How to Legally Change Your Last Name

Legally changing your last name is a quick and painless legal procedure that you can do on your own. First, you need your state's compliant name change forms that you file in order to petition the court for your new name. Then, you fill in those forms and file them at your county clerk's office. Once, you've completed those two steps you then will receive a court date to appear before the judge. During the hearing you will either be told your new name is granted or why it hasn't been granted. Finally, you use your judge certified copy of the name change forms to change your name on all your documents such as your driver's license, birth certificate, social security card, etc.