of legally changing your name.

The name change process

Step 1: Decide on Your New Name

If you are changing your name due to marriage, you may take your spouse's surname, hyphenate both your surnames, or choose an entirely new last name together. For other reasons, there may be restrictions on what you can change your name to, such as not using a famous person's name or a name with numbers.

Step 2: Obtain Necessary Documents

The documents you need will depend on your reason for the name change. If you are changing your name due to marriage, you will need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. For a divorce, you will need a divorce decree. For any other reason, you will need a court-approved name change form obtained from your local county courthouse.

Step 3: File Official Documents

Once you have the necessary documents, you can start updating your official records. Start by updating your Social Security card with the Social Security Administration. Then, proceed to change your driver's license or state ID card at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Remember to research the specific requirements for your state.

Step 4: Update Government Agencies

Notify government agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the United States Postal Service (USPS), of your name change. The IRS will be automatically notified when you update your Social Security information. However, if it is close to tax time, you may want to wait to file your tax return to avoid confusion.

Step 5: Change Financial Accounts

Update your financial accounts, including bank accounts, credit cards, investment portfolios, mortgages, and loans. Contact your bank, credit card companies, and financial institutions to inform them of your name change and provide them with the necessary documentation.

Step 6: Modify Personal Records

Don't forget to update your personal records, such as your birth certificate (only in certain situations, such as adoption), passport, vehicle titles and registration, and property deeds. Again, the process for updating these documents may vary by state, so be sure to check the specific requirements.

Step 7: Inform Employers and Insurance Agencies

Notify your employer of your name change to ensure accurate payroll, benefits, and professional communication. Also, update your insurance agencies, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, to ensure continuity of coverage.

Step 8: Review Estate Planning Documents

If you have estate planning documents, such as a will, trusts, power of attorney, or advance directives, be sure to update them with your new name to ensure your wishes are legally binding.

Step 9: Update Miscellaneous Accounts

Finally, don't forget to update any miscellaneous accounts, such as email addresses, social media profiles, professional networking sites, utility accounts, voter registration, business licenses, and memberships.

Remember that the process may vary slightly depending on your state and specific circumstances. It is always a good idea to seek legal advice or consult with a name change lawyer to ensure a smooth and accurate name change process.

Documents needed to change your name

The documents required to change your name will depend on your reasons for doing so, as well as the laws of your state. In general, the process of changing your name through marriage, divorce, or court order can vary between states. Here is a list of documents you may need in different scenarios:

Changing Your Name After Marriage:

• A certified copy of your marriage certificate (in long form if available).
• Form SS-5, available on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website.
• Proof of identity and citizenship or lawful immigration status (e.g., a passport or driver's license).
• State-specific documents, such as a driver's license and voter registration forms.
• Multiple certified copies of your marriage certificate to include with name change forms.

Changing Your Name After Divorce:

• During divorce proceedings, you can request to reclaim your maiden name, and the judge can enter an order restoring your former name.
• A copy of the divorce decree or order as proof of the name change.
• If your divorce is final and does not include a name change, you may need to file a petition to modify your divorce decree.

Changing Your Name for Personal Reasons:

• A name change petition, which must be filled out and signed in front of a Notary Public.
• A court fee, which varies depending on the court (e.g., $210 in Supreme and County Courts, $65 in New York City Civil Court).
• A Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) in some courts, such as the Supreme Court.
• Additional forms and papers depending on your specific situation, such as information about criminal convictions, bankruptcy, or other legal proceedings.
• Proof of identity and residence.

It is important to note that some states may have different provisions for name changes, and certain restrictions may apply, such as those related to fraudulent intent, misleading names, or offensive names.

Steps to change your name

Changing your name can be a complicated process, but here is a step-by-step guide to help you through it. The process will differ depending on your reason for the change and your state's laws, so be sure to check what applies to your specific situation.

Step 1: Decide on your new name

If you are changing your name due to marriage, you may take your partner's surname, hyphenate both your surnames, or create an entirely new last name by combining your previous names. If you are changing your name for personal preference, be aware of any restrictions your state may impose, such as changing your name with fraudulent intent or including racial slurs.

Step 2: Obtain the necessary documents

If you are changing your name due to marriage, you will need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you are changing your name due to divorce, you will need a divorce decree. For any other reason, you will need a court-approved name change form, which you can obtain by applying at your local county courthouse. Keep your original documents safe and use certified copies for name change applications.

Step 3: File the necessary paperwork

If changing your name due to marriage, submit your marriage certificate and Form SS-5 to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to update your Social Security card. Then, proceed to change your name on other documents, such as your driver's license and passport. If changing your name for other reasons, you may need to file a petition with the court and attend a hearing.

Step 4: Update your identification

Use your new Social Security card to update your driver's license or state ID card at the DMV. The process and required documents may vary by state, so be sure to check the specific requirements. If you plan on international travel, update your passport with the U.S. Department of State.

Step 5: Notify relevant agencies

Inform agencies such as the IRS, U.S. Postal Service, and local entities of your name change. Update your voter registration information, especially if it is linked to your identification.

Step 6: Change your name with financial institutions

Contact your bank, credit card companies, and investment firms to update your name on all accounts, credit cards, and investment portfolios. This will help avoid issues with your credit score, payment methods, and future discrepancies.

Step 7: Update insurance and employment records

Notify your health, dental, vision, and life insurance providers of your name change to ensure continuity of coverage. Also, inform your employer of your name change to update payroll, benefits, work email, and other professional communication.

Step 8: Modify property-related documents

If applicable, update your vehicle titles, registration, and property deeds to reflect your new name. This will help maintain accurate ownership records and prevent legal issues related to your assets.

Step 9: Revise estate planning documents

Review and update your will, trusts, power of attorney, and advance directives to ensure your wishes are legally binding under your new name.

Step 10: Don't forget the small things

Update your name on various online accounts, email addresses, social media profiles, and professional networking sites. Change your name with loyalty programs, voter registration, digital subscriptions, and any other personal accounts or documents that still have your previous name.

Reasons for changing your name

Changing your name is a very personal decision and a complicated process that can be time-consuming. However, it is your choice in most states. Here are some reasons why someone would want to change their name:

Personal Preference

If you want to change your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce, you will need to first file a petition with the court. You may also have to attend a hearing and show cause for your name change request. If your petition is granted, the court will enter a decree with your new name. It's important to be aware of any restrictions your state imposes on the type of name change. For example, you may not be able to change your name to include a racial slur or threatening language.

After Marriage

If you are changing your name after marriage, you do not need to file a petition with the court. Instead, you must submit a certified copy of your marriage certificate and other proof of your identity and citizenship to the Social Security Administration. You can then change your name on other documents such as your driver's license and passport.

After Divorce

If you would like to reclaim your maiden name after divorce, you can request this during the divorce proceedings, and the judge can enter an order restoring your former name. If your divorce is already final, it may be possible to have the original order amended, though this varies by state.

After Gender Change

Most states do not have special provisions for those wishing to change names after a gender change, so this situation would usually fall under the same process as changing your name for personal preference.

After Moving

If you are changing your name and moving, you will need to notify the IRS and the United States Postal Service of your new address.

Frequently asked questions