The Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Name

Looking to change your name when making things official with your partner or anticipating the birth of a baby? Here's what you need to know.

Many thanks to PSP member Eileen for sharing these helpful steps from her own name-change experience!

Step 1: File the request with your local court

Use THIS WEBSITE put together by pro-bono lawyers to create a name change request form to submit to the court. This form needs to be notarized.
Bring that request, your birth certificate (or a certified copy) and a bunch of legit mail (utility bill, mortgage payment, etc) to court. Note- civil court is cheaper.
The judge will process your paperwork. This could take up to 90 days or so.
Once the judge processes it, you need to go back in person to pick it up. Purchase ~4 extra copies.

Step 2: Notify Social Security

Complete the SS-A5 form.
Mail that form, an ORIGINAL/CERTIFIED copy of the court approval, and a photocopy of your license or passport to the nearest SS office.
Find the nearest SS office here: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp.

Step 4: Update your driver's license

Reserve a time at your local DMV.
Fill out the MV-44 Application.
Bring the MV-44, an ORIGINAL/CERTIFIED copy of the court approval, new social security card, and your current license to the DMV.
**If you want to upgrade your license (here's the info about Enhanced and Real IDs) also bring 2 pieces of mail issued in the last 30 days (utility bill, pay stub, bank statement, etc), your new SS card, and your passport.

Step 3: Update your passport

Complete DS-82 Form and attach a new passport photo.
Mail that form, your passport, an ORIGINAL/CERTIFIED copy of the court approval, and a check to the US Department of State.
$130 for regular processing time (8-12 weeks); ship to National Passport Processing Center: PO Box 640155 Irving TX 75064-0155.
$190 for expedited processing time (5-7 weeks); ship to National Passport Processing Center: PO Box 90955, Philadelphia PA 19190-0955.
NOTE: Costs above are current as of June 2022.

Step 5: Update your car title

Once again, reserve a time at your local DMV (you might not be able to book this and your driver's license appointment at the same time, but you can try).
Fill out the MV-44 Application (this time where it says “I want to,” check the “get a title” box).
Bring the MV-44, an ORIGINAL/CERTIFIED copy of the court approval, driver's license, and proof of insurance.
If the title is held by a bank or leasing company, you must notify the lienholder (lender) of your name change and follow their prompts.

Step 6: Update your voter registration

All done!