Once a legal order has been granted to change your name, there are many places that you need to contact to update your new name.  Below is a list of the institutions, government agencies, etc., that need to be contacted.  This is not by any means a complete list; there may be other locations specific to each individual that may not be listed here, and some of the locations below may not apply to everyone.

  • Social Security Administration – You can make an appointment or stop by your local SSA office the same day that you receive your court order.  The SSA will require proof of citizenship, so take your birth certificate or passport and the court order.
  • Department of Motor Vehicles – To avoid waiting in long lines, make an appointment to visit your local DMV office.
    • Drivers Licence – Form DL 44 is needed (see instructions here), and a paper form must be picked up at the DMV office.  You will need to present your new Social Security Card and the court order; a new Drivers License will be mailed within two weeks
    • Auto Registration – A statement of Facts (Form Reg 256) is needed to update your name
  • Employer – Contact your HR department and provide them with a copy of the court order
  • Passport * – Submit form DS-5504 if the passport was issued within one year or use form DS-82 (or fill the form online) and submit it to the passport office along with the old passport and an original copy of the court order
  • Voter Registration
  • IRS
  • TSA Pre-Check – See my post Update your name with TSA Pre-Check
  • Frequent Flyer Programs * – Some airlines will update your name over the phone, and others will require that you fax them the court order
  • Financial Institutions – Some institutions will only want to see your court order, whereas others will require a copy of the court order
  • Credit Card Companies
  • Doctors
  • Insurance Companies
    • Car
    • Life Insurance
  • Memberships
    • Car Rental
    • Hotels
    • Clubs
  • Retirement Plans
  • Wills or Living Trusts
  • Schools (if currently enrolled)

* If you have already purchased an airline ticket, you may want to update this document after you complete your trip since the name on your passport (new name) and airline (old name) will not match, and thus will not be able to board the plane.

DISCLAIMER
The information included on this site is designed to provide helpful information on the subject discussed.  This information is not meant to be used as legal advice, nor should it be used as such.  This site should not be used as a substitute for complete legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your State.