{"id":374954,"date":"2017-03-01T17:54:33","date_gmt":"2017-03-01T22:54:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-jersey-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-new-jersey.html"},"modified":"2024-02-26T16:28:39","modified_gmt":"2024-02-26T21:28:39","slug":"how-to-change-your-name-in-new-jersey","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-new-jersey.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Change Your Name and Gender Marker in New Jersey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Change Your Name and Gender Marker in New Jersey<\/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

Your name follows you, from your birth certificate and driver’s license to your credit cards and social media accounts. However, there may come a time when you want to legally change your name<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

This article addresses how to change your name step by step in New Jersey. It also discusses how to change your gender identity on important documents. This information is especially valuable for transgender people.<\/p>\r\n

First, we’ll help you identify the correct process to follow for changing your name in New Jersey. Next, we’ll discuss the paperwork to file with the appropriate government agencies. Finally, the article addresses how to change your gender marker.<\/p>\r\n

Identify and Follow the Correct Legal Name Change Process<\/h2>\r\n

Most name changes happen for one of two reasons. Either you’re getting married and want to take your spouse’s name, or you’re going through divorce and your ex-partner’s name isn’t all that appealing anymore.<\/p>\r\n

All other name changes follow a legal process that is open to almost everyone. They require a visit to the local court.<\/p>\r\n

Name Change Through Marriage<\/h3>\r\n

The most common time to change your name is when getting married<\/a>. This is also the most streamlined name-change process. Like many states, New Jersey lets you take on a new name when applying for a marriage certificate<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Fill in your new name on the marriage certificate, and when the valid marriage certificate is issued, it serves as proof of your name change. You can use it as a legal document to make changes to your Social Security card and driver’s license, which we’ll discuss below.<\/p>\r\n

Name Changes During Divorce<\/h3>\r\n

Changing your name during divorce<\/a> involves some legal work. While divorce can be long and painful, the name change part of the process doesn’t need to be.<\/p>\r\n

New Jersey permits the court handling a divorce case to change either party’s name<\/a> simultaneously. This includes returning to a former name or taking a new name altogether.<\/p>\r\n

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

For everything else, there’s the name change petition process<\/a>. This is the route you’ll take if you’re changing your name due to a gender transition, for instance.<\/p>\r\n

New Jersey allows you to file a petition in the local Superior Court. An affidavit containing personal information such as your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and any criminal history is required.<\/p>\r\n

Then the name change process begins. You can expect to:<\/p>\r\n