ANSWERS: 1
  • In Pennsylvania, legally changing your name is a fairly simple process. With a court order, marriage license or divorce decree in hand, you have the proof you need for everyone from the Social Security Administration to your auto club. Notifying the agencies and companies on your list might take some time, but once you've checked each one off your list, you'll be assured that all of your records are correct.

    Basics

    Getting court approval is the first step in legally changing your name in Pennsylvania. If you're seeking a name change due to marriage or divorce and have a marriage certificate or divorce decree, you've met the requirements for court approval. Otherwise, request a name-change form from your county courthouse. The court of common pleas in any county can issue a court-ordered name change for a person who resides in the county.

    Primary Notifications

    After completing the first step, notify government agencies such as the IRS, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). Notify SSA first, since that agency will then forward the information to the IRS, saving you some work. Change your driver's license and car registration information at the same time and, if you're moving, be sure to change your address with the DMV. Notify the post office of your change of address as well. Visit rockthevote.com to change your name on your voter registration. Click on "Register" and fill out the form. You'll be asked if you're registering for the first time. If not, just click "no" and you'll be given the opportunity to change your name. To change your name on your passport, select the appropriate form for your situation on the Department of State website. If your passport is no longer valid, was lost or stolen, or if you don't have proof of your legal name change, use form DS-11. If your passport is valid and was issued within the last year, use form DS-5504. If it's valid but was issued over a year ago, use form DS-82.

    Secondary Notifications

    If you're employed, notify your company's human resources department of your name change. Make a list of every company or organization with whom you do business and use a form letter from newlastname.org to let them know, changing the information for each situation as needed. Include banks, credit-card issuers, doctors, dentists, insurers, professional organizations, schools, utility companies and clubs.

    Source:

    New Last Name.org: Pennsylvania Legal Name Change

    Resource:

    U.S. Legal Forms: Pennsylvania Name Change

    Rock The Vote.com: Register to Change Your Name

    U.S. Dept. of State: Application for a Passport

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