How to Legally Change a Name on a Birth Certificate

Once your name is entered on your birth certificate, it becomes your legal name. But if you want to change your name on your birth certificate, you can only do so with a court order.

Should I Change My Name on My Birth Certificate?

After obtaining a court order granting a name change, you should update important identification records, including your driver's license or other state-issued identification, Social Security card, and your passport. If you changed your name after gender reassignment surgery or as a result of adoption, you can update your birth certificate. If you got married or divorced and your name changed, there is no need to update your birth certificate.

How Do I Get a New Birth Certificate After a Name Change?

Name-change proceedings to alter your birth certificate name are generally relatively simple. Each state has its own procedures and forms, so be sure to research your state's particular requirements. If you want help with your name change, you can choose to use an online service provider who can assist you with the paperwork and filing.

Follow these steps to change your name on your birth certificate.

1. Obtain a copy of your name change order from the clerk of courts

When you changed your name, the judge signed and issued a court order. This document is the proof that you legally changed your name. Request a certified copy of this order from the county clerk of courts. Expect to pay a fee to obtain a certified copy, which differs from a standard copy because it bears the court's seal or stamp.

2. Obtain a certified copy of your existing birth certificate

If you do not have your original, certified copy of your birth certificate, you may need to request one from your state's vital records office. It is common for states to require you to include your existing birth certificate when you request to get a new one after a name change.

In most states, you can apply for a certified copy in person or you can submit a request electronically. You need valid photo identification and supporting documents that verify your identity to get a copy and likely must pay a fee. In some states, requestors can pay an additional fee to expedite requests for certified copies of existing birth records.

3. Gather additional supporting documents

Your state may require additional supporting documents that show your former name beyond the court order changing it. Check with your state's Department of Health or Vital Records Office to determine what else you need to submit with your request to change your birth certificate. Some states accept the following supporting documents:

• Military discharge papers
• School transcripts or school records
• Passport
• Marriage certificates
• Baptism certificate
• Tribal enrollment record
• Social Security number history

Your state may not accept all of these or may accept additional supporting document types. When in doubt, check your state's specific requirements.

4. Complete an application for a revised birth certificate

Obtain an application form, called a petition in some states, to revise the birth certificate. Complete the form carefully, answering all required questions. In some states, applicants' signatures require notarization.

Submit your completed form along with the certified copy of your court-ordered name change, your original birth certificate, additional documentation as required, and the application fee.

Some states issue new birth certificates showing the requestors' new names. In other states, you retain the original birth certificate but the state adds an amendment to it, showing your new name.

These simple steps will legally change your name on your birth certificate. If you have questions about the process in your state, check with the court clerk's office in your county.  After the court grants your request, use the court order to change your name as listed on your driver's license, passport, bank accounts, and other records.