Who can change their 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.

Can someone just change their name?

If you wish to be known by a different name you can change your name at any time, providing you do not intend to deceive or defraud another person. There is no legal procedure to follow in order to change a name.

Who is not allowed to change their name?

You cannot change your name for a fraudulent purpose, such as to avoid debts, you cannot change to a name that could affect the rights of another person, such as a celebrity, you cannot use a curse word, racial slur, obscene and/or an offensive word as part of your name and you cannot change to a name that would cause ...

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.

What state is it easiest to get a name change?

Easiest States To Change Your Name

Because of Full Service, by EZ Name Change, California, Georgia and Illinois are considered among the easiest and surest ways to get a name legally changed.

People Share Why They Changed Their Name

How much does it cost to legally change your name in us?

The cost for changing your name varies by state. In some states the fee is under $100, but other states may charge up to $500. Keep in mind that you may also have to pay a fee to a newspaper for publication in addition to the court filings. Check your state court website for filing fee details.

How much does a name change cost us?

Basic steps to change a name

You pay a $435-$450 filing fee. If you can't afford the fee, you can ask the court to waive it. The clerk will give you a date when a judge will make a decision.

How hard is it to legally change your name in the United States?

The process of changing your name is not difficult however it requires a tedious effort to do so. There are many steps, which can be slow at times, that are required to successfully change your name. It's easy to change your name in social settings, all you have to do is introduce yourself with your desired name.

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

The process generally takes up to 3 months. Choose any part of the process below to get step-by-step instructions.

Can you use a different name without legally changing it?

Changing Your Name Without Going to Court

The federal courts have ruled again and again that changing your name at will or, by “common law” is every citizen's right under the U.S. Constitution. Using this “common law rule,” you can change your name without even going to court.

Who has the longest name in the world?

The longest personal name is 747 characters long, and belongs to Hubert Blaine Wolfeschlegelsteinhausenbergerdorff Sr. (b. 4 August 1914, Germany) who passed away on 24 October 1997, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA, as verified on 1 January 2021.

Who should I tell if I change my name?

How do I choose a new name for myself?

Think about the identity that you intend to cultivate, and choose a name that fits with your vision for the new you. You may have connotations about certain names: tough, sweet, adventurous, etc. Pick a name that helps you become who you want to become. Name yourself after someone inspiring.

Can you be tracked if you change your name?

In general, if you have formally changed your name -- that is, you have gone through a formal court proceeding to change your name and it has been changed on your birth certificate, passport, and other official documents identifying you -- it would be difficult indeed for someone to find out your former name.

Why is it so hard to change your name?

It's a long process.

While a legal document such as a marriage certificate or court granted petition will allow you to change your name, it won't be truly official until you've submitted name change applications with the Social Security Administration, the DMV, and other relevant institutions.

Does changing your name affect you?

Before changing your name, think carefully about the effect your name change might have on your professional reputation and personal relationships. Once your name is changed, you will no longer be able to use your old name in government and legal documents and will permanently be known by your new name.

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 a US citizen change his name?

Ask to change your name in your application or interview

The USCIS officer can have you sign a name change petition and file it with a court before the judicial oath ceremony. Only a judge can change a name. Many oath ceremonies are not held in front of judges.

How many times can you change your name America?

Is there a limit to how many times you can change your name legally? In America, you can change your name with a legal name change once, unless there are extenuating circumstances (ie witness protection). You may change your surname as many times as you get legally married.

Does changing your name affect your credit score?

A name change won't affect your credit history. Don't be concerned; your credit history is tied to your Social Security number, which hasn't changed. In other words, if you have an excellent credit score, changing your name shouldn't affect it unless you've done things like make a late payment.

How long do you have to change your name on your passport after getting married?

If your current passport was issued less than one year ago and you consequently got married/divorced, you may apply for a passport in your new name by using Form DS-5504. There will be no charge for routine processing such an application.

How much should I pay to change my 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.

How much does it cost to change your name on your passport?

Determine your passport name change fee

With form DS-82 and form DS-11, you will need to pay $130 (or $190 total for expedited service). If your previous passport was issued less than one year ago and you filled out form DS-5504, you do not need to pay a fee for routine service. Expedited service for DS-5504 costs $60.

How long does it take to change name on passport?

The application takes approximately four to six weeks to process. Requesting expedited service will get it processed in just two to three weeks. However, if you need your name change done more quickly, a private passport expediting company can help you get your passport processed as soon as 24 hours if necessary.