How to Legally Change Your Name in 2026: The Process Step by Step

A legal name change is a court process. The exact steps vary by state and court, but the overall path is the same everywhere. Here is how it works and how to update your documents afterward.

The general process

1. File a petition for a name change in the appropriate court (usually in the county where you live).
2. Pay the filing fee (some courts offer a fee waiver if you cannot afford it).
3. Publication — some states require you to publish notice of the change in a local newspaper; others waive this, especially for safety reasons.
4. Attend a hearing if required, and receive your signed court order.

It varies by state — check before you file

Filing fees, publication requirements, and whether a hearing is needed differ by state and even by county. Some states have streamlined or sealed processes for safety. Because these rules change, confirm your state's specifics with a trusted, up-to-date source such as the Lambda Legal Help Desk or a local LGBTQ legal organization before you start.

Update your records after the order

Once you have the court order, update your name with: the Social Security Administration, your state DMV (driver's license/ID), your passport, your bank and employer, and your school. Keep several certified copies of the order — you will need them.

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