Starting my Name Change this Fall

[Jessika]

Hi all,
No idea where to begin. I've been reading, studying everything I need to know to at least start me off on officially beginning my name change journey.
When I apply for jobs, my Resume lists me as "Jessika" but I do put a note in explaining that my Legal name has not changed yet. Resumes are NOT Legal documents.

So when I apply, prospective employers know my status from the start.
I've had inquiries and even went to my first Job interview as Jessika. (Which turned out I overqualified, but the manager decided to put me in a position we did NOT agree upon)...that's another story thou...
anyway...

I just want all documents ect to be ONE name. Once that is done, I can apply to jobs and not have to disclose offsetting circumstances.

Now....

I know where to start...Court House...Judge...Name Change Order...YAY.

But after that....

I'm just trying to put the importance in order of priority.

1. Courthouse (Obvious..I need the official paper in my hand.)
2. Social Security?
3. Drivers License?
4. Passport?
5. DD-214? (Yes..I have the added part of having to change all my Military Records too. That is scary.) :/
6. Birth Certificate? (Unsure of this one...I don't have mine anymore and was born overseas in Germany)
    I am a US Citizen thou and have a US passport....HELP?
7. All other Institutions/Creditors/Banks/Utilities/Subscriptions ect ect ect.?

So what do you Girls and Guys think? Good order? Just trying to figure out how to approach this.

Thank you all. 

Jess

[EmilyMK03]

6. Birth Certificate? (Unsure of this one...I don't have mine anymore and was born overseas in Germany)
    I am a US Citizen thou and have a US passport....HELP?

Were you a US citizen at birth?  Or were you a German citizen who later became a US citizen through naturalization?  I was born in Korea as a Korean citizen, and in Korea they don't even issue birth certificates (instead names are recorded and entered into the family tree at a local government office).

As a naturalized US citizen, I need a new Certificate of Naturalization in lieu of a foreign birth certificate: form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document.  You can find both the instructions and the form itself at that link.

The filing fee is $345.  Ouch.  Compare that to a replacement birth certificate in Illinois, where I live, which costs $15.  Transitioning costs a little bit more for us naturalized citizens... 

[Jessika]

I was a German Citizen and was naturalized. I have a US Passport and no Birth Certificate. I do have my Naturalization Certificate..the Original.

I would not even know how to go back 49 years to request a copy if needed. I read somewhere you don't need the Foreign Birth Certificate if you have a US Passport. Trying to find the info.

[Devlyn]

I have a name change in process, too. I'm under the impression that Social Security should be first because they want proof of you (old name, photo ID) getting the name change . Then after that, get your license changed. I hope everything goes smoothly for you!

Hugs, Devlyn


Edit: SS after courthouse.

[Barb99]

I had my name change in Illinois.

Court filing and then appearance on court date.

Drivers license. (Facility was 3 blocks from court house so I had this completed an hour after court appearance.)

Tried to do SS next but they were packed and it would have been a all day wait.

Passport. Sent all the docs off the same day as court.

Went to SS the next day half an hour before they opened and was in and out in half an hour.

I did all of this in 2 days so I don't really think the order mattered.
The most important seemed to be my drivers license as I needed that for the banks, work, utilities...

[Jessika]

I had my name change in Illinois.

Court filing and then appearance on court date.

Drivers license. (Facility was 3 blocks from court house so I had this completed an hour after court appearance.)

Tried to do SS next but they were packed and it would have been a all day wait.

Passport. Sent all the docs off the same day as court.

Went to SS the next day half an hour before they opened and was in and out in half an hour.

I did all of this in 2 days so I don't really think the order mattered.
The most important seemed to be my drivers license as I needed that for the banks, work, utilities...

Charley

Awesome Girl. I sooo want to start, but Summer here in Florida is Brutal. I'll wait until it cools off and make sure I have my things together before I start. Did you have to submit Birth Certificate?

[Barb99]

Did you have to submit Birth Certificate?

No, I haven't needed my Birth Certificate for any thing.
Just the court order for name change and doctor's letters for the gender marker.

My Birth Certificate is from Missouri, haven't decided yet if it's worth the hassle to get that changed. Missouri only amends the original so it would not take much effort for someone to discover the original.