{"id":375735,"date":"2025-01-28T08:23:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-28T13:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/oklahoma-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-oklahoma.html"},"modified":"2025-01-28T08:23:00","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T13:23:00","slug":"how-to-change-your-name-in-oklahoma","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/oklahoma-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-oklahoma.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Change Your Name and Gender Marker in Oklahoma"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Change Your Name and Gender Marker in Oklahoma<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lark Lewis, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\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 an Oklahoman and want to change your name legally, you’re in luck. Many people in your state change their name<\/a> every year due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons, such as a gender transition. Changing your gender marker is an entirely different matter, however.<\/p>\r\n

This article covers how to legally change your name in Oklahoma, regardless of the reason for your name change. It also discusses how to file the appropriate paperwork with other government agencies. Finally, the article addresses changes to your gender marker on crucial identity documents.<\/p>\r\n

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

Most name changes occur when you get married, go through a divorce, or petition a court to change your name<\/a>. The process you’ll need to follow to legally change your name in Oklahoma will depend on the reason for your name change.<\/p>\r\n

Marriage<\/h3>\r\n

Marriage is the most common time to change your name. It’s also the easiest. Like most states, Oklahoma recognizes a valid marriage certificate<\/a> as proof of a name change.<\/p>\r\n

Fill in both your and your soon-to-be spouse’s current legal names and the names you’ll take after marriage on your Oklahoma marriage license application<\/a>. Either party to a marriage can change their last name this way in Oklahoma. Once you tie the knot, endorse the marriage certificate using your newly married name<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Your marriage certificate proves your name change. Obtain a few certified copies of your marriage certificate. You’ll need these to update your official documents and records.<\/p>\r\n

Divorce<\/h3>\r\n

If you’re getting divorced in Oklahoma, you can change your name back<\/a> to your former name. Oklahoma courts will restore your name from before marriage<\/a> during the normal divorce process. This routine request applies to both parties. The restoration of your pre-marriage name will be included in the final divorce decree.<\/p>\r\n

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

You must petition a district court to change your name outside of marriage, divorce, or another legal proceeding. For example, a person might want to change their name as part of a gender transition process.<\/p>\r\n

This is a special proceeding and, while it’s usually not contested, involves more legal steps. Be prepared to:<\/p>\r\n