Planning to get married and hoping to take your spouse's last name? Getting divorced and want to resume the use of your pre-marital surname? Updating your gender marker on your birth certificate to match your gender identity? Finalizing an adoption?

This article covers how to change your name and gender marker in Connecticut. Remember that what's true in Connecticut doesn't necessarily apply to other states. Here you'll learn:

• Which process works best for you
• What paperwork to file and where
• How to update your identification documents

Connecticut Legal Name Change Process

Connecticut residents can change their last names through marriage and divorce. Otherwise, you must get a court order, as outlined in the next section.

Marriage

Like most states, Connecticut permits you to take your spouse's last name when you get married. You can change your last name entirely or hyphenate your names together.

After the wedding, your officiant submits your completed marriage license to the town registrar. The registrar then files your license with the State Vital Records Office. This is the office that maintains all Connecticut marriage records.

Contact Vital Records to request certified copies of your marriage certificate. You'll need those to update your driver's license and other identification documents.

Divorce

The easiest way to resume using your former (pre-marital) name in a divorce is to tell the court before it issues the judgment file (divorce decree). You can do so at any time during the process, including your:

• Divorce complaint
• Answer/cross-complaint
• Court hearing

If you are divorced but the judgment file does not restore your former name, you may file a motion to modify the judgment.

You must file the motion with the Superior Court division that issued your original divorce decree. No hearing will be required.

Next, request a certified copy of your divorce decree from the Clerk's Office. You may need more than one certified copy to update your driver's license and other documents.

Petition for Change of Name

You can petition your local Superior Court or Probate Court to change your name outside of a marriage or divorce.

When filing in the Probate Court, your application will include the following:

• Petition for Change of Name
• Affidavit
• Long Form birth certificate (certified copy)
• Form PC-901C1
• Filing fee

You may be eligible for a fee waiver if you cannot afford the filing fee and meet certain other income requirements.

You must give the reason(s) for your name change in your petition. After you file your petition, the court will assign you a hearing date.

The court will also send notice to your spouse about the hearing. But, if you believe that notice to your spouse will endanger your safety, then contact an advocate or an attorney for help before you file.

Bring two forms of ID (including one photo ID) with you to the hearing.

Once the court issues your name change decree, request at least three certified copies from the clerk's office. You'll need them to update your driver's license and other identification documents.

Limitations on Name Changes for Certain Criminal Offenders

Connecticut law requires courts to check name change petitions against databases tracking the following registered persons:

• Sex offenders
• Deadly weapon offenders

If you fit into one or both categories above, you must notify the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection in writing.

If the Commissioner challenges your petition, the court will grant your name change only if it determines that the purpose of the change is not to avoid the legal consequences of a criminal conviction.

Gender Marker Change in Connecticut

Birth Certificate

If you want to update the gender marker on your Connecticut birth certificate, a Court Order is not required.

If you have had a gender-affirming surgery, hormone therapy, or other medical treatment to assist with your gender transition, submit the following documents to the Connecticut Department of Health Office of Vital Records:

• Notarized affidavit from you
• Notarized affidavit from a qualified health care practitioner
• Copy of your unexpired photo ID
• Application fee (if requesting a certified copy of your new birth record)

Connecticut recognizes female, male, and non-binary gender markers.

Note: If you wish to update your name on your birth certificate, you must provide a certified copy of your Court Order.

Marriage Certificate

Connecticut recognizes female, male, and non-binary gender markers. If you want to update your gender marker on your Connecticut marriage certificate, a Court Order is not required. However, you must obtain written consent from your spouse.

If you have had a gender-affirming surgery, hormone therapy, or other medical treatment to assist with your gender transition, submit the following documents to the Connecticut Department of Health Office of Vital Records:

• Notarized affidavit from you
• Notarized affidavit from your spouse
• Copy of your unexpired photo ID
• Application fee (if requesting a copy of your new marriage record)

You'll also need one of the following documents with an already updated gender marker:

• U.S. passport
• Birth Certificate
• Court Order
• Notarized affidavit from a qualified health care practitioner

Note: If you wish to update your name on your marriage certificate, you must provide a certified copy of your Court Order.

Whichever process you use to change your name in Connecticut, you are responsible for putting the appropriate government agencies on notice, such as:

• Social Security Administration (SSA)
• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• U.S. Department of State
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Name and Gender Marker Updates on Social Security Card

After you get your court order, contact your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to request a replacement Social Security (SS) card.

You may be able to start your request online, but you must visit your local SSA office in person within 45 calendar days of starting your request to provide a certified copy of your court-ordered name change and proof of:

• U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status
• Age
• Identity

All documents must be original or certified copies, unexpired, and clearly show your name and date of birth/age.

SSA will issue you a new card with your new name. Your Social Security number (SSN) will stay the same. Your SSN follows you throughout your life, even if you change your name more than once.

Currently, SSA only allows individuals to identify as "female" or "male" in Social Security records. But you can change your sex identification on your Social Security record without providing medical documentation or a Court Order.

SSA is currently considering accommodations for gender non-conforming individuals.

Updating Name and Gender Marker on Connecticut Birth Certificate

If you were born in Connecticut before January 1, 2003, and want to alter the name on your birth certificate, you must submit the following documents to the Town Vital Records office where you were born:

• Certified copy of Court Order (name change decree)
• Notarized affidavit from you
• Copy of your unexpired photo ID
• Application with fee (if requesting a certified copy of your new birth record)

If you were born on or after January 1, 2003, you may submit your documents, application, and fee directly to the State Vital Records Office.

Connecticut recognizes female, male, and non-binary gender markers. No court order is required to change your gender marker in Connecticut.

Updating Name and Gender Marker on Your Connecticut Driver's License or State ID

You must update your name on your Social Security card before you request a replacement driver's license or state ID.

Once you have your new SS card, make an appointment to visit your local DMV hub or express office. Bring your:

• New SS card
• Certified copy of marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
• Name Change Request Form
• Current driver's license or state ID
• DMV fee

Connecticut recognizes female, male, and non-binary gender markers. Complete the Gender Designation Form and submit it along with the above documentation and fee for your legal name change.

Using Your New Name

After changing your name and gender marker, tell your family, friends, school, and employer. You should also update your:

• Banks
• Credit cards
• U.S. Passport
• USCIS (immigration) documents
• Vehicle registration and insurance
• Life insurance and retirement policies
• Healthcare providers and insurers
• Email and social media accounts

The law cares about avoiding fraud, so it's best to use your new name consistently.

Name and Gender Marker Changes for Children in Connecticut

If you are a parent or legal guardian of a child under 18, you may file a written petition as "next friend" to change their name. You can do this with the Superior Court or Probate Court in the district where the child lives.

Your petition must name both parents (if living) and the child's legal guardian (if appointed). If one or both living parents do not join, your petition must explain why.

Your petition should list the reasons why a new name supports the child's best interests.

When filing in the Probate Court, your application must include the following:

• Petition for Change of Name
• Affidavit
• Certified copy of the child's long-form birth certificate
• Form PC-900C1
• Filing fee

If you cannot afford the filing fee and meet certain other income requirements, you may be eligible for a fee waiver.

After filing your petition, the court will set a hearing date and send notice to the following:

• The petitioner (you)
• The child's living parents
• The child's guardian
• The child (if they are at least 12 years old)

Be prepared to explain why the name change is in the best interest of the child at a hearing with a judge.

You may also request that the probate court change a child's last name during adoption proceedings.

Gender Marker

If you want to assist your child with updating their gender marker on their Connecticut birth certificate, a Court Order is not required. Connecticut recognizes female, male, and non-binary gender markers.

To start the process, submit the following documents to the Connecticut Department of Health Office of Vital Records:

• Notarized affidavit from you on behalf of your child
• Notarized affidavit from a qualified health care practitioner confirming that your child has had gender-affirming surgery, hormone therapy, or another clinical treatment to assist with a gender transition
• Copy of your unexpired photo ID (as well as the child's)
• Application fee (if requesting a certified copy of the new birth record)

Get Legal Help in Connecticut

FindLaw offers Connecticut name change forms that outline the process each step of the way. You can avoid the hassle of doing legal research and taking the time to figure out the legal steps.

If you need legal help changing your name and gender marker in Connecticut, you can search FindLaw's Attorney Directory.

If you meet specific residency and income requirements, you could qualify for legal help from a Connecticut legal aid agency.