How Many Times You Can Change Your Name

You can change your name as many times as you want, but each change costs money and takes time

There is no legal limit on how many times you can petition a court to change your name. You can do it once, twice, or ten times over your lifetime. However, a judge can refuse your petition if they believe you are changing your name to commit fraud, evade debt, or escape criminal liability. Most people change their name once or twice—at marriage, divorce, or to correct a legal error—and never again.

Each name change requires a separate court petition, a filing fee (usually $150 to $500 depending on your state), and a court hearing or written approval. The process typically takes four to eight weeks. If you change your name frequently without a legitimate reason, a judge may become skeptical and deny a future petition, so it is worth thinking through whether a change is necessary before you file.

Key Takeaways

There is no legal cap on name changes, but each one requires a new court petition and filing fee.
A judge can deny your petition if they suspect you are changing your name to defraud someone, hide from creditors, or evade criminal charges.
Most states require you to publish notice of your name change in a local newspaper, which adds cost and delays the process by two to four weeks.
Once a name change is finalized, you will need to update your Social Security card, driver's license, passport, and bank accounts separately.
Changing your name does not erase your legal history—criminal records, civil judgments, and debt remain attached to you under any name.

Why a judge might deny your petition

Courts allow name changes for legitimate reasons: marriage, divorce, religious conversion, professional branding, or correcting a misspelling on your birth certificate. A judge will grant most petitions that fall into these categories without question.

A judge can refuse your petition if they have reason to believe you are changing your name to defraud creditors, hide from a lawsuit, evade child support, or escape criminal prosecution. If you have an outstanding warrant, active criminal case, or unpaid court-ordered debt, the court may deny your petition or require you to resolve those matters first. If you have changed your name multiple times in a short period without clear reason, a judge may view the next petition with suspicion.

The cost and timeline for each change

Filing fees for a name change petition range from $150 to $500, depending on your state and county. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge based on the type of petition or the county where you file. You may also pay a court clerk's fee for processing and a fee to publish notice of your change in a newspaper (typically $50 to $200).

The timeline usually runs four to eight weeks from filing to final order. Many states require you to publish notice of your intended name change in a local newspaper for a set period—often two to four weeks—to give creditors and others a chance to object. After the publication period ends, you attend a hearing (or the judge reviews your petition in writing) and issues a final order. Once you have the order, you then update your Social Security card, driver's license, passport, and financial accounts, which can take another two to four weeks.

What happens to your legal history when you change your name

Changing your name does not erase your past. Criminal records, civil judgments, tax liens, and unpaid debt remain tied to you under any name you use. A background check will still show your old name and all associated records. Employers, landlords, and creditors can find this information if they search thoroughly.

If you owe child support, have an outstanding criminal warrant, or are being pursued for unpaid court debt, changing your name will not stop those obligations or the people pursuing them. Law enforcement and child support agencies have access to name-change records and can track you across name changes. Attempting to hide from these obligations by changing your name can result in additional criminal charges.

Updating your documents after each name change

Once your name change is finalized by the court, you will need to update multiple documents. Start with your Social Security card: visit your local Social Security office or mail in your court order and a completed Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card). This usually takes two to four weeks.

Next, update your driver's license or state ID at your Department of Motor Vehicles. Bring your court order, your Social Security card (or a receipt showing you applied), and a photo ID. Update your passport through the State Department if you have one. Then notify your bank, credit card companies, employer, insurance companies, and any other organization that has your name on file. Keep copies of your court order—you will likely need to provide it multiple times.

Changing your name multiple times in your lifetime

Some people change their name more than once. A woman might change her name at marriage, then again at divorce, then a third time if she remarries. Someone might change their name for professional reasons, then change it again later. A person might correct a misspelling, then years later change it for personal reasons. All of these are legally permissible.

However, if you change your name very frequently—say, three or four times in five years without clear reason—a judge may question whether your petition is legitimate. Courts have the authority to deny petitions they believe are frivolous or made in bad faith. The more often you petition, the more scrutiny your petition will receive. If you are considering a name change, make sure it is one you are comfortable keeping for a long time.

Name changes for minors

A parent or guardian can petition to change a minor's name, but the process is similar: a court petition, filing fee, and judge's approval. In most states, if the minor is old enough (usually 12 or older), the court will notify them of the petition and may require their consent. Once the minor turns 18, they can petition to change their name again if they wish.

A minor cannot change their own name without a parent or guardian filing the petition on their behalf. If a minor wants a name change and their parents refuse, the minor must wait until they turn 18 to petition the court independently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name if I have unpaid debt or child support?

A judge may deny your petition if you have outstanding child support or court-ordered debt, especially if they believe you are changing your name to evade those obligations. You may be required to address the debt first. Even if your petition is granted, the debt remains your legal responsibility under any name you use.

Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper?

Most states require publication in a local newspaper as part of the name change process. Some states allow you to request a waiver of publication if you can show good cause—for example, if you are changing your name to escape domestic violence. Ask your court clerk whether your state allows waivers and what documentation you need to request one.

Will changing my name affect my credit score or credit history?

Your credit history follows you across name changes. Credit bureaus link your old name and new name through your Social Security number. When you update your Social Security card and notify your creditors of your name change, your credit report will reflect both names. Your credit score and payment history remain the same.

How long does it take to change my name?

The court process typically takes four to eight weeks from filing to final order. If your state requires newspaper publication, add two to four weeks for that step. Updating your Social Security card, driver's license, and other documents can take another two to four weeks. Plan for a total of two to four months from start to finish.

Can I choose any name I want?

You can choose almost any name, but courts have denied petitions for names that are numbers, symbols, or extremely offensive terms. You cannot change your name to impersonate someone else or to commit fraud. In practice, judges approve the vast majority of name change petitions as long as the reason is legitimate and the name itself is reasonable.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.