Court needs credit report for legal name change?

[aggressivelyconfused]

I went to go pick up the paper work to change my name from my county court (in Maine) the other day and was told that I'd need to have a copy of my credit report along with some other documents. The problem is I don't have any credit yet because I've just recently turned 18.

Why do they need my credit report? Is there some way I can get around this so I don't have to build credit before I can change my name?

[DrummerGirl]

They do it to make sure that you aren't changing your name to avoid debt collection.  It's pretty common for courts to look into your financial history for a name change.  Since you just turned 18, I'm surprised that they won't waive that requirement for you.  Have you talked to a supervisor and explained your position?

[aggressivelyconfused]

Ah, that makes sense I suppose. I'll have to make some calls on Monday and see if they'll waive it for me. Thanks so much

[Dee Marshall]

If they won't then just request the report. It will just be empty and you're entitled to a free one every year.

[tgchar21]

What Dee Marshall should apply - request the report even though it probably won't have anything on it (and don't worry about not having any history; that's perfectly okay in your case). The court is probably making sure you're not trying to evade any debts or get a "clean slate" by changing your name (which neither would be true for you).