name change questions

[Alexis2107]

So a few questions regarding name changes   For starters, I know I am suppose to put out a silly ad in the paper advertising it but not got to this point yet, I am wondering what information they actually usually put out in a name change notification?  It's not like I want my personal info such as address out in the open.  Generally speaking, nobody even reads news papers anymore, anyways.  Secondly, when the judge signs the petition to approve it, any idea if that ever "expires"?  Reason why I am asking, I want to get the petition done asap but I don't want to change it on my driver's license until like next spring.  I am wanting to do this before I move to another state as it's harder in that state to change your name than it is in my home state.  I just have no idea how long it will take, could take 3 months or 6 months I have no idea, so I figure I get my petition done now and out of the way.  I am running in stealth mode and rather not my ID to reflect Alexis until I am ready to move.

[skin]

As far as public notice, they typically include the current legal name of the petitioner, the name the petition is seeking a change to, and where/when the hearing is taking place.  The address won't be included.

I don't have any legal knowledge, but I would think there may be a chance your current ID would be invalid at some point if it doesn't reflect your new, legal name.

[Devlyn]

Here you go, Alexis. There are state by state guides. https://www.susans.org/wiki/Category:Documentation_changes

[Jaime R D]

You're probably better off waiting til just after the first of the year then.

[LordKAT]

The personal info can be not published in certain circumstances. Trans gender names are one such recognized instance.  I don't know about everywhere but that is true here.

[Delsorou]

I did my legal name change about six or eight months before I got my social updated, and ID done shortly after that.

I had the court order ready and waiting, and used it for a few other things prior to that, like my phone bill.  As far as I am aware, there is no harm in having it and not using it.

[Alexis2107]

I did my legal name change about six or eight months before I got my social updated, and ID done shortly after that.

I had the court order ready and waiting, and used it for a few other things prior to that, like my phone bill.  As far as I am aware, there is no harm in having it and not using it.

Where I live, Indiana, it specifically states it is my responsibility to inform the DMV when I change my name.  So I am thinking that is up to me when I want to inform the DMV... not much harm really and I have valid reasons why I want to wait a couple months.

And LordKAT, is that federal mandate?  I suppose when I go to the clerk I can ask about this.

[skin]

And LordKAT, is that federal mandate?  I suppose when I go to the clerk I can ask about this.

It's definitely not federal.  I know where I live, the notice must include names.

Edit: There are exceptions here for name changes involving minors.

[Foxglove]

I can't say anything about the US, but here in Ireland once you change your name, it's illegal to use your old name for any purpose.  Now what a lawyer told me was that the law won't come down on you if it takes a bit of time to get various offices and officials to start using your new name.  People do recognize that there's going to be a bit of a transition period.

But whatever jurisdiction you're in, you might want to check into that.  It sounds a bit dodgy to me to change your legal name but then carry on using your old one.

[LordKAT]

And LordKAT, is that federal mandate?  I suppose when I go to the clerk I can ask about this.

NO. as I said it is true where I live. They still publish the name, but will skip the address and such.


You have 10 days to notify the DMV. You do get some leeway if it takes a bit longer but it would be considered fraud if you waited too long to change your stuff.

[Staci]

Yep you only have like 10-15 days to inform any government agency of your name change. This includes DMV or it becomes fraud.

[Delsorou]

Huh.  Wonder if that's true here... if so, color me fraudulent.