Where to request a name change on your birth certificate

You request a name change on your birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born, not from a courthouse or the federal government. Each state runs its own vital records system, and the office that holds your original birth certificate is the only one that can amend it. You cannot change your birth certificate through the mail in most states — you will need to visit in person or use an authorized representative.

Find your state's vital records office by searching "[your state] vital records office" or "[your state] department of health birth certificate." The office may be called the Bureau of Vital Statistics, the Vital Records Division, or the Office of Vital Records, depending on the state. Once you locate it, call or visit their website to learn the exact documents you need and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment.

Some states allow you to mail a request if you include a certified copy of a court order approving the name change. Other states require you to appear in person. A few states let you submit the request online through a third-party vendor, though you will still pay a processing fee on top of the state fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must request the change from the vital records office in the state where you were born, and most states require you to appear in person or send an authorized representative.
  • A court order approving the name change is the document most states require before they will amend your birth certificate.
  • Processing times vary by state but typically range from two to eight weeks after the vital records office receives your complete request.
  • The fee for amending a birth certificate is usually between $10 and $50, depending on the state and whether you request a certified copy at the same time.

Getting a court order for your name change

Before the vital records office will change your birth certificate, you will need a court order from a judge approving the name change. This is a legal document that shows you have gone through the proper process and have no outstanding debts or criminal reasons preventing the change. You obtain this order by filing a petition in the district court or family court in the county where you currently live.

The petition form is usually called a "Petition for Name Change" or "Petition to Change Name." You can read it from your county court's website, pick it up in person at the courthouse, or ask the court clerk for the correct form. Fill out the form with your current name, the name you want, and your reason for the change (though most states do not require you to give a reason). Sign the form in front of a notary public, then file it with the court clerk along with the filing fee, which ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the county.

After you file, the court will schedule a hearing. You will appear before a judge, who will ask you questions about the name change. The judge will then sign an order approving or denying the request. If approved, you receive a certified copy of the order, which you then take to the vital records office along with your other documents.

Documents you need for the vital records office

The vital records office will ask for your certified court order, a government-issued photo ID, and a completed amendment request form. Some states also require a certified copy of your original birth certificate, which you can order from the same office if you do not already have one. A few states ask for a fingerprint card or a background check clearance, though this is less common.

Call the vital records office before you visit to confirm the exact list of documents they need. Bringing incomplete paperwork will delay your request by weeks. Ask whether they accept copies of documents or require originals, and whether they need documents notarized. Some offices will not accept a document unless it was notarized within the past 30 days.

If you cannot visit in person, ask whether the office allows you to send a representative with a power of attorney form. A power of attorney is a legal document that gives another person permission to act on your behalf. You will still need to sign it in front of a notary, and the representative will need to bring it along with all the other documents.

Processing time and receiving your amended certificate

After you submit your request, the vital records office will process it over the next two to eight weeks, depending on the state and how busy the office is. Some states process requests faster if you pay an expedited fee, which is usually $10 to $25 extra. During processing, the office will verify your court order and check for any issues with your request.

Once approved, the office will send you a certified copy of your amended birth certificate by mail. A certified copy is an official document with a raised seal or signature that proves it came directly from the vital records office. You will need this certified copy to update your name with the Social Security Administration, your driver's license, your passport, and your employer. Ordering extra certified copies at the time of your request is usually cheaper than ordering them later.

If the vital records office denies your request, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include a missing document, an incomplete form, or a problem with your court order. You can then fix the issue and resubmit your request, or contact the office to ask what step to take next.

Updating other documents after your birth certificate is changed

Changing your birth certificate is the first step, but you will also need to update your name with the Social Security Administration, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and your employer. Each of these agencies requires different documents and has its own timeline.

Start with the Social Security Administration because many other agencies will ask for a Social Security card in your new name. Visit your local Social Security office with your certified birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form (Form SS-5). The office will issue you a new Social Security card in your new name, usually within two weeks.

Next, update your driver's license or state ID at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Bring your certified birth certificate, your Social Security card in your new name, and a completed process form. Your state may charge a fee for the new ID. After that, notify your employer's human resources department, your bank, your insurance companies, and any other organizations that have your name on file.

Name changes for minors

If you are changing the name of a minor child, the process is similar but requires consent from both parents or a court order if the parents disagree. You will file a petition for name change in family court, and the judge will consider the best interests of the child. If one parent objects, the judge will hold a hearing to decide whether the name change should be allowed.

After the judge approves the name change, you will take the court order to the vital records office along with the child's original birth certificate and a government-issued ID for the parent or guardian requesting the change. Processing time is the same as for adults, usually two to eight weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my birth certificate without going to court?

Most states require a court order, but a few states allow you to amend your birth certificate directly through the vital records office if you have a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption order. Check your state's vital records website to see whether a court order is required or whether another document will work.

How much does it cost to change your birth certificate?

The court filing fee ranges from $100 to $300, and the vital records office fee is usually $10 to $50. If you request expedited processing or order multiple certified copies, the cost will be higher. Some counties offer fee waivers if you cannot afford the court filing fee — ask the court clerk about this option.

What if I was born in a different country?

If you were born outside the United States, you will need to contact the vital records office in the country where you were born. The process varies by country. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can also update your name on your U.S. passport and Social Security card using a court order from a U.S. court, even if your birth certificate is from another country.

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

The court hearing usually happens within four to eight weeks of filing your petition. After the judge approves the name change, the vital records office takes another two to eight weeks to process your request. In total, expect the process to take two to four months, or longer if the court is busy or if you need to resubmit documents.

Can I change my birth certificate if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record does not automatically prevent you from changing your name, but a judge may deny the request if they believe the change is being made to evade the law or defraud someone. Be honest with the judge about your reasons for the name change. If your request is denied, you can ask the judge to explain their decision and may be able to file again later.