Name Change Resources for U.S. Residents
Are you preparing to change your name? If you've done your research, you know the process can be time consuming and involves lots of paperwork, legal documentation and interaction with several government agencies. It can be overwhelming, but we offer resources to help you get the job done. Choose your state below to learn more about your options.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
- If I purchase the name change package, will you complete my name change for me?
- Where can I access free forms if I want to complete the process on my own?
- How much is your name change package and does the cost include filing fees?
- Can I get a refund if I'm not satisfied with my purchase?
- What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
- Can I hyphenate my last name when changing my name after marriage?
- Can I take my maiden name as my middle name through the married name change process?
- Can we create an alternative last name using both of our previous last names after marriage?
- Will my child(ren)’s last name also be changed through my married or divorce name change?
- If changing the name for more than one person (ie. a legal name change for all children in the family), will I need to buy more than one packet?
- Can I use my marriage certificate from another country when changing my name?
- Does my name change have to be reflected on my marriage certificate?
- Does my divorce decree automatically allow me to change my name after a divorce?
- Do I have to change my name within a certain time frame after getting married or divorced?
- How do I get a certified copy of my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
- If my spouse dies and I want to return to my maiden name, how do I go about doing so?
- If I change my name, do I have to update my birth certificate? If so, how do I go about doing so?
- Can I have my name legally changed in the state where I currently reside or do I have to change my name in the state where I was born?
- Do both parents need to consent to change a child’s name?
No, we aren't able to change your name on your behalf. What we offer is a name change package that streamlines the process for you. Instead of doing your own research and completing everything by hand, you'll benefit from advanced document preparation software, pre-drafted notification letter templates, step-by-step guidance and 24/7 support -- all backed by a 100% money back guarantee.
Each state and federal agency provides their own blank name change application forms at no cost. You can find these by searching online, as they're readily available for download. However, while the blank forms are free, you may still owe fees at the time of filing. For example, most state DMVs charge a fee to issue a replacement driver license with your new name on it.
Each name change package has a different price point. The divorce package is $34, marriage is $29 for the basic package and $49 for the full service, legal is $45 and family is $47. Filing fees vary depending on the type of name change. For example, a legal name change is more expensive than a married name change because court costs are incurred. Fees also vary by state and sometimes even by county. The cost of our packages does not include filing fees.
Absolutely. We offer a 100% money back guarantee. If for any reason you are not satisfied, let us know and we'll issue an immediate refund.
A marriage license must be acquired, from the local courthouse in the county where you will be getting married, prior to your marriage. This document authorizes you to get married and must be signed by the individual who marries you and a specified number of witnesses. This form must be filed with the proper county office within a few days of the marriage.
A marriage certificate is a copy of the marriage license certified by your legal jurisdiction after your marriage. You will typically receive your marriage certificate a couple of weeks after filing your marriage license with your county office. This is the document that you will use when changing your name and proving your legal married status.
Yes, you are able to hyphenate your maiden name and your husband’s last name when you get married. Your marriage certificate will be sufficient when seeking this name change. If you are trying to fill out our online order form and you are not able to hyphenate your name when buying the packet, do not worry. Once you receive the packet, you will be able to hyphenate your last name on the official forms you will turn in.
If you are seeking to take your maiden name as your middle name, you will be able to do this as a part of the married name change process in most states. California, New Jersey, New York, Ohio (unless your marriage certificate shows your intended middle name), Pennsylvania, and Washington State, however, do not allow you to do this through the married name change process. If you live in one of these states and wish to take your maiden name as your middle name, you will need to go through the legal name change process to do so.
While you are able to do this, you will both have to file a legal name change to do so. Your marriage certificate does not provide a way to legally have an alternative last name through the married name change process. The only exception to this is in the state of California. In California, you can list an alternative last name on your license that is formed from both of your previous last names.
No, you will need to go through the process for a legal name change for your minor child.
No, you will be able to use one packet for each member of your family that it relates to. You can print out the forms needed for each relevant party and use them when changing each individual’s name at various agencies.
Foreign marriage certificates can be used when changing your name if they are written in English and were issued by an official government authority abroad. Some recognized religious authorities can also issue marriage certificates abroad. If you have questions about the official nature of your foreign marriage certificate, please contact your local Social Security office.
No, your marriage certificate will reflect your legal maiden name at the time of your marriage. Some states provide a section on the certificate to list the name you will take after marriage but many do not. You are legally allowed to change your last name after marriage and a certified copy of your marriage certificate will provide sufficient evidence of your marriage.
No, your divorce decree must specifically state that you wish to go back to your maiden name after the divorce. If it is specifically stated on your divorce decree, you will be able to use the decree to change your name. Otherwise, you will need to file a legal name change.
Typically, there is no time limit imposed for changing your name after marriage or divorce. Even still, you will want to check with your local jurisdiction to ensure that your marriage certificate or divorce decree will suffice to change your name if a long period of time has lapsed since the event. Once you have changed your name with the Social Security Administration, you have to update your driver license within 30 days of your name change.
This is addressed in depth in the first section of our name change packet.
You will need to file a legal name change to go back to your maiden name. You can buy our legal name change packet to assist you through this process.
If you change your name due to marriage or divorce, you will not need to change your name on your birth certificate. If you go through the legal name change process, you have the option to change your name on your birth certificate but you are not required to. State laws differ in regards to how to change your name on your birth certificate so you will want to contact your state Office of Vital Records to inquire. Often you will need the court order issued when your legal name change was verified in order to make this request.
You should change your name in the state where you currently reside. You would only need to go to the state where you were born, after your legal name change is processed, if you require an amendment to your birth certificate. You can buy one of our name change packets (married, divorce or legal) to change your name in the state where you currently reside.
Typically, the process to change a child’s name is easier if you have consent from both parents. That being said, each family situation is unique and the process to submit a name change with only one parent’s signature varies by state. Our packet will provide guidance to this process.