{"id":376190,"date":"2017-03-27T17:38:48","date_gmt":"2017-03-27T22:38:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/south-carolina-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-south-carolina.html"},"modified":"2024-05-20T14:30:53","modified_gmt":"2024-05-20T19:30:53","slug":"how-to-change-your-name-in-south-carolina","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/south-carolina-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-south-carolina.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Change Your Name and Gender Marker in South Carolina"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

How To Change Your Name and Gender Marker in South Carolina<\/h1>\n
\n
\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
\n

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
\n

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

Our name tells the story of our lives. We’re born into our family’s name, go through school, get a driver’s license with it, and pass it on to our kids and beyond. It’s a core part of who we are and, for legal purposes, important for proving who we are, getting our paycheck, doing our taxes, and so much more. So when it’s time to change our names<\/a>, there’s a lot to sort out and people to inform.<\/p>\r\n

We’ll talk about how to change your name in South Carolina, including how to:<\/p>\r\n

    \r\n
  1. Identify the right process for you;<\/li>\r\n
  2. Figure out what paperwork should be filed; and<\/li>\r\n
  3. Start using your new name.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    1. Marriage, Divorce, or Petitioning a Court<\/h2>\r\n

    Marriage<\/h3>\r\n

    It’s easiest to change your name when tying the knot<\/a>. Most women still take their husband’s last name upon getting married, while plenty of other couples choose to take one person’s name, combine their names, or make no changes. Since marital name changes are an old and common tradition, legally speaking it’s easier to do as well.<\/p>\r\n

    South Carolina, like most states, allows people to change their last names when getting married. You can fill out the marriage license application form and, once married, use a copy of the issued marriage certificate as an official record of your name change. Get copies of this certificate for when you update your Social Security and driver’s license.<\/p>\r\n

    Divorce<\/h3>\r\n

    Marriage name changes are easier, in part, because states issue marriage certificates and can simply add a name change to it. The same is true of divorce but for a different reason. Divorce proceedings are legal proceedings, and including a name change in a divorce petition<\/a> is frequently requested.<\/p>\r\n

    South Carolinians can generally resume a former last name or the last name of a former spouse when getting a divorce in the Palmetto State. The judge handling the divorce case can include the name change in the final separation or divorce decree \u2014 essentially, it gets added to the court’s final order. This legally changes your name, so get copies of the decree.<\/p>\r\n

    Petitioning a Court<\/h3>\r\n

    While there are many reasons to change a name, outside of marriage or divorce it’ll require a separate legal process. South Carolina permits its residents to apply for change of name<\/a> by petitioning a court. This is a more time-consuming process. Expect to:<\/p>\r\n