There are many reasons why individuals want to change their name. Depending on the reason for the change, it could cost you more or less time and money. Let’s look at some name change scenarios and how much it could cost you to change your name. This is a relatively simple name change and does not cost much at all. You only
pay for the gas in your car to bring your documents providing proof of name change and evidence of who you are to a Social Security office. To change your state driver’s license or ID, go to the DMV and show them your government-certified marriage certificate or bring your divorce decree and DL-101 completed form. The NC DMV charges the following fees to change your name on North Carolina DMV documents: Naturalization: If you are applying for naturalization, you can legally change your name by filling in your new name on USCIS Form N-400 (the Application for Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS). You must use your new name at the swearing-in ceremony with a judge who has the power to grant your new name. Naturalization papers have a fee for filing that
is roughly $555. You can also apply as an indigent. After Naturalization: If you want to change your name on your naturalization certificate that you already possess, you can file for a name change petition through a court process. Adoption: As an adopted child, you may decide to change your name to identify with your family. You can also do so through a court process outlined below. Same-Sex Relationship: If you
are a member of a same-sex relationship, there is no law allowing for a civil union or domestic partnership in North Carolina. You can, however, change your name through the court process to reflect your status.Marriage & Divorce
Other Good Reasons for Name Changes
Court Process & Expenses
To obtain a legal name change in North Carolina unrelated to legal marriage or divorce, you must go through a legal process. First, publish a notice for 10 full days at the courthouse declaring your pending name change. You can do this by filing a petition with the Clerk of the Court in your county of residence.
You must sign and file two “Affidavits of Good Character” by unrelated persons. This is done in front of a notary public.
You will also undergo a criminal background check and may need these listed documents:
- “Affidavit Regarding Outstanding Tax/Child Support Obligations”
- Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
- Proof of Identification
- Proof of Residency
- Filing fee ($120) cash or certified check or Petition to file as an Indigent to have the fee waived
The Clerk will review your documents and either sign or deny the official Order and Certificate of Name Change. You will then receive your Order and Certificate of Name Change 6-8 weeks later.
Update your name with no charge at the Social Security Administration at least 2 days before going to the DMV. Bring your legal name change order to the DMV for a new ID. The NC DMV charges the following fees to change your name on North Carolina DMV documents:
- Driver’s license: $14
- Id Card: $14
- Vehicle title and registration card: $21.50
Birth Certificate Changes
Our name and gender is a part of who we are. To apply for an amended birth certificate, you will need to submit your Application for a Copy of a Birth Certificate with section two filled out.
If you are making an application to change your gender marker on your birth certificate, you will also need:
- A notarized letter from a doctor stating that you have completed surgical procedures
OR
- A certified copy of a court-ordered gender change and can be from another state. (1)
The $15 processing fee to review your request is non-refundable. If your request involves more than one birth record, the $15 processing fee applies to each individual’s birth record that requires change. A certificate search and first copy is $24.
Find Help
Getting a name change is not generally expensive or difficult to achieve. How much it will cost to change your name varies. However, if you run into any legal issues, contact us at Scharff Law to get understanding and empathetic solutions to whatever you face. We are supportive of name and gender changes and will fully and unconditionally support your legal needs without question.
- //transequality.org/documents/state/north-carolina
Sometimes big, happy life events bring big changes. Like a whole new name. Hi, wedding season. But marriage isn’t the only reason you might change your name.
Why would I change my name?
There are lots of reasons why people opt to change their names. In some cases, it’s a matter of preference. As in, if you aren’t in love with the name your parents gave you, you have the option to change it.In other cases, a name might be changed for religious reasons. Or a fresh start after a big life change. Read: divorce or gender transitions.
Name change costs in general range from around $50 to over $500, depending on where you live.
How do I legally change my name?
The process can vary depending on the county you live in, but here’s a breakdown of the basics.
Grab your documentation.
If the name change is happening because you just got married, your marriage certificate is enough to prove you need a name change in most cases.If it’s for any other reason (besides divorce), you’ll have to file a Petition for Name Change. They’ll have one at your nearest courthouse.And don’t forget documents proving your current name and date of birth. Like your birth certificate.
Find a notary.
Don’t sign your petition unless you’re in front of a notary public. Hint: It’s usually not too hard to find one in a courthouse.
Talk to the judge.
After you turn in your docs, your case will be assigned to a judge. You might be asked to go before the judge. Once it’s signed and approved, you can head to have the change published in a newspaper.
Can a name change be rejected?
The short answer: yes. Because it’s up to your local court. If a court thinks you’re changing your name to mislead others, your name change petition could be rejected. Think: requesting a name change to Walt Disney. It could also be rejected if your new name includes special characters or numerals, but there are workarounds (looking at you, Chad Ochocinco.) Again, it all depends on your location.
Should I get help from a pro?
There are third-party services that can take care of the name change process for you. Like MissNowMrs, where name change assistance will cost you between $39 and $70. But if you have time to stop by your local Social Security office and DMV, you can save by going the DIY route. There are also organizations like Transsocial, to help you find pro bono assistance if you’re changing your name and gender.
theSkimm
Name changes aren’t just for weddings. You can file a petition to change your name for almost any reason. But it’s up to your local court to decide if your new name is a go.