I got my name changed!

Name change process - Phase I

Focus on the most important items first. Once you get through these, you can focus on your next steps. (You can’t even do most of Phase II until Phase I is complete anyway.)

WAIT! Start with a checklist! If needed you can review my checklist as a starting point.

Court Order Social Security Card ID/License Passport
  1. Get the court order signed and approved

    • Download and fill out the name change court order. In most places, it seems like it’s pretty straight forward which form to use, whether it’s for your county or state. How to change your name and what government agencies to notify
    • My scenario: I live in Alexandria City, VA, in Alexandria City, not to be confused with Alexandria, VA, which is in Fairfax County. It was difficult for me to find resources with clear info on the difference. If you live in Alexandria City, VA: Name Change Form - Alexandria, VA, Circuit Court
    • Get the name change order notarized. I went into a UPS store, waited in line, then signed the form in front of the notary before they stamped it. On a busy Wednesday afternoon this took about 45 minutes. You can get the notarization done at other places, though. My friend who got her middle name changed has a lesson learned to add: Ensure the form is filled out correctly with your full new name BEFORE leaving the store. The courts won't accept the name change order if the notary filled it out wrong.
    • My experience: When you go to the court house, make sure you bring everything required by your state or county (ID, money order, etc.), as well as the notarized court order. I went to the court house in Alexandria, VA, on a Thursday morning in early November, and it took ~1 hour to find parking, get through security, wait in line behind two people, submit the forms, and go back to the car.

      I brought a friend with me (the one who encouraged me to make this website) so that helped a lot with the anxiety. I had so much confusion with the form and didn’t know what to expect at the court, so having a friend go with me really helped get this going.

      Afterwards we went to brunch and celebrated with mimosas. I recommend this celebratory step!

    • Wait time and results: I had to wait another week to get the signed/approved court order in the mail. Armed with this I could change my name on ANYthing! (They gave me 2-4 weeks, but it came sooner.)

    2.  

  2. Update your Social Security card to notify the IRS

    • Apply for a replacement Social Security card. Replace Social Security card
    • My scenario: I had my card. If you don’t have your card or it’s damaged etc., you'll have to take a different path. I did not need to print any forms to update this - I filled it all out online. Find the best way to replace your Social Security card
    • My experience: Apply online or print out the form, and then set up an appointment at a Social Security Administration office near you. I set mine for first thing in the morning and it was a pretty quick in and out. They have you arrive 15 minutes early so you can plan to wait at least 15 minutes. I went in early December, waited 15 minutes total and it took 5 minutes at the window to process. I had to bring my driver's license and the name change order form.
    • Wait time and results: My new card came after 2 weeks. Ensure that this step is completed before tax season as apparently it's really difficult to deal with taxes when you're pending a social security card update.

    3.  

  3. Update your license or other form of primary ID

    • Follow your state's name change rules provided by your department of motor vehicles. Virginia DMV: Change Address, Name or Sex Designation
    • My scenario: I have a Virginia drivers license. I did not need to print any forms to update this - I filled it all out online then submitted it and went to a location to complete the in-person portion of the application.
    • My experience: I filled out the name change forms online, then went into the DMV first thing Wednesday morning, mid-December, on a rainy day and the wait time was around 15 minutes. Requirements will vary by state but I had to bring my old unexpired license, the name change order, and money$$.

      If you have your passport with you, you can get a Real ID, if not you’ll get a normal one. This is also when I registered for voting, but if your state has a separate process, complete it ASAP before your next election cycle.

    • Wait time and results: After I applied for the license with the new name, they took my old license and gave me a piece of paper as my temporary license. It took about 3 weeks to get the new license via mail.

    4.  

  4. Update your passport (before or after #3 depending on priority)

    • This is only required in Phase I if you need your passport, because the wait time to get the new one is much longer than any of the other items. Reprioritize as needed, but be aware that depending on your scenario and whether you currently have an active passport, it may take more time to get a new one.
    • Follow the guidance on the Department of Travel website for name changes. Change or Correct a Passport
    • My scenario: I had an up to date passport that I got within the last 10 years (2018) so I followed the instructions under "more than one year after either my passport was issued or my name was legally changed." It was less than a year since the name change, but more than a year since my passport was issued. I was eligible to renew by mail.
      1. Get new photos taken. I walked into CVS, nervously looked around the store for a moment waiting for the cashiers to be available, then asked for passport photos. This took 5 minutes. At CVS you have to get them in multiples of 3, but you only need 1.
      2. Fill out and sign the application form. If you did LegalZoom then you can use that form, otherwise you can fill out online and then print - make sure it’s PERFECT before printing and sign it before sending. If you need to make any corrections, reprint it. They may not take the form with penned-in corrections.
      3. Get a money order. You can google close places that offer money orders, or go to a post office. I walked in, told them how much, it was a couple bucks fee - bring cash. Some places may let you pay for money orders by debit card, but never credit card. Cash is always accepted so just bring that.
      4. Mail it. Drop one of your name change order copies, the passport with your previous name, the application form, and the money order into an envelope and address it (east coast vs west coast have different addresses to mail to), add 2+ stamps for the bulk. I used a security envelope (business size) for safety.
    • Wait time and results: I got the proofs of identity back in a separate envelope after about 2 months, then after another month my passport arrived. I had no upcoming international travel at the time, so I don't know what the timeline is when you indicate that you need it soon.