Family · Updated Oct 2026
I want to legally change my name
If you're changing your name because of marriage, your marriage certificate is usually enough. After a divorce, ask for your former name back in the divorce decree. For any other change you file a petition in your local court, which may require fingerprints, a background check or publishing a notice. Then you update Social Security first, followed by your driver's license, passport, banks and other records.
This plan is general legal information, not legal advice. RobinClaim is not a law firm. Laws and deadlines change and have exceptions: check with the official source or a lawyer or legal aid office about your own case.
Build your plan
Choose your state and answer 2 quick questions. The plan below changes as you answer: steps that don't fit your answers are hidden, and your state's deadlines appear. It all happens in your browser. Nothing is sent, and the page address holds only your answers.
Your plan
Do now
If you answered “Yes” to “Are you changing your name to stay safe from someone?”
If you are in danger, call 911. For safety planning, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
Why: Advocates can help you plan, including how to keep your new name and address private.
Pick the right document: a certified marriage certificate, your divorce decree with the name restoration, or a court order.
Why: Agencies only accept official proof of the change.
If you answered “Yes” to “Are you changing your name to stay safe from someone?”
If you are changing your name for safety, ask the court about keeping the case confidential and skipping newspaper publication.
Why: Publication can reveal your new name.
Nothing extra here for your answers.
This week
If you answered “Other reason / For my child” to “Why are you changing your name?”
For a court name change, get the petition from your state court's self-help center or the clerk, file it in your county, and follow any notice or background-check steps.
Why: Requirements differ by state and county.
If you answered “For my child” to “Why are you changing your name?”
For a child, give notice to the other parent or get their written consent.
Why: Courts usually require it and decide based on the child's best interests.
If you answered “Divorce” to “Why are you changing your name?”
If your divorce is still pending, ask for your former name to be restored in the final decree.
Why: It avoids a separate court case.
Nothing extra here for your answers.
If it's not resolved
Update Social Security first, with your proof of the name change and ID.
Why: Other agencies learn of name changes through Social Security, and the name on your tax return must match its records.
Then update your driver's license or state ID, passport, bank accounts, employer and payroll, voter registration, insurance, and the IRS (your tax return name must match Social Security).
Why: Mismatched names cause problems with taxes, travel and benefits.
Order several certified copies of the order or certificate.
Why: Many offices want a certified copy, not a photocopy.
Nothing extra here for your answers.
Deadlines
Court hearing and any publication period
General rule: check your state and county court
Documents to gather
- Certified marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order
- Current photo ID
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status (Social Security may ask for it)
- Fingerprint or background check results, if your state requires
Where to go
- FederalUSA.gov: How to change your name and which agencies to notify
Checklist of agencies
- FederalSocial Security Administration: change name on your card
First agency to update
- FederalU.S. State Department: change your name on a passport
If you have a passport
- LocalYour county court clerk / state court self-help center
Court petition for a name change
- StateState driver's license agency (DMV)
Update license or ID
Costs
A court name change has a filing fee set by your state or county; you can ask for a fee waiver. Publication and certified copies cost extra.
Talk to a lawyer if
- The other parent objects to a child's name change
- You have a criminal record or pending case that may affect the petition
- You need the record sealed for safety and the court refuses
Free help
Free legal aid for people with low income: find your local office through the Legal Services Corporation (lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/i-need-legal-help), LawHelp.org (lawhelp.org) or USA.gov (usa.gov/legal-aid). Most state courts run a free self-help center (often called Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center) at the courthouse or online; ask the court clerk. Many state bar associations run a lawyer referral service with low-cost first consultations.
Guides for your state
Choose your state above for direct links to its pages.
Questions
What is the court hearing and any publication period?
check your state and county court
When should I talk to a lawyer?
The other parent objects to a child's name change; You have a criminal record or pending case that may affect the petition; You need the record sealed for safety and the court refuses.
How much does it cost?
A court name change has a filing fee set by your state or county; you can ask for a fee waiver. Publication and certified copies cost extra.
Plans by state
This plan is the same in every state. Each state's RobinClaim page lists its courts, agencies and deadlines:
Sources
- USA.gov: How to change your name and what government agencies to notify
- Legal Services Corporation: I need legal help
- USA.gov: Name change (notify SSA early; tax return names must match SSA)
Plan checked Oct 2026. Independently fact-checked 2026-10-24. Some details could not be fully verified; see the notes in each section.
This plan is general legal information, not legal advice. RobinClaim is not a law firm. Laws and deadlines change and have exceptions: check with the official source or a lawyer or legal aid office about your own case. How we research.