What process do I have to do to change my last name?

Question

What process do I have to do to change my last name?

Answer 1

In the U.S. every state is autonomous on how they handle things like this.  What court you need to go to might differ from state to state.

Answer 2

UK answer.

Here in the UK it is really quite easy, it can be done a the register office and costs £40:00 , no need to involve a solicitor.

Answer 3

Unless you put it in your question, we can't tell what country you are in. It is the most frustrating thing Yahoo does. It doesn't matter if you go into domestic Yahoo or one of the International Yahoos - UK, Australia, Canada, India . . . - all of the questions in English go into one big "pot".

In my state in California you call the clerk at the county courthouse. You fill out a form and pay $320. You also take out a "Legal Notice" in a local newspaper for four weeks. That cost is in addition to the $320. If no one objects, you get your decree.

Every time you apply for a new passport, driver's license, etc. you will need to mail in or show a notarized copy of the decree. If you have to mail one in and don't get it back, chalk up another $25 or so.

The procedure is the same in all counties in California, although the cost may vary. I suspect the procedure is about the same in most states in the USA, although the cost and the length of time may vary.

If you are in the UK, say so and one of the UK people will explain deed polls to you.

Answer 4

I don't know where you live, so I'll answer as if you were in the USA. Your mileage may vary.

If you are an adult, you will need to petition the district court in your jurisdiction.  You can hire a lawyer, but I don't think you need one.  Most courts will have a sample or a form for you to fill out.  You complete that, pay a filing fee ($50-$200), then appear in court.  The judge will ask you under oath if everything on the pleading is correct, and then he signs it.  You have a new last name.

You also can change your name in a divorce, if you are female.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Call or drop by your local Family and Probate Court and ask how you go about filing a name change petition.

Answer 6

1. Be sure to inform your employer and any other important people that your name will be changing.

   2. Book travel reservations in your maiden name. When you arrive at the airport, your passport and/or driver’s license will still be in your maiden name, so your tickets need to be as well.

   3. Change your name on your driver’s license first. You will generally need to take with you (1) your birth certificate, (2) your current driver’s license and (3) your marriage certificate. Ask for a name change form. The process varies in different states, but you may have to reapply for a new license with the new name, and even pose for a new picture.

   4. To have your name changed on your social security card, go to social security office with birth certificate, driver’s license and marriage certificate. It may be helpful to go online to http://www.socialsecurity.gov and download the SS-5 form first.

   5. Credit cards must all be changed individually and can often be done over the phone.

   6. Your friends/family may have written your soon-to-be-new name on checks to you for your wedding. Make sure that if there are two names or Mr. and Mrs. on your checks, that you both sign the back of each check to ensure a speedy deposit. Now both you and your husband need to go to the bank together. You may also want to put each other’s names on your accounts or open a new joint checking account. Again, make sure you have your marriage license and your ID with you. They will use this to update their records. Also, update your address if it has changed as well. Most banks handle this issue separate from the tellers in those cozy sections with desks and computers. If all else fails, go up to a bank teller and they will direct you to the right area/person. Follow all their processes as needed to at least change the name on your bank account. You may also want to open joint accounts or place each other’s name on each other’s accounts.

   7. Go to your office’s human resources department with your social security card to change your name on financial information, like W-2s, tax deductions or 401Ks.

Answer 7

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