What ever the reason, as long as it is not illegal you can change your name. Maybe you never liked your name. Do you need a stage name for your rising acting career? Perhaps you are angry with your parents, you can just change your name. You can do this by yourself. Every state may have different laws on changing your name. Be sure to check your states requirements.
If you have been divorced or recently married, your divorce decree or marriage license can serve as your official name change document. And if you have an official name change document your name change is free, thats right free. Just follow these steps:
1. SSI- Ask for the form to change your name. Provide your proof of official name change document, proof of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship.
2. I.R.S.- The great thing is ten days after your visit to the S.S.I. office the I.R.S. will be notified of your name change.
3. D.M.V.- Take your proof of official name change document to the D.M.V. and fill out the necessary form to change your name. While you are there, change your registration.
4. Voter’s Registration- You can probably do this on line. When you get to question number 5, are you registering for the first time, check no and you will be taken to the part where you change your name.
You will need to notify all of your financial institutions, mutual funds and investment plans. I suggest using a form letter you can find at this website, newlastname.org. These forms are free and easy to use. Some states require that you take out an ad in your local newspaper’s classified section stating that you have changed your name. This is so any creditors can find you.
Now, if you do not have a divorce decree or marriage license it is still easy to change your name. You need to visit your local circuit court to find out your states requirements. Here in Virginia you may change your name for what ever reason you want, as long as it is not for illegal reasons. First visit your local library and check out books on how to change your name. You will be able to find examples of your specific states requirements. While you are at the library copy any examples of your state’s application for name change.
Next visit your local circuit court. When you visit your circuit court request a name change hearing. The clerk will have you fill out a motion form. You will be given a hearing date.
Be prepared to answer questions that may include have you ever filed for a name change before? Do you have a criminal record? You will need to provide your parent’s maiden name, date and place of birth. And of course all of your own information. You should do a search of your felony criminal record and bring it with you.
Hopefully all will go well and the clerk of the court will enter your new information in the book of deeds and forward a certified copy to the State Registrar of Vital Records and the Central Criminal Division.
I know, it does sound kind of complicated. It really is just gathering a lot of information. You can do it. And you will just need to pay your state’s filing fees. Which will be a lot less than hiring a lawyer.
