How Do I Change My Name?

One of the first steps that a transgender person will often pursue is changing their name.

There is a certain step by step process that one must follow to get their name changed.

The first is to decide what your chosen name will be.

Depending on what state you live in, you may or may not have to do a few extra steps when it comes to changing your name. Steps like posting in the local news paper etc. Check your state guidelines online to make sure you do all step necessary to get your name changed.

In general, you’ll start by going to your local courthouse and obtaining a petition for name change which you will file with the district court. After filing you will attend a hearing in front of a judge to explain why you would like you change your name. If the judge approves your request, you’ll receive a court decree. You’ll need this decree to update all your legal documentations.

I recommend getting at least 4 certified copies as you may have to mail a few off and may not get them back.

The first document you will change is your SSN. It must be changed first for you to change anything else.

The second document you will change is your Identification Card/your license.

The third document you will change is your birth certificate, if you want to change your gender marker as well doing both at the same time is possible, though it does take a bit longer, it is worth it to do both at the same time.

If you have a passport that will be the last item you will change your name on as you’ll need your name changed on everything else to get that updated.

Don’t forget to change your name on other random documents like your marriage certificate, car title, bank accounts, at work, etc. anything that requires your legal name.

Although time consuming, it is a very affirming process.