The most important thing you need to do to legally change your name is to use your new name. You can do this by: Each state has its own requirements to get a name change. Texas has more requirements than some states, but if you meet them all and follow the procedure correctly, you should soon have a new name. In Texas, you can change your first name, middle name, or last name, or all, as long as you meet the requirements. You can even add a name to your full name if the court allows it. If you change your name, no one else`s name will change – each petition is reserved for the applicant, so your children`s names won`t change. Basics of name change Getting started with changing a child`s name or renaming. 5. Submit your documents to the Clerk. Submit the original documents for your name change to your county district court and bring the copies, except for the order you must make to your hearing. Ask the clerk to stamp your copies as “deposited.” To see if you can file an electronic file instead, call your district court clerk to find out if they allow electronic filing in the event of a name change. Don`t forget to ask the clerk to let you know the date of your hearing.
Your first legal name was printed on your birth certificate. This is still your official name unless you have received a legal name change in California or elsewhere. There are only 2 ways to prove that your name has been changed compared to how your name appears on your birth certificate: it takes at least 6 weeks from start to finish. Depending on the status, the name change process can take anywhere from 6 months to 12 months. In Florida, for example, you must submit your fingerprints to the Department of Law Enforcement to check criminal records, and you can`t apply to change your name until the court receives the results. It is these types of requests that can slow down the name change process. To change your name on a Social Security card, you`ll need to go to a local SSA office by entering your zip code. Once you`ve found the office, you can either visit during business hours or call and make an appointment. A checklist of government agencies and financial institutions to inform your new name, you may need to prioritize if you intend to travel under your new legal name soon. Contact the Department of State, Passport Office if you have a ticket to start shortly. Satellite offices, like post offices with a passport office, won`t necessarily be quick for you, so plan accordingly. There is a 1-year grace period for name change upon receipt of your passport or renewal.
It is “free” to receive a replacement with your new name within the grace period. If your current ID is included in your previous legal name, you must wait for your return. For the trip, you can immediately change your ID upon your return. Less stress this way. If you do, don`t change an ID until you`re back for consistency. If you get married in Texas, you can change your name on your marriage certificate or license without having to go to court. You can obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate from your city clerk. There are several reasons why someone might want to change their name, often after a marriage or divorce. The process of legally changing your name usually involves asking to change your name and using your new name. If you applied for a name change when applying for your marriage license to accept your spouse`s name, your marriage certificate from your county probate court is your legal name change document.
You do not have to apply to the Superior Court for a new name change. 6. Attend the court hearing. If you don`t know when your hearing is ongoing, call the social worker. Bring the order and copies, petition, a copy of the fingerprint card and proof of age and identity, criminal convictions, parole and pardons to your hearing. If you`re not sure what to bring, ask the clerk for help or ask for legal advice for your name change case. Expect the judge to ask you questions about why you want to change your name, so it`s a good idea to have answers ready. If the judge agrees to change your name, he or she will sign your order. Once the petition has been submitted to the county official, you will receive a hearing date where you can explain the reasons for the name change. As a general rule, the court will publish the court date within 4 to 6 weeks of submitting your application.
This may seem like a long wait for a fairly simple trial. However, in most cases, there will be actions that you will have to perform before the court hearing, and the long wait will give you plenty of time to perform the necessary actions. This brings us to our next step. People change their name for various reasons. By far, the most common reason why people change their name (surname) is due to marriage or divorce. Other reasons are: A marriage certificate alone is usually not enough as proof of the name change. This is a certified copy of the marriage certificate that can prove that your name has been legally changed. But not always. If your marriage certificate shows your marriage name, this is an appropriate document to change the legal name. Real ID is our country`s new personal security verification system. Show off your Real ID to access it almost anywhere in the U.S.
Check out their website for Real ID Checklist and bring it all to their office. Since they will inquire with social security, wait a day after making the change with the social security administration.