How common are name changes?

No one keeps a tally of how many people change their names each year, said Bruce Lansky, author of several books about names, including “100,000+ Baby Names,” though he estimates it’s about 50,000 a year. Marriage and divorce are the most common reasons for name changes.

What do I write for Reason for name change?

Dislike Current Name.

Can I legally use a different name?

Except for a handful of circumstances (such as drivers license, Social Security account, passport) a person can use any name they wish without any legal name change procedure…

Can I start using a different last name?

Most states allow you to legally change your name simply through usage. You can choose a name and just start using it in social settings and in your business. This can be a completely legal name change.

Does changing your name affect anything?

You probably expect to need to update your Social Security information and your credit cards, but there are plenty of other people who need to know about your new name as well. “A name change can have an impact on your taxes. All the names on your tax return must match Social Security Administration records.

Do I need a good reason to change my name?

You don’t need a good reason, just a legal one. You can change your name for any purpose short of breaking the law— and you can do it without a lawyer.

Can I still use passport with old name?

Your old passport will be cancelled. Your new passport is ‘post-dated’ – you cannot use it before the ceremony. Some countries will not issue visas for post-dated passports – check with the country’s embassy or consulate.

What are the negatives of changing your name?

Con: It’s not free It needs to get notarized. If your name change is the result of a divorce or a marriage, you may need additional documentation. It’s not prohibitively expensive — court fees may be a few hundred dollars — but it does cost money. This is only something you want to do if you’re serious about it.

What can you not change your name to?

You cannot change your name for a fraudulent purpose, such as to avoid debts, you cannot change to a name that could affect the rights of another person, such as a celebrity, you cannot use a curse word, racial slur, obscene and/or an offensive word as part of your name and you cannot change to a name that would cause …

Will changing my name affect my credit score?

Will changing my name affect my credit rating? No — not if you tell all record holders about your new name. When someone needs to run a credit check against you, they should ask you for any previous names that you’ve been known by in the past 6 years.

Can I still use my passport with my maiden name?

Can you keep your maiden name on your passport? You can remain with your previous passport, which has your maiden name on it. However, if you decide to renew your passport, it will be issued with your current legal name.

Does your passport name have to match your Social Security card?

Your passport and social security name do not need to match. An airline or TSA will never ask for your social security card. You may continue to travel internationally under your maiden or previous married name. Airline & resort reservations for international travel need to be in your passport name.

Do I need a new passport if I change my name?

Answer: American citizens are required to travel with a passport that has their current legal name. If your name changed due to marriage then you need to apply for a passport name change before you travel. If your passport was issued less than a year ago, there is no fee.

Does debt follow you if you change your name?

No, changing your name will not having any impact on outstanding broken contracts or debt. You may be harder to track down, but it’s public record – it will be on your credit score.

Can you use a passport if your last name has changed?

US Citizens: United States Citizens who change their name due to marriage, divorce, or because of any other circumstance may travel using your United States passport or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative approved document in your prior name provided you bring proof of your name progression such as; a marriage …

Can I use my old passport after name change?

Yes, you can keep using your passport with the previous name on it. Although there is no obligation, the officials recommend updating the travel document, so it reflects your current name.

Can I use my passport with my old last name?

Can you still use your passport if you change your name?

Once you legally change your name with the Social Security Administration, your passport is no longer valid; the only way to restore its validity is by updating your name with the State Department, too.

Can I use my middle name on my credit card?

No, middle initials or middle names are not required and having (or not having) that information will not cause the credit card to be rejected. Most banks do not require that the name on the card to match the purchaser’s name provided by the cardholder.