Has anyone changed their name?

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Art&Science

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Nov 28, 2014
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I know many people change their last name in marriage, but what about your full legal name?

How does this work with say, your college education? Will your college update their records to indicate your new name? Will they provide a new diploma with your new name? What about employers? Will your previous employers update their records to show your new name?
 

Mide

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Mar 27, 2008
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I changed my name officially after I graduated college. (Swapped middle and first name). Interestingly enough when I registered with my university I had applied using what I wanted it to look like on all of my documents. Not sure how I pulled this off, but this was before computerized systems.

I had to submit for a name change via a court order (fill out forms, pay, go to court, stand in front of a judge and explain, etc). After the court order was approved, I submitted it to my State of birth and had them send me a new birth certificate. Using the official paperwork I was able to get my name updated on my SSN card, Driver's license, and passport.

Again, I didn't have to change anything with my University...so I don't know if they will update info...I doubt it though. Additionally old employers will not be doing this. This is why usually on new applications they ask if you have ever had a different name.
 
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Zim Hosein

Super Moderator | Elite Member
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Nov 27, 1999
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I know many people change their last name in marriage, but what about your full legal name?

How does this work with say, your college education? Will your college update their records to indicate your new name? Will they provide a new diploma with your new name? What about employers? Will your previous employers update their records to show your new name?

If your SS# doesn't change, such as in marriage like you described, you shouldn't have any issues Art&Science. I hope this helps. :)
 

KeithTalent

Elite Member | Administrator | No Lifer
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Nov 30, 2005
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Changed my last name after high school, not because of marriage though.

KT
 

dank69

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Oct 6, 2009
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First name Crap, last name Bag. If you need help remembering it, just think of a bag of crap.
 

steppinthrax

Diamond Member
Jul 17, 2006
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I know many people change their last name in marriage, but what about your full legal name?

How does this work with say, your college education? Will your college update their records to indicate your new name? Will they provide a new diploma with your new name? What about employers? Will your previous employers update their records to show your new name?

LOL,

I helped my wife change her name. She made a name change during her Naturalization (citizenship). She had decided she didn't want to keep that name. The process is pretty straight forward. You will out a form and pay a filing fee plus publication fee. They publish your name change in the newspaper.

In her case (and in all cases) they have a hearing where you are before a judge and they judge may ask you why you want to change your name and if you have any debts or criminal records you're trying to avoid.

Afterwards the judge creates a COURT ORDER of name change.

Here's the deal, at that point the only person that knows you're name change is that court and that sealed and stampeded piece of paper you have in your hand. If you take no further action you continue to use your existing name (although not really legal). However, you're next task is to call all the companies that you ever do business with and have them change your name in their system.

Yes, the cost will add up to further beyond filing fees!!! For a college diploma they may require you to pay a fee to re-print you're degree. I"m sure they will change the name on your transcript easily etc....

All together it probably cost around 200 bucks!!!
 

TwiceOver

Lifer
Dec 20, 2002
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I've changed my last name twice. I've never had an employer ask for my diploma, or for that matter my transcripts. Those two things get you into your first job, after that nobody cares.
 

John Connor

Lifer
Nov 30, 2012
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Would like to change my last name. I'm stuck with a long foreign last name. The origianl last name is Alison. Not sure on the proper spelling. My great grandmother remarried and changed the name so we are all stuck.
 
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