Name and gender change

[notyouraverageguy]

Has anyone ever had their name change denied?
It's a big worry of mine.

[Jayr]

VERY big worry of mine too.
But usually if you have all the documentation(and more) needed, you should be good.
I would die if my name change was denied...

[geek]

Guys really don't panic about your name, people call their kids stupid names all the time now, so unless you're changing it to something completely stupid like "philosoraptor smith" you'll be fine

[spacerace]

When I was waiting to talk to the judge for mine, there were other people there changing their names.  The judge just seemed like she was going through the rote procedures and it was nothing she even paid attention to really.  I just put 'personal reasons' or 'personal choice' or something for the reason, so it didn't seem any different than any other name change.

One thing I would say is that my county policy form deal didn't say anything about needing a birth certificate, but I brought mine anyways just in case. The judge asked for it, but she didn't even really look at it- the clerk sitting next to her just quickly made a copy and handed it back.

[Devin87]

It was really easy when I did mine.  There were like 20 people in there all doing it at once.  We have to mail all our paperwork and fees in ahead of time, so on the actual court date all it is is you go up, the judge hands you your name change certificate and asks you if everything's spelled correctly and looks right.  You say yes and you're done.

The only awkward thing about mine was the fact that when they call you up they announce both your names, which means they announced my birth name and my male name as I went up in a shirt and tie (most people were in jeans).  Everyone sort of perked up and looked at me, but most of them seemed happy and excited to see me go up.  I got a lot of smiles, including from the judge.  I probably made a good story to tell their friends when they ask about their court appearance...

[Bastian]

In Canada it was really simple. I just sent in my therapists letter stating I should be treated like a man, filled out the application form and where it said "why are you changing your name?" I put in "Because of a gender change." I had no problems what so ever and I moved to a very male name and also changed my last name to that of my grandmothers on my fathers side while I was at it lol. Don't be worried =) It will all go ok and work out. It's a bit different in the US I hear, since you guys have to go into court whereas in Canada we just need to swear before the person taking our application that we aren't up to no good lol, but I didn't even have to do that... In any case, theres no reason for a judge to refuse you your name change unless you are a changing your name to avoid a crime you committed and I expect you aren't doing it for that reason

If it's the court you're worried about, trust me, the judge doesn't care, he sees countless people every single day of his life getting a name change, he's not going to have a vendetta against you, he's just there to do his job. You'll be in an out and happy as a peach. People change there names all the time and some name changes are pretty hilarious (for instance the kid who changed his name to SpidermanJesusBuddah, cause why not lol).

Good luck!

Ps: lol please change your name to Philosoraptor Smith! lol just kidding, seriously don't worry about it. One court appearance of awkwardness for a lifetime of happiness is a good trade in my opinion!

[notyouraverageguy]

Your replies helped ease my worries. Thank you.

It made me wonder... If a trans* person had a record or a run in with the law or something of that sort, maybe a debt?, Would they then deny them the name change?

I'm still wondering if someone out there has had it denied. And what the circumstances were if so.

[Bastian]

The only time a name change would be denied (to my knowledge) is if:

a) The person was changing their name for the purpose of avoiding illegal activity they have conducted. The severity of which the crime committed would probably vary from place to place. I would be worried my name change would be denied if I had unpaid parking tickets or something. But chances are it only applies if you are, say, involved with an ongoing investigation or are currently suspect to a crime.

2) If the name being requested is already occupied by an important member of society (don't change your name to Barack Obama)

3) If the name being requested was once occupied by a person who has committed an atrocity against humanity. (Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, etc)

4) If you made a mistake on the form or filled in false information. In which case you would either need to make the changes (if you misspelled something) or you would be subject to a fine for signing a legal document that you have provided false information on.


To my knowledge those would be the only instances where your name would be refused, so most people are going to be ok

[aleon515]

Name change is VERY common. Name change is almost always approved. The one exception would be if you wish to get out of your debts, say. Sebby gave a complete list. I have heard of people having trouble with gender change in some red states, and needing to get lawyers. But not even usually even then.

--Jay

[AdamMLP]

The only place I've heard that has a problem with name changes is France, apparently you have to be sterilised to change your name from a female one to a male one, but I was tired, upset and heard that through the partner of a French trans guy, so don't quote me on that.

[notyouraverageguy]

Thanks for that sebby, and everyone else for the replies.
I don't know why I'm worried, I guess I'm just used to having things not go my way. And because this is so important to me I'm scared that if by some odd chance it happens I would be devastated. I wouldn't know what to do. It will help me so much, I can't even explain how happy I will be. All the awkward situations and worrying if someone confronts me about it.

[sneakersjay]

I sat alone in front of a judge at a conference table at the Probate Court courthouse.  All paperwork and fees done ahead of time.  He looked all of the paperwork over, signed it, and then said that this wouldn't change my gender on anything. Clearly he had seen it all before.  I told him I was aware of that and thanked him.  I took my forms and headed over to the DMV with my appropriate gender change documentation and got my new DL in my new name and gender.  I was a happy boy!

And now I am even more happy that I had my license renewed and got rid of that early transition picture where I looked about 12.

[anibioman]

yes mine was not denied but the judge refused to sign the order which ment we couldn't appeal it either so we just re filled it. wasn't a big deal is was just a pain in the neck and pissed me off beyond belief.

[notyouraverageguy]

Just wanted to update that everything went good and was approved. I was last on the list and the judge was discreet. 

[spacerace]

nice, I bet that cleared a lot of worry away for you.

congrats.

[Bastian]

Now the fun of updating everything else begins  . Congrats though, see? Nothing to worry about!

[Keaira]

Has anyone ever had their name change denied?
It's a big worry of mine.

Yes. By the BMV. I got a social security card in my new name and even a Voter's registration card. Dumb F#@&%#!  I honestly don't know how Americans get their stuff done.  The same paperwork can work in multiple offices but there is always one that wants to be stupid.

[notyouraverageguy]

Spacerace, yes so much. But after that its been the worry of facing everyone and handing them the name.change paper hoping it goes smoothly as well

Thank you.

Sebby, yes haha and thanks! You were right

Keaira, I'm sorry to hear about that :/ it seems they shouldn't have given you issues if the others didn't.

[Bastian]

My advice now; make a list of all the places that you need to update your name and gender at. I changed my name about 5-6 months ago? and I just finished getting everything changed yesterday! (well almost... one more bank and the insurance companies left, but those are just quick phone calls)

[notyouraverageguy]

Thanks Bastian, I can't really think of anything but the important stuff. SS DL bank birth certificate. Then the little things bills in my name and insurance.
That seems like a long time!:0