Can you change your real name?

You can legally change your name by filing papers in court. If a judge agrees, they will give you a court order that states your new legal name. You need this order to change your name on identity documents, like your driver's license, passport, or social security card.

How much does it cost to change your real name?

You'll typically pay the fee for the license, which may cost anywhere from $15 to over $500 depending on your state. Many people opt to change their last name — either to their spouse's, a hyphenated version of both last names, or a combined version. Most states require a court order for the latter.

Is it hard to change your real name?

Depending on where you live, your legal name change process could be as easy as filling out an online form, or as intensive as attending a formal hearing and getting fingerprinted by the FBI. You'll also need to pay a filing fee, which could cost anywhere from $50 in Hawaii to $450 in California.

Can you legally change your name in the US?

Changing your name legally through the court will likely require a fee and a notary, with some exceptions for name changes due to marriage, divorce, or adoption.

Can you change your real name twice?

So long as each change of name you do is a genuine change of name, there's no limit to the number of times you can change your name.

People Share Why They Changed Their Name

What is the rule for changing the name?

In the United States, a legal name change can be obtained through a court order and any US citizen has the right to change his/her name through either common law or court procedure. A person may change his/her name at will and operate a business, write a book, or even sue someone under a different name.

How long can you change your name?

There is no hard, destructive deadline to change your name after marriage, divorce, or court order. Meaning, you will never face an outright name change shut out.

What is the easiest state to change your name?

Easiest States To Change Your Name

Still, every state except Hawaii will provide you with a Court Order that can be used to make changes with your ID and Official Records. Because of Full Service, by EZ Name Change, California's process is considered one of the easiest and surest ways to get a name legally changed.

What are the consequences of changing your name?

Consequences to Changing Your Name

There can be professional consequences that can be problematic. For instance, all of your bank accounts and credit cards will need to be updated, as well as your driver's license and passport, which means you'll have a lot of paperwork to fill out.

How long does it take to legally change your name in the US?

Name change actions can take anywhere from a day, to six (6) months (sometimes even longer). The time it takes for name change actions to be ordered/decreed varies not only from state to state but from county to county and courthouse to courthouse as well.

Can I change my name if I don't like it?

You can generally change your name to anything you want, but you must also follow your state's guidelines and restrictions. For example, you may not do any of the following: change your name to commit a crime or defraud a person.

Do you need a reason to change your name?

You don't need to have any kind of valid reason to change your name, so long as it is not for any fraudulent purpose, such as avoiding paying a debt or fulfilling an obligation — you are free to change your name at any time.

What is a good genderless name?

How do I change my name with Social Security?

To change your name on your card, you must show us documents proving your legal name change and identity. You also must show us a document proving your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them.

How to change your identity?

Is there a way to change your name for free?

The Social Security Administration has its own form which you can get for free. The good folks at SSI will also let the IRS know about the name change, so you're good to go. When you go to the DMV, you'll just need to bring the certified copy of the marriage certificate and you'll be done.

Does changing your name give you a new identity?

Myth #1 MYTH: You become an entirely new person. REALITY: You're the same person with just a new name or new SSN. You're still the same you, with the same financial and legal obligations you had before you changed your identity. In fact, after changing your identity, your life might become more difficult.

Does changing your name affect your credit score?

Will changing my name affect my credit history? No. Your credit history is linked to your personal information, including Social Security number, which typically doesn't change over your lifetime. If you change your name, your previous credit history — for better or worse — will remain.

Who should I tell if I change my name?

The police: If you have a criminal record the police will also need to be notified of your new name. Insurance providers, utility companies, local councils and the electoral roll should also be notified of any change.

How do you go by a different name?

Usually a person can adopt any name desired for any reason. As of 2009, 46 states allow a person legally to change names by usage alone, with no paperwork, but a court order may be required for many institutions (such as banks or government institutions) to officially accept the change.

Can you change your name in every state?

Adults and minors can seek name changes in every state, usually by filing forms with their local probate, family, or superior court. While each jurisdiction has its own rules, some common requirements apply in most places as described below.

At what age can a child change their last name in Texas?

Child's Consent to Name Change (For Child Age 10 or Older)

This form must be signed by your child if your child is 10 years old or older. It tells the judge that your child wants his or her name to be changed. Note: If your child is 10 years old or older, you cannot change your child's name without his or her consent.

What happens if you don't change your name within 30 days?

Will I get penalized for not changing my name? There's no civil or criminal penalty for not changing your name. But various DMVs may impose a fine for not changing the name on your driver's license within 30 days or thereabouts.

How long does a name change take Social Security?

While you must provide the SSA with several documents and the completed SSA Form SS-5, the process is simple and takes only a few weeks to get a new card. Once you've changed your Social Security card to your new name, you can make changes to other documents, such as your driver's license, much more easily.

Are you ever too old to change your name?

It may not always feel that way but I assure you it is. And again no one is ever too old to change.