Many individuals will want to effectuate a legal maiden name change because of a marriage, divorce, or a desire to have an alternate name.
There are generally three ways to change your name
Court Order
A court order is recommended to change your name and is required by most states.
A marriage certificate
This serves as proof of name change.
Usage
In some states using a name as your own has the effect of making it your name.
What are the legal requirements for a maiden name change?
1Residency
In order to file for a name change, you must meet the residency requirements of the state in which you wish to file. All states require a Petitioner/Applicant to be a resident of the state — often for at least six months and sometimes for as long as one year — before filing for a name changes.
2Legal Grounds
A person cannot change their name to defraud any other person or to escape liability
3Jurisdiction
A petition for name change must be filed in the proper court, which is usually in the petitioner’s county of residence.
After you have changed your name, you may need to verify the checklist below to change records in some or all of the following including:
Social Security Administration
Department of Motor Vehicles Driver’s License
United States Passport
United States Post Office
IRS
Voter Registration
Banks
Credit Cards
Professional Licenses