How to legally change your last name without getting married

Name Change

Both adults and children decide to change their name for a variety of reasons. Whatever the reason, we make it easy to get court approval of your name change. Once granted, you can officially use your new name on all government and financial records.

With our Name Change you get

How to legally change your last name without getting married

Completion of all required documents specific to your state

How to legally change your last name without getting married

Easy to follow instructions on filing your documents to make your new name official

How it works

How to legally change your last name without getting married

1. Complete our name change questionnaire

How to legally change your last name without getting married

2. We create your name change documents

How to legally change your last name without getting married

3. Get a final wrap-up of your name change order

For a more detailed view of our name change process, click here.

Get started today

Adult Name Change

$139*

Includes:

Comprehensive name change documents, specific to your state

Simple instructions for filing your name change with the proper court

Court filing location and information

A checklist of government agencies and financial institutions to notify of your new name

Additional state and federal forms and renewal applications

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Minor Name Change

$165*

Includes:

Comprehensive name change documents, specific to your state

Simple instructions for filing your name change with the proper court

Court filing location and information

A checklist of government agencies and financial institutions to notify of your new name

Additional state and federal forms and renewal applications

View more

Ask away. We have answers.

Common questions

Do I need to file a name change if I'm getting married or divorced?

Typically, no. A certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce judgment serves as "proof" of your name change, and can be used when you register your new name with government, business and financial agencies.

In order to save time and simplify this process, our partner makes it easier to complete and file your name change forms with every organization you're associated with. Learn more.

However, if your husband would like to change his name, or if you'd like a new last name that is completely different from either your maiden name or your spouse's name, most states will require you to file a formal name change petition with the court. If this describes your situation, please continue with the questionnaire.

What is involved in a court-ordered name change?

There are three basic steps to having your name changed by a court. The first step is filing a petition in the proper court, along with any other required forms and paying the filing fee. In most states, the petitioner (the individual making the request) must publish notice of the petition in a local newspaper. Also, the petitioner may be required to notify specific individuals affected by the name change.

What are the legal requirements for a name change?

Residency: Most states require residency in the county and state for a certain time prior to filing the petition (often at least 6 months).

Legal grounds: A person cannot change their name in an effort to defraud any other person.

Jurisdiction: A petition for name change must be filed in the proper court, which is usually in the county where the petitioner lives.

How is a name change for a minor different from a name change for an adult?

When seeking a name change for a minor, one or both of the minor's parents usually files the petition. If only one parent is filing on behalf of the minor, the other parent's consent is often required. Complications may arise if the noncustodial parent cannot be located, is incarcerated, or lives out of town. In a minor name change, consideration is given to whether the name change is in the best interests of the minor, and issues such as custody and parental notice are carefully examined.


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How to legally change your last name without getting married

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How to legally change your last name without getting married
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How to legally change your last name without getting married

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Get your name change starting at $139*


*Price excludes court fees to be paid when you file your name change documents.

Can you give yourself a new last name?

Most states allow you to legally change your name simply through usage. You can choose a name and just start using it in social settings and in your business. This can be a completely legal name change.

How much does it cost to change your last name in NC?

I have petitioned the court to legally change my name and I was born in North Carolina. What should I do next? If you have received notice of final order from the court, you are required to complete our Birth Certificate Modification Application Form and pay the associated fee of $39.

What does a woman have to do to change her last name?

Here are the first steps you must take to legally change your name after getting married: Use your new name on the marriage certificate. Change your identification documents such as your Social Security card and driver's license or state-issued I.D.

What is your maiden name if you are single?

A maiden name is the legal name given to a woman from her birth up to her marriage. The term “maiden” refers to a female who is unmarried.