Publishing Your Name Change in the Newspaper
If you want to change your name, but you cannot do it through marriage or divorce, you still have a practical path forward using a court-petitioned name change. But you may have to publish your name change in the newspaper.
Newspaper publication laws vary across states, including when and where to publish, duration, and exceptions for gender identity cases and concerns over privacy and safety.
This article focuses on everything related to newspapers and name changes. What you should expect, fees, exceptions, and state-specific publication rules.
We will also clarify which U.S. states do not require publication.
State law governs name change publication rules
Do you need this? If you can change your name through marriage, you do not need to endure court orders, newspaper publishing, or all else this article covers.
State legislatures write the laws (or statutes) which regulate name changes and newspaper notices. The courts (most often at the county level) just execute these directives.
Depending on your jurisdiction (where you live), the ease and procedures of name change, newspaper publication, and waivers vary.
Before continuing, we must dispel a common misconception…
Most anyone can adopt the name they want. In fact, by 2009, around 46 states allowed people to change their names by common law usage, without paperwork.
Yet this grand illusion option crumbles under inspection.
Reality is oh-so different…
Federal and state government agencies, banks, and other institutions need official, legal proof of name change, such as a court order, not common law claims.
The most efficient way to get your name changed is through a court order applied in a state or county court—beyond marriage—where name change is universally accepted.
Worth repeating: You only need to pursue a name change through a court order and newspaper publication if you do not have a marriage certificate or divorce decree capable of changing your name.
The right reason for your name change
When seeking a name change by court order, you must plead your reason is not fraudulent or illegal. For instance, defaming another person, or evading a debt or lien, among others.
Your rationale need not be elaborate. The court does not expect a monologue. Your motive could be as simple as you "just want a new name" because you do not like your current name.
The judge cannot deny your name change unless your reason is immoral, frivolous, or fraudulent. For instance, you cannot rename yourself Microsoft or a profane word.
Besides explaining why you want your name changed, you may have to pay a filing fee and post a legal notice in a court-approved newspaper announcing your old and new name.
Note: The court petition filing fee and newspaper publication fee are separate.
Publishing a legal notice in newspapers
The main reason the law requires anyone who wants to change their name to publish it in a newspaper is to make it a public record. A searchable, archived, historic chronicle.
People whom you might owe statutory obligations have a legal right to know when you have changed or are changing your name. And how to mount formal opposition.
Announcing your name change in the papers does not imply you have something to hide. The law mandates publication to promote transparency and expose mischief-makers.
Otherwise, anyone can decide to change their name to avoid debts, commit fraud, or malign others. Publishing a newspaper notice is a legal and useful societal defense.
And, yes, your petition could get opposed in court.
Whoever objects to your name change must have three things:
- Awareness of your name change intentions.
- Knowledge of the court hearing.
- Good cause to object.
Publication fulfills the first two criteria. Showing good cause puts the burden of proof on objectors. Their claims must often get sent to the court in writing before the hearing.
Objections are rare. Still, broadcasting your name change objectives in print is the law. Your name change cannot move forward until the publication duration has run its course.
Publication contents, disclosures, and objections
Expect to publish your current name, proposed name, address; court hearing date, venue, case number, and objection instructions (how and when to file a challenge).
You may avoid exposing your home address to the public by hiring an attorney who will use their practice's address or discussing nondisclosure options with the court clerk.
You do not have to figure out the ad format and language yourself. The court will give you the completed notice or Order to Show Cause to pass onto the publisher.
Publication might be a onetime event, but most states mandate longer runtimes. The most common interval is tied between once and once a week for four weeks.
How long must you publish your name in your state?
You may view your own state's notice of name change newspaper publication duration in the following table. (Keep in mind that multi-week runs are consecutive.)
| State | Publication duration |
|---|---|
| Alabama | None |
| Alaska | Once a week for 4 weeks |
| Arizona | None, but must tell spouse if married |
| Arkansas | None |
| California | Once a week for 4 weeks |
| Colorado | Once a week for 3 weeks |
| Connecticut | None |
| Delaware | Once |
| District of Columbia | Once a week for 3 weeks |
| Florida | Once a week for 4 weeks |
| Georgia | Once a week for 4 weeks |
| Hawaii | Once |
| Idaho | Once a week for 4 weeks |
| Illinois | Once a week for 3 weeks |
| Indiana | Once a week for 3 weeks |
| Iowa | None, but must tell spouse if married |
| Kansas | Once a week for 3 weeks |
| Kentucky | None |
| Louisiana | None |
| Maine | None |
| Maryland | Once |
| Massachusetts | Once |
| Michigan | Once |
| Minnesota | None |
| Mississippi | None |
| Missouri | Once a week for 3 weeks |
| Montana | Once a week for 4 weeks |
| Nebraska | Once a week for 4 weeks |
| Nevada | Once |
| New Hampshire | None |
| New Jersey | None |
| New Mexico | Once a week for 2 weeks |
| New York | Once |
| North Carolina | 10 days on court's bulletin board |
| North Dakota | Once |
| Ohio | Once |
| Oklahoma | Once a week for 4 weeks |
| Oregon | None |
| Pennsylvania | Once in 2 newspapers |
| Rhode Island | Once a week for 2 weeks |
| South Carolina | None |
| South Dakota | Once a week for 4 weeks |
| Tennessee | None |
| Texas | None |
| Utah | None |
| Vermont | None |
| Virginia | None |
| Washington | None |
| West Virginia | Once |
| Wisconsin | Once a week for 3 weeks |
| Wyoming | Once a week for 4 weeks |
Exceptions to publishing name change publicly
Exceptions exist where you might not have to publish a notice in the newspaper. For instance, you do not need to publish when conforming to your sex or gender identity.
Upon request and showing good cause, the court may waive the publication rule for victims of domestic violence, stalkers, sexual assault, or human trafficking.
People enrolled in an address confidentiality program or state witness protection program are exempt from the publication standard by default.
The above is not an all-inclusive list of exceptions the court will honor. Your reason may be different. Your concern need not have precedent; it can be a potential danger.
For instance, you can assert a right to privacy from publication because you believe you might be subject to harassment from known or unknown persons.
Getting a waiver in these cases is simple:
- You must document your reasons on the court forms.
- Most courts will not ask for proof.
Bottom line, the court may forgo publication if it might place your safety in danger, then move onto the hearing or final ruling.
The court may opt to conduct a closed hearing or no hearing if they waive publication of your name. They may even order court records sealed.
Avoiding harassment from strangers
Shielding your address could help filter out buzzards circling name change announcements. This may be useful for cross-gender name changes, victims of abuse, etc.
Consider getting a PO Box, private mail box (PMB), or virtual mail box (VMB) for your name change correspondence. But first check if the court allows a non-residential designation.
Publishing your name change notice
You will enter the publication phase once a judge signs an order allowing your name change petition to advance. You are now inching towards the threshold.
The signed order will show that you have X-days to take out an advert in a newspaper—referred to as a "publication"—which is an ad giving notice you will legally change your name.
In most cases, the order explains which newspaper the notice must appear, contents of the notice, and the number of times it must be published.
Various courts might handle the publication sequence on your behalf, but you must still pay the publication fee through them. Such aid is uncommon, though.
Contacting the newspaper
You may contact a local newspaper through the phone book or their website. It should be a newspaper of general circulation where you live. Often at the county level.
Call the newspaper and indicate you want to take out an advertisement of a personal nature in the newspaper's announcements section and indicate both the new name and old name in the announcement while making it as clear as day your name has been changed.
Various states require an address listed alongside the announcement. The publisher will often insert your ad in the "legal notices" section of the classifieds ads.
If the court gives you free rein to pick a newspaper, make sure it meets the court's standards within your region, including:
- Minimum circulation
- Placement (e.g., legal section)
- Predominant language (e.g., English, Spanish)
The newspaper might publish your name change notice on both their physical paper and website. The latter risks permanent public exposure online.
Paying the newspaper legal notice filing fee
Payment arrangements are between you and the newspaper, not the court. They should be able to take a credit card payment by phone, online, or whatever means provided.
Courts can be merciful to low-income applicants. Often waiving the filing fee. Newspapers are not so forgiving and expect payment in full—no hardship waivers.
How much is the newspaper publication fee?
There are 1,279 daily newspapers in circulation, as of 2018. You can view newspaper ad rates by state, which offers a reasonable estimation for placing a legal name change notice.
For example, the L.A. Times charges an astounding $1,317 to post a legal name change notice, while The Daily Commerce charges only $90.
Both newspapers are well-circulated within the same county, making either a valid choice for a resident placing a legal name change notice. Yet the price disparity is striking.
Go figure! Capitalism strikes once again!
But you need not take the first offer…
If the court offers you an accepted list of newspapers, you can shop around for the lowest ad rate. So if one quotes you a steep price, their competition may offer better terms.
On balance, it should cost you around $100 or less to publish your name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation within your geographic area.
Assuming you do your due diligence—comparison shop.
Newspaper affidavit of completion
The court may give you a signed order to be published as-is instead of only instructions. The sooner your name gets published, the sooner the newspaper will ready a publication affidavit as proof of completion.
The newspaper affidavit of completion protocol differs across states. The newspaper will either mail you the affidavit or send it straight to the court themselves.
Either way, see that it gets done before your hearing.
In fact, before the court's cited due date.
After you or the newspaper files the publication affidavit, your legal name change journey is nearing success. Only the hearing and judge's approval remain.
Assuming no objections or suspicions of fraud arise, your name change should be a foregone conclusion. You may even get an approved court order without a hearing.
Publication done, now the real work begins
Once the judge approves and signs your court order, get certified copies from the court clerk to change your name everywhere—social security card, driver's license, passport, etc.
Publishing your name change in the newspaper may evoke trepidation, but is a necessary part of a court-petitioned name change campaign.
I wnt to make a change of name for my bank
Hi Ability. You'll have to do that directly with your bank. You'll have to present a document that justifies the name change, such as a marriage record, divorce decree, or court order.
Do you have to stay in same county for long time after you put in for name change or can you move?
Hi Mel. Unless the county court that's handling your name change has a residency jurisdiction stipulation, I don't see what would be holding you there.
Do I really have to publish my name change in a newspaper? And with *address*? I think that will lure in more stalkers lol. But, really. Can I just pay extra money for them not to publish my name? I don't just anyone to know that I changed my name.
Hi Maria. You can request the court waive the requirement if you can demonstrate good cause. If you're concerned about stalkers and disclosure of your address, you may want to find out if your state has an active address confidentiality program.
I recently turned 18.I want to change my name due for privacy & to avoid a person who sexually assaulted me in the past. Would it be necessary to tell the court who the person is? I don't really like talking about it but it is a reason why I want to change my name. I'm also concerned about having to publish a notice in the newspaper,I've read that it says details about the hearing & wondered if I could avoid that.
Hi Coffee. Accommodations are typically made for victims of sexual assault. The court can provide further information. You can inquire about a closed hearing or chambers hearing, and waiving of the newspaper requirement.
pls change of surname on primary data of account does it require news publication after court Avidavict
Hi Adeola. The change of name on your primary identification comes after you've been granted a court order finalizing your name change request.
Do I still need to publish the hearing and final judgement in the State of New Jersey if my daughter's father died five months after my daughter was born? He had no legality in the country and I don't have any relations to any of his family which I don't know where they are. No one has ever formed part of my daughter's life other than me and my parents. Also, in 2009 I was a victim of a sexual assault and after the person was released from prision (five years later) I began to receive threatening calls. Although, it is for my daughter, I would prefer for her name and mine to be omitted from any newspaper. I am still having a difficult time removing my name from the social media and address as I used to have a company and went all over the place and after the frightening calls I tried to remove. Is there a way to avoid the publication given my two statements?
You can ask the court to waive this requirement.
Hi,please,I need your help.I was born in Nigeria,and then I changed my name.Now,I live in the US and my husband is petitioning for me,but my name on my passport and visa and i-94 is different from my marriage license and other document.Can I get a court order here in the US for change of name.Thanks
Hi Temi. You, as a non-citizen, may be able to change your name in the U.S. if you've lived here for at least six months, but even that varies from state to state. You should contact the courthouse for further clarity.
What if u have obtained ur last name for 30+years have a CDL for over 30 yrs a SS card and tax records Banks etc but ur name was never legally changed back in 1960 .but have gone by this name ur entire life . Is there common law or something?
Hi Mechelle. Are you saying you did update your name on your SS card? If so, what institution did you not change your name with?
Hi can i change my name and my surname both? Because my parents are not married and my father is marriedto other women
In my nso im using my fathers name but they are not married so i want to change my surname to my mothers name and i want to change also my name.thanks
Hi Mark. You'll have to petition the court for both name changes.
Hi valera how many years this petition last?
Hi Mark. Petition just means to file your request with the court. It'll last until your name change order is granted by the judge.
Hi , my birth certificate has one last name but from the time I started school I've used a different last name drivers license ss card taxes credit everything.the person on the birth certificate doesent exsite .can I get some kind of waiver
Hi Wildur. That wouldn't be a sufficient reason for a waiver to be granted.
Hello! I have Sada Joseph oghenemaro registered to my bank Acc name, Now I did a new national identity card with some changes. Now it’s Okpaka-Sada Joseph marho, in this case how can I go about changing it in a newspaper publication?
Hi Joseph. Phone or email the classified ads section of your newspaper of choice. Make sure your selection is permitted by the court.
Very confused. If I got married and reside in Maryland…I have to publish my last name change in order for the court to approve my name change petition?
Hi Nicole. You can request the court waive the newspaper publication requirement for good cause.
Hi.
I have been using two names ever since my childhood days including schooling to the secondary level and now that I'm about to get to the Tertiary level, I need to add a third name because it's a MUST. So do I need to publish an "add of name" as I may call it or I need only to swear an affidavit?
Hi Mathew. Legally adding another name would require you to petition the court. You'll have to both publish the name and submit a publication affidavit.
Hello I'm changing my son's last name I qualify for a fee waiver but can't afford the publication part .can I ask the judge if I can do a posting in the court house or on Facebook or what would be the best and way to do a Posting .im in California
Hi Tanya. Yes, you can request further accommodation.
I got married in a November but on my marriage license never indicated a name change to my married name because at the time I wasn’t planning on changing it. Now my husband and I have decided, for certain reasons, that we want to change my name. I have successfully changed my name on my SS card as well as thorough most of my other financial institions, but the DMV refuses to change my name on my drivers license because i didn’t indicate it on my marriage license, even though the SS office has already accepted the new name. Besides court order is there any other way to get my name changed so the DMV will accept it and change my name? I live in CA and I’ve thought about seeing if the County Clerks office will amend it to read “AKA” with my married name. Is there any other way to get around it?
Not unless you can get your certificate amended.
That wouldn't be allowed.
No, your remaining viable path would be through the courts.
I changed my name 37 years ago and my CDL, SS have my new name! do I still have to put an ad in paper?
Hi Steve. If you've already changed your name on your identity documents, then the newspaper portion is irrelevant.
Hello, I got married in 2006 and changed my maiden name to my Spouse's name immediately in Court, obtaining affidavit then. How do I get it published in your newspaper and at what cost.
Hi Oyeku. If you got married through a civil ceremony at the courthouse, then you don't need to publish your name in the newspaper. You could change your name with your marriage certificate.
If I'm misinterpreting your situation and you really did change your name through the court, then you still don't need to publish, as you've already got your court order. The newspaper portion comes before you're granted a court order.
My tee., I got married through Islamic way and collected married certificate in Arabic, and I went to court to do changing of name to bear my husband name wish was done. Can I still go to newspaper for publication?
Hi Dee. You may not even need to go to court. Your marriage certificate may be sufficient to complete your name change. However, you may be asked to provide a certified translation.
If you do have to go the newspaper publication and court petition route, your marriage certificate wouldn't be particularly relevant.
hi,
is a newspaper clipping ok to use as a legal name change?
Hi Kiran. If you're trying to prove to the court that you published your intent to change your name in the newspaper, then you're better off showing the entire newspaper.
No, the individual has lost her marriage certificate so if needed to prove her name change can we use the newspaper clipping as a legal name change?
thanks
No, that wouldn't suffice. Publishing a name change through the newspaper is unnecessary if the name can be changed using a marriage certificate. Publications are typically for court-petitioned name changes.
I am needing to post about a divorce. I cannot find my ex husband and I was told if I could post it in the newspaper for 3 weeks or so, and if nothing came of it then we could proceed with the process. Who do I contact??
Hi Kimberly. Contact the classifieds department of the newspaper about placements.
I need my change of name sometime January or February 2016 and I lost the newspaper how do i get it back,the problem is I can remember the date,i need a reply fast pls
Hi Ejiro. I'm not sure what you're asking. You're referencing January and February of two years past. Are you trying to locate a newspaper clipping containing your name change classified? Please clarify.
please how much will it cost me to publish my new name on a newspaper?
Hi Gabriel. You'll have to contact the newspaper publisher directly for their rates.
Am having different name in my two accounts.peter ogun in the first bank account and Austin Peter in my syke bank account.
I was told to bring a newspaper publication to be able to link my two account.
Where will I get the publication from.
Hi Austin. Intention of name change publications are handled by the advertising/classifieds department of a given newspaper.
Thank you very much for immediate reply I stay in Abuja how can I get to the Advertising/classified department in Abuja.
Can the process be done online.
Hi Austin. Here's a list of Nigerian newspapers to choose from.
I wonder if publishing a name change in the newspaper will show up in online searches. I want to change my name so that someone searching me online doesn't see that I've changed my name; I just have a new identity. Any thoughts?
If the newspapers classifieds are online, it will show up. It may also be swept up in various newspaper digitization services.
How long would it take if you publish your name in the newpaper
Turnaround time varies by newspaper. It could be as little as 24 hours, depending on the paper.
My sister did her change of name on 20th November, 2018 and they ask to check on 23 November, 2018 and she could not found her what will she do and she is so much in need of it now
My sister did her change of name on 20th November, 2017 and they ask to check on 23 November, 2017 and she could not found her what will she do and she is so much in need of it now
Please error it was 2017 not 2017
Hi Rosemary. Where did your sister do her name change with? SSA, DMV, the court, or are you referring to a newspaper publication? And how was the name change performed? In person or by mail?
Hi, just got married and wants to do a change of my last name. I live in North Indianapolis. How can I get the address or phone numbers of the local newspaper? Again do I need to do the court hearing first before the publication.
Here's a list of Indiana newspapers that you can contact.
Yes, you'll need a court to grant your name change request beforehand.
I want a change of name. which one is to be done first, with the court or with newspaper. Again which newspapers and courts can do the change of name.
You'll have to go to court before you do the publication.
The type of court varies by state, so I can't give you specifics without your state of residence.
Which newspaper is acceptable also varies. The court may provide you an acceptable list or you may have to locate your own that fulfills the court's requirements.
Hello. I'm a musician that performs in public regularly. I advertise my shows every day giving times and locations. I am afraid of stalkers so I want to make my legal name more generic. Can I request my name change to be seal to avoid stalkers? I am also simply dropping my first name and using my middle and last name so it is not a major change.
Thanks
That's up to the judge. Before initiating the name change paperwork, you can pose this question to the court clerk as to the likelihood of the judge granting such a request.
On a minor name change is it still necessary to publish in the newspaper if both parents are in agreement with the name change?….eventhough one parent has full custody of the minor?
Hi Martha. Publication is just a standard step, but it can be waived by the judge.
I don't have my surname after my name how am I supposed to add it and I don't have documents which my full name in it. What can I do please advise
What are you referring to here? Are you trying to change your name in court?
What is considered a frivolous reason for a name change? Can you change your name just because your name is hard for many understand of write down?
That's up to the judge. A name change that's considered unserious or brought in bad faith may be considered frivolous.
Sure, that shouldn't be considered frivolous.
I wish to change my name. I am an adult… I don't want my name change to sound like I'm doing it for no reason at all. Is saying it's because of a poisonous family history and preventing my abusive father from finding me the best way of summarizing it? Would the court accept that?
I see no reason why the court would reject your request.
my boyfriend is transgender and would like to change his name legally, but he doesnt want to go through with it becauseof the newspaper thing. hes very shy and has severe anxiety and doesnt want it publicized. currently he lives in indiana, but i was wondering if there was a way to avoid the newspaper mess? i want him to feel comfortable in his own skin, and it starts with him having the right name. any answer would be appreciated!
There may be away to sidestep the newspaper requirement by asking the judge to waive it. Your boyfriend could explain the situation and how publication would feel threatening. It's worth calling the court clerk and asking about their judges' typical waiver thresholds.
I filed my name change request and have a court date, I also had the local paper print the proper notification. I need to postpone the change for a few months, first can I just do a postponement, or continuance? And can I use the same newspaper posting when I do go ahead? Or do I have to dismiss the request and start from scratch?
Hi Cinnamon. This is entirely up to the court. Keep in mind, if you complete your court proceedings and receive your court order, you're not required to change your identity documents immediately. You can take your time afterward.
What happens if I never publish my name change? Does it pretty much cancel the process and you keep your original name.
If publication is one of the requirements in your jurisdiction, then the court ultimately wouldn't issue you a court order for your name change.
What happens if you never post your name change in the newspaper. Does the the name change get revoked?
Hi Dario. As previously answered above, it's not that your name change will be revoked, but your case will be incomplete. It's up to you to fulfill certain requirements to receive your name change via court order. If name publication is one of the requirements that you do not complete, the judge can't sign off on the name change.
If there's a reason you don't want your name change published, such as concerns over your privacy, safety, or lack of funds, you can request a waiver from the judge. Waiver's are not guaranteed, but you can inquire.
I'm 16 I wanna change my name my parents agreed with changing my full name. I have the money. But I'm scared that the judge won't approve my name change because I'm not 18 yet. Even though my reason is legitimate I'm converting to Judaism and I don't like my name. And do children need to publish there name change in the newspaper. Any answer would be great!
That's unlikely to occur.
Typically, yes, but you can request a waiver.
what do you do if you change your mind?
If you just do nothing after the court date and never post your name change are you free to go?
is there anything else you need to do if you change your mind?
i had the court date already they said yes. i didn't do anything else so far no publication or anything else
Yes.
No.
If you don't do your part to finish your name change, the court isn't going to nudge you.
What newspaper wherein I can publish the memorial lot of my father from Evergreen, San Pascual, Batangas?
Hi,I changed my maiden name about this time I in 2017,going thru all the proper processes and got the newspaper advert page it came out,but lost it,Now I need it for my bank documentation (bvn)what do i do to get the newspaper coy it ws done and all the info?
Hi Okechukwu. Have you contacted the newspaper? Depending on the country, city, and newspaper, it may be archived through an online resource.
I answer three names but I want removed one out the three, what can I do,
Hi Ejeh. Are you saying you're trying to drop one of your names? Like a middle name? Or just a portion of one of your names? Like a double middle name or hyphenated surname?
pls my problem is that, I use two name to open my bank account, on open another account with my NYSC credentials, I use three name, now having issued with BVN link,i was told by the bank to add the last name to my first account before any transaction can be made in my second account, now the bank require for voter card, affidavit of name change and name publication. just for adding the last name. pls I need your advice sir
note:
My vote card has name two also
Affidavit of my birth certificate has the same three name
Hi Michael. How about just updating the name on your voter registration to match your full name?
I wanted to change my name so I went to the Superior Court of San Mateo and The Court gave me a letter for sending to news paper for publishing.
I went on line and connect to San Mateo Daily Journal newspaper's internet site and after filling needed information and payment of publication fee, I got a receipt including my receipt number. I sent the letter and paid fee on Jan,3rd, 2019 and today is Jan,10th ,2019 . What should I do for follow up my case with newspaper with respect to my Hearing Date on Feb,14,2019.
Thanks
You'll have to keep an eye on the newspaper to make sure they're publishing your name change notice the required number of times. Bring proof of the publications to your hearing.
Hi, actually i have changed my name on 2011….i didn't publish on news paper….using affidavit only i have changed my name in all documents like pan card voter id aadhar everywhere except marks card…..now I'm applying for DL and they are asking for the document published on paper….i don't know what to do….can i publish it now for my safety at what…. please help me with this … I'm so confused
Hi Pooja. What document are you referring to? The document you never published or some other name change document?
Hello,pls I changed my name and did newspaper publication just yesterday..How can I confirm the name changed online pls?
Hi Vic. Where is the name change taking place. Publishing your name in a newspaper is just one step of a multi-step process.
We legally changed our son's name "for personal preference" (a great phrase for many above – ) through the publication/notification process in Idaho. The publication was in the classifieds for 4 weeks, in the "Legal Notices" section. I am now miffed that our paper has added a classified section, "Fictitious Names," where it is publishing personal, legal name changes. "Fictitious Names" is supposed to be for Business Names/DBA that are different from actual name. How do I get the paper to change this for personal legal name change? The title is upsetting to our child, who reads it that his name is "fiction" or fake.
Did you contact the paper about this?
What's the advertisement format in Kerala for name change?
Hi Ammu. It's just a regular change of name ad in the newspaper's classifieds section. The paper determines the format.
Hi I had my name change in 2016. I want to Publish my name change with my previous name to new name change. Please assist.
Hi Abdul. I'm not what you're asking. Are you trying to go back to your prior name?
I would like to change my first name on my birth certificate. I have never used it, I always went by my middle name. All documents and legal information is by my middle name. When I file with courts, do I file in city and state where I live now, or do I have to file in state of my birth?
File where you live.
Hi, I got married in 2015 and was told by the county clerk that as long as I didn't hyphenate my maiden and married names that I could go by either or both. I didn't do it at the time, but I would like to keep my maiden name and add my married name now. Would I have to go through the publication process just to add my married name? We're in Los Angeles, but will be moving to Nevada soon. Thanks!
Formally or informally?
Most likely, as your marriage certificate would clearly state what your new last name is.
So my daughter was given the last name of the man I was about to marry. We ended up not getting married and has been questioning why she has his last name when he isn't her biological father and wants it changed.He didn't sign her birth certificate or anything. I want to change her last name to mines and don't understand why I have to go through all that they are asking me to do. Can I just post a publication and do it that way?
She'll have to go through the whole name change procedure. Including publication. You can't shortcut it.
I currently reside in CA. I was wondering if I have to publish my address? I got married over a year ago and finally decided to change my name so my ex's family can stop finding me and harassing me.
You do not have to publish. Name change publication refers to court name changes, not marriage name changes.
My is because my want to change dey name on my bvn an i was ask to do news peppers publishing
Hi Ime. What's your concern or question? Do you need help finding a newspaper?
I want to.change my daughters last name. Her Father has passed away. Do I still have to publish it in the newspaper? Can It my towns Newspaper?
Hi Rocky. It's up to the judge to determine if publishing is necessary.
Do you know if New York State will let me get my name changed without publish in it in the news paper due to being transgender?
Hi Xarin. You may ask for a waiver from the judge.
I changed my first name and corrected my last name when I became a citizen then got married. I purchased my confidential marriage license in person with an ordain/lawyer. Mind you, I have not yet updated my SScard and ID card. At the time of completing my M-license, the app said to use 'current ID' not realizing I should've used my new name on my citizen certificate/name petition. Now I need to petition a new name change through the courts. Does this situation typically require a news paper publication?
Yes, but you may ask the court to waive it for good cause.
Hi. I previously changed only my first name, from what it was at birth. When it was changed I never notified the vital statistics to have a new birth certificate issued reflecting new first name. I now wish to go back to my birth first name. Do I need to go through filing a full petition, or is there another process I can do?
You must start over by filing a new petition.
Hi, I’m a transgender woman living in California and recently I filed to change my name. I read and read all the process in any articles and it always says that if you are changing your name to conform your gender identity you don’t need to publish your name in newspaper. But the clerk who help me filed told me that I need to publish my name and showed me the newspaper company where to publish. Im confused if I really need to do it or I just ignore what the clerk says. Plus if I ignore it are they gonna denied my petition?
Hi Kristen. You can request a publication waiver from the court.
I misplaced the original copy of my newspaper publication, do I need to publish again?
Hi Blessing. Why not ask the paper to provide you another copy?
What's the cost of change of name?
Hi Gbadamosi. Are you referring to a marriage, divorce, or court-petitioned name change? Where is the change taking place?
I dnt need a name change
But th thing is I need to correct spelling of my name from fazera razack Hamza to fazeera Razak Hamza for the purpose of reissuing of my passport.
Is dat newspaper notice is enough
Hi Fazeera. If you're just correcting your name, publishing may not be applicable and necessary. Which country issues the passport?
What happens if my child is a minor do I still need to publish it in the newspaper? Also I’m just changing the spelling of the name.
This depends on the state and if both parents agree on the name change. If publication is still mandated, you may ask the judge to dismiss the requirement.
We live in CA and yes her father and I agree on changing the spelling of her name.
Hi Carol. If your spouse didn't agree, they could have objected, but that's a non-issue in your case.
Publishing your child's name in the newspaper is required, even for child name changes where both parents agree. You could request a waiver from the judge, but it's unlikely to be granted without good cause.
Got it thank you so much for your response that helps a lot
My surname is a compound name comprising of two names. Because the surname is mouthful, I began to use only the first component as my surname, leaving out the second component. I have certificates bearing both names and bank accounts bearing both names. My BVN is successfully linked to all accounts in both names without any problem.
However, I need to send some of my documents bearing both names abroad. What do you suggest I do for eyebrows not to raised at this?
If sending money requires the use of your full legal name, you'll have to use both names. It may not be common, but it's valid.
Would there be a way to avoid having to have the name change posted in the newspaper?
I have a friend of mine who lives in a different state than I do but wants to change her name, her last name that is. Her last name is that of her abuser, her abuser was her own father (but he was never charged and as it has been quite sometime there is no way to be able to do anything now) and there is only one other person with that last name in the family.
She would not want it in the newspaper though. She could be considered a vulnerable individual as she has learning delays and is very small for her age (she's the size of a minor even though she will turn 21 in the next several months), but there doesn't seem an actual need for her to have it in the newspaper. She isn't ever going to be registered to vote, has never been in a crime, has no debt (and never even has one), nothing she owes money to, doesn't have a job, doesn't know how to drive (and never will), I'm sure you get the idea.
I just have no idea what to tell her for the reason of the name change. She really can't say because it is the last name of her abusive father because this could open a whole different type of legal matter further making things worse than they already are since it happened when she was under 18 there is no visible proof by now, even with some of the things that happened between 18-19 still no visible proof- and considering other family members would back him up I doubt this is an option to say for the reasoning.
Changing her last name to that of a different family member (the family member is not related by blood but is associated with the family) OR some other last name would be very healthy for her but not if she would have to post it in the newspaper, especially considering her father isn't the only negative person that has been in her life.
Yes, by asking the judge to waive the requirement. Good cause must be exhibited.
The judge can waive the newspaper requirmenet if it could put the applicant in harms way. Also, have you friend look into her state's address confidentiality program.
Can you please help me out regarding my wife surname changing because she is pregnant and in my company record it has my surname and her documents are all with her own surname. Looking for a suggestion how to publish that we have got married after that her surname has been changed.
Hi Jayadeb. Are you certain publishing applies in your wife's situation. Name change through marriage doesn't typically involve publication. Proof of marriage would be your marriage certificate. Proof of name change would be updated ID.
I did a change of name when my bank discovered I have two contradictory names for which I did a news paper publication. I need the newspaper to correct same anomaly on my national ID card and pension data recapture and I misplace the newspaper.
Hi Adeeko. Why not simply contact the newspaper again. Surely they have your information on file.
Do you know how long it takes the newspaper to send the affidavit of publication after the notice is published? I've already published, but am still waiting on the proof of publishing.
Hi David. That varies by newspaper and how busy they are. They'll assign someone to sign and dispatch them. You'll have to phone or email them to inquire and pick whoever is speediest.
How do I get name published in newspapers since I got married and I want to get my last name change ? How do I file petition in front of judge
Hi Gurleen. If you're changing your last name through marriage, then you don't need to publish your name nor go to court. Just use a certified copy of your marriage certificate as your authorizing name change document.
Morning pls I want to change my surname to my husband name cos am married and I need the publishing out very urgent for like how many days will I wait for the name to be published in the newspaper and how much is the money for that.thanks
Hi Adesimire. You'll have to contact the specific newspaper for publishing rates. However, if you're changing your name through marriage publishing wouldn't be necessary. Are you sure you need this?
My name is EFOSA BRAINY ENOFE, my ecobank account was carrying EFOSA JOLLY ENOFE and my catificate, all my mist of identification is carrying EFOSA BRAINY ENOFE the problem now is the name. JOLLY is reflecting on my BVN print out and it affecting my mist of identification, my catificate and my bank transactions.
Please how can I change the name JOLLY to BRAINY ????
Hi Efosa. Have you tried contacting the bank for help correcting your record?
Yes! The bank ask me to bring affidavit, valid ID carrying the new name and newspaper publishing.
Hi Efosa. Which one of these items are you unable to produce for the bank?
Good day, please. In my birth certificate I have 2 names and surname, but in all my school certificates and bank accounts, even my passport I used 1 name with surname, my question is, is there any problem with it? If yes, what do you think I should do?
Hi Esther. It might post a problem later, or it might never. It's like replacing a component with a known maximum lifespan in a piece of aging machinery, whether it's a vehicle or computer.
If you have reason to believe it can pose a problem, are there potential remedies to deploy before it snares you? One thing you can do is get your birth certificate amended to match your single name use.
I am 61 years old and wanted to get the new real ID and a passport. I had to get a certified copy of my birth certificate and when I received it, found that my middle name, which is only a letter, states R but I have lived all my life and my hospital birth record shows F.
I tried to correct it through the Vital Records of the state of Ca., bit they said I have to have a court order. So, I petitioned the Superior Court of Riverside Co, and they gave me a list of newspapers to pick from.
My questions are, since it was a typo do I have to publish it, and do I have to publish it in the same county I positioned it in?
Hi John. I recommend you read the California name change page. Skip to the court petition section. It details the publication steps
In short, you will have to publish in a court-approved paper of general circulation within your area. You won't be allowed to publish in a faraway newspaper in a neighboring county when adequate papers in your county exist.
Remember, the court will only allow you to publish in an newspaper that they approve of. And you'll have to show proof that you ran the publication for four consecutive weeks.
Hi. I am currently in a process of this. How much does it cost to publish in the newspaper for 2 consecutive days ?
Hi Sarah. Publication rates are set by the paper. It could cost from $20 to $100.
How long does it take for the name change article from the paper to fall off/ get deleted?
Hi Wendy. State law and the court determines the minimum run time. It's not possible to elaborate further without knowing the state in question.
My son needs to publish the Order to Show Cause in our local paper to show why he is changing his name to reflect his preferred gender identity.
As he is 18 he is having trouble on if he has to use his unpreferred name to sign up on the local newspapers' website in order to submit the court order. Is there any way to help him on this?
Hi Donna. Could you specify which state the publication will run? I ask because not all states require publication for gender identity.
Why do people who's name AREN'T public record forced to make their new name public record? My son is turning 18 and has never had his name in the paper for anything. Why does he have to put it in the paper to correct it?
Newspaper publication for name change purposes is meant to alert the public of a petitioner's intentions. This allows anyone to come forth and voice an objection to the name change. For instance, an objection could be made to the court that a person's name change is improper due to fraud, attempts to escape debt, etc.
If your son is going through a court-petitioned name change (or similar situation with a court-mandated newspaper publications), you an ask the court if a waiver exists. Various states allow publication waivers and even sealed court filings if it would endanger the well being or safety of the petitioner.
For example, a petitioner who's in their state's address confidentiality program is often excluded from publication requirements.
I live in California and want/need to change my last name and spelling of my middle name. I have had degees, jobs, cars, children, a home, debt and SS# with "new"name for over 30 years. Can I post my name change on a flyer or special bulletin rather than pay $200 that I don't have?
No, your name change intentions must be published in a court-approved newspaper. If the court provided you with a list of sanctioned newspapers, you can try contacting another that's less expensive. Or ask about a payment plan.
21 with no legal trouble or debt. I want to change my first and last name because of a really bad childhood. I don't want my parents name or to be reminded of it, I was raped when I was younger and have a few stalkers including a crazy ex who seems to find new ways to contact me.
Basically putting a bad past behind me and wanting none of those people to know my name change. How could I go about not posting the name change in a newspaper because I don't want people to know?
The court should waive the publication requirement in your case, due to the potential for stalkers and danger threatening your well-being.
What happens if I haven't published a name change in the newspaper for citizenship and follow up with court order because I was unaware and nobody explain that to me?
Hi Niraj. Can you specify which U.S. state or county your name change is taking place in? Newspaper publication isn't a typical part of U.S. court-ordered name changes, so I suspect you're referring to another country.
I put the name of a different paper on the form, but publishing my name change in a different newspaper. Will it be okay?
Hi L. It's not a good idea to specify one newspaper to the court and publish in another. You should alert the court of the discrepancy, as they may require publication in a sanctioned newspaper.