{"id":373318,"date":"2017-11-21T17:21:54","date_gmt":"2017-11-21T22:21:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/iowa-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-iowa.html"},"modified":"2024-04-08T14:54:07","modified_gmt":"2024-04-08T19:54:07","slug":"how-to-change-your-name-in-iowa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/iowa-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-iowa.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Legally Change Your Name and Gender Marker in Iowa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Legally Change Your Name and Gender Marker in Iowa<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lark Lewis, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

If you’re a resident of Iowa, you can legally change your name<\/a> by getting married, divorced, or petitioning a court for a name change decree (court order). The process is pretty straightforward.<\/p>\r\n

This article covers how to legally change your name in Iowa, whether due to marriage, divorce, or some other reason. It also addresses how to file the appropriate paperwork with other government agencies. Finally, it discusses changing your gender marker on essential legal documents.<\/p>\r\n

Legally Change Your Name in Iowa<\/h2>\r\n

Marriage, divorce, and court petitions are the three ways to change your name in Iowa. While the processes differ, each results in an official document proving your name has been changed. This is important\u2014official documentation will be required to update your Social Security card, driver’s license, and other forms of identification.<\/p>\r\n

Marriage<\/h3>\r\n

Most name changes occur through marriage<\/a>. While no law requires it, and there are differing views on its merits, many people still change their names when getting married. Iowa makes doing so relatively hassle-free.<\/p>\r\n

Iowa law permits spouses to change their names when getting a marriage certificate<\/a>. This is true for either spouse. The change is automatic once a marriage certificate is issued. Simply indicate your desired name when applying for a marriage certificate. Once issued, your valid marriage certificate can serve as proof of your name change.<\/p>\r\n

Divorce<\/h3>\r\n

It’s also common to change your name when getting divorced<\/a>. While the divorce process<\/a> can be long and emotionally painful, changing your name can be accomplished at this time with little extra hassle.<\/p>\r\n

Iowa allows a divorcing party to request a name change<\/a> as part of securing a divorce decree or an annulment. But there are limits. You can only change your name back to what it was immediately before the marriage or back to your birth (maiden) name. Changing your name in any other way requires going through the petition process described below.<\/p>\r\n

Petition for a Change of Name<\/h3>\r\n

All states, including Iowa, allow residents to change their names by petitioning a court<\/a>. Reasons for filing a name change petition vary widely. Maybe you’ve never liked your name and want to change it. Or maybe you’re going through a gender transition process and want your name to reflect your gender identity. Regardless of the reason, the process is the same.<\/p>\r\n

Iowa allows any adult to apply for a name change<\/a> with their local district court. Verified petitions must contain the following:<\/p>\r\n