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How to Change Your Name in Arizona in 3 Steps

The process you'll need to follow to legally change your name in the state of Arizona depends on your situation. This article covers the most important considerations, including:

1. Identify and Follow the Correct Arizona Legal Name Change Process

Changing your name involves some form of legal process. What's required depends on the situation.

Marriage

This is the simplest way to achieve a name change. In Arizona, as in most states, you can make a name change request when you apply for a marriage license. Fill out your new name on the application for a marriage license. Once married, your validly-issued marriage license serves as proof of your married name.

Divorce

While the divorce process can be long and painful, changing your current legal name usually isn't. Since you're going through a court process anyway to dissolve your marriage, returning to your former name can happen at the same time.

Arizona allows either party to a divorce to request the restoration of a former name during divorce proceedings. This has to happen before the decree of dissolution is final and must be for legally returning to your former name. Beyond that, there aren't many requirements. Courts will generally order the restoration of a divorcing party's former name.

Petition for a Change of Name of an Adult

Assuming you're an Arizona resident, you can petition your local superior court to grant a change of name request. For example, if you live in Phoenix, this will be in Maricopa County. This is the route you'd need to take if you're seeking a name change as part of a gender transition process.

The name change forms are fairly straightforward. You'll start by filling out an application for change of name:

  • Setting forth the reasons for changing your name
  • Listing any felony convictions or pending felony charges
  • Stating under penalty of perjury that the name change is not knowingly sought for accomplishing any crimes
  • Acknowledging that a name change doesn't release you from any obligations or rights held by others
  • Swearing to the truth of the statements in the application before a deputy clerk of court or getting the application notarized by a notary public (do not make any false statements in your application)

Special Considerations: Criminal History and Financial Obligations

You can't use a change of name to get out of alimony or child support. You'll still owe the same debts and money judgments, and you can still be sued for any wrongs committed in your old name. Also, if you're convicted of any crimes related to fraud or dishonesty, a court may be able to set aside a legal name change or deny a pending petition.

You file the required paperwork (including a civil cover sheet and a notice of hearing regarding application for change of name) with the superior court clerk and pay the filing fee.

You may need to file an affidavit of service, acceptance of service, marital waiver of notice, or signed waiver of notice from any interested parties.

You should be prepared for a court hearing on your petition. A judge may also require you to give notice of the petition, either by publication or by serving someone interested in the proceeding, several business days before the proceeding.

Assuming there are no issues and you're seeking your name change for legitimate reasons, the court will grant your petition and issue an order changing name for an adult.

Petition for a Change of Name of a Minor Child

The process is similar if you are seeking a change for a minor child's name, but the name change forms are different. Also, the minor needs parental consent or the consent of a legal guardian to change their current legal name. You complete the required paperwork and file them with the court administrator.

2. File the Appropriate Paperwork With Government Agencies

Next, you'll need to start changing your name on important government documents and vital records. You will want at least one certified copy of the document that legally changed your name, whether it be a court order, divorce decree, or marriage certificate.

The first thing you'll want to do is contact your local Social Security office to have your name changed with the Social Security Administration and get a new Social Security card.

To get a new driver's license, contact the state Department of Transportation or go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

You can also request an updated birth certificate with your new name. Use the form from the Bureau of Vital Records to request a name change on your birth certificate.

3. Start Using Your New Name

Now you’re ready to start using your name. Start by telling your family, friends, employers, neighbors, and acquaintances you are no longer using your previous name.

Make sure your bank, credit card companies, utility providers, and others who regularly send bills know about your new name, too. You should also notify your healthcare providers.

You can also update your social media accounts and create a new email address.

How Much Does It Cost and How Long Does It Take to Change Your Name in Arizona?

The base fee for name changes requiring a court order in Arizona is $222. Additional fees may be necessary depending on the jurisdiction. Contact your county clerk for the specific cost to petition for a name change in your county.

Name changes in Arizona may take anywhere from one day to six months, depending on the complexity of the name change and the required documentation. It may take longer to receive new documents, like your birth certificate and Social Security card.

Get Legal Help With Your Arizona Name Change

In most cases, you can successfully change your name in Arizona without help from a lawyer. But, legal help is available for complex name changes or if you’re overwhelmed with the process and paperwork. Contact a local attorney today for legal advice regarding your Arizona name change.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

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