How To Change Your Name in Oregon

Most name changes happen at key moments in our lives, such as marriage or divorce. You might wish to change your current name to align with your gender identity. Other times, people make changes to their names simply because they want to.

However, there doesn't necessarily have to be a reason to change your name. With some common sense exceptions, most states allow you to do it.

No matter the reason, there's a process to go through for name changes. It depends on when and why you're changing your name.

This article will guide you through how to change your name in the State of Oregon, including how to:

• Identify the right process for you
• Find the correct paperwork to file
• Start using your new name
• Change your gender marker
• Change a gender marker for a minor

Identify and Follow the Correct Oregon Legal Name Change Process

Oregon courts generally provide a seamless method for legally changing your name during key moments in life:

Name Change Process During a Marriage

Married couples have a few options under Oregon law. Any party in the marriage can:

• Keep their last name
• Take their new spouse's surname
• Combine their name with their spouse's name (with or without hyphenating)

Oregon also allows you to drop or modify your middle name when changing your last name. The same rules also apply to domestic partnerships.

To change your name, you will simply fill in your application for a marriage license. You must indicate the name each party will use after the marriage is completed.

Your marriage certificate serves as evidence of your name change once issued by the court.

Name Change Process During a Divorce

Divorce can be a long and extensive process. But changing your name back to a pre-marital or maiden name can be done fairly easily at the same time.

Oregon law gives the judge handling a divorce the power to restore either spouse's name from before the marriage upon request.

Requests are routinely granted in ordinary circumstances. The final decree dissolving the marriage will reflect the name change.

Petition for Change of Name

If you're not getting married or divorced, you will need to follow the petition for change of name process.

This is required if you want to change your name in a way that's not part of Oregon's marriage or divorce name change laws.

Adult Name Change Process

Any Oregonian can file an application for a Change of Name or Sex with the circuit court of the county in Oregon where they live. Oregon's process is straightforward compared to other states. You can also request to change your gender marker during this process.

You'll need to:

• Apply and submit the name change request application
• Post a notice as directed by the court before and after the petition is heard
• Attend a court proceeding where a judge can hear and decide your application

There are some restrictions. A name change application can be denied if a judge determines the change is 'not consistent with the public interest.'

Some common reasons for denying a name change include:

• Fraudulent name changes
• Illegal name changes
• Efforts to escape debts
• Pending lawsuits
• Child support orders
• Similar illegal, criminal, or negative purposes

All states regulate the name change process to prevent fraud and illegality.

If the court grants your name change, the court clerk will issue an order to change your name. Get a few certified copies of that order. You’ll need these copies to update your official documents, like your Social Security card and driver's license.

Minor Child Name Change Process

Your minor child may want to change their name, or you might want to change your child's name on their behalf. The process varies depending on several factors:

• The age of the child
• The reason for the change (like correcting an incorrect record)
• What type of name change specifically (like removals or additions to the name)

The Oregon Health Authority lays out the filing fee and documentation required for updating a minor child's name. It also explains whether you can get a new birth certificate at the same time.

Depending on where you live in Oregon, there are statewide forms for a minor name change and county-specific forms.

Any minor name change requires a hearing before a decision is made. These hearings typically last about 15 minutes and discuss the name change petition. They can also discuss the assignment of a legal guardian, if there is not already a suitable adult acting on the minor's behalf.

File the Appropriate Paperwork with Government Agencies

Your next step after legally changing your name is updating your name with the appropriate government agencies.

Social Security Card

Use a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change court order to update your information at the local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. The SSA will need a few documents to prove your age, citizenship, and identity.

Once you provide those documents, you will complete your in-person appointment at a local branch of the SSA.

After those steps are complete, you will receive an updated Social Security card with your new name. It will include the Social Security number that you were assigned at birth. This number does not change—only your name on the card does.

Driver's License

Change the name on your driver's license at an office of the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must visit the Oregon DMV in person to make this change.

Bring along documentation that proves your name change (your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change order). Upon presenting proof and paying a filing fee, you'll receive a new driver's license in your new name.

Voter registration, car title and registration, and other state records should be updated as well. For example, car registration can be updated with your new name through an application that you mail to the DMV. You can also change your car's title and the title fee.

Last Step: Start Using Your New Name

You can start using your new name at any time in the process, especially once the legal work is complete. Tell your family, friends, employers, colleagues, and neighbors about your name change.

Banks, insurance companies, credit card companies, and other organizations or companies should be told as well. It's also a good idea to update your email and social media accounts to avoid confusion. You can also create a new email address with your updated name.

How to Change Your Name and Gender Marker If You Are a Minor in Oregon

Minors in Oregon who are in the process of a gender transition or identify as transgender, non-binary, intersex, or gender non-conforming can legally change their name and gender marker on important government documents.

Legal Name or Sex Change Forms and Process

To obtain a court-ordered name or sex change in Oregon, you'll need a parent, legal guardian, or legal representative to file an application for you. They must file the following documents in the circuit court of the county where you live (as well as any additional documents your county might require):

• Petition for Change of Name or Sex (see page 2-3)
• General Judgment for Change of Name or Sex (see pages 6-7)
• Declaration of Notice, if you're required to send notice to your legal parents or guardians (see page 5)

Notice of your application won't be published. But, you will be required to give written notice to any living parent or guardian who didn't sign your petition, unless you haven't lived with a parent and that parent doesn't contribute — and hasn't tried to contribute — to child support. You will not have to attend a hearing unless the court tells you or sends you a hearing notice.

Once all of the above steps are completed, the court will enter a judgment and send you a Notice of Entry of Judgment. To get a copy of the judgment, you'll have to contact the court and ask what the process is since each county has different rules. That is proof of your new name and gender reassignment.

How Much Does a Court-Ordered Change of Name or Change of Sex Cost?

The filing fee is $124, but you can request a fee waiver if you can't afford it.

Documents to Update After Receiving a Court Order

You may want to update your name and sex designation on your other identity documents after receiving a probate court order. Being a minor, your other identification documents likely include the following:

• Driver's license or state ID card
• Birth certificate (get an amended birth certificate from the Department of Health)
• Healthcare records (including records of appropriate clinical treatment)
• School records
• Social Security card from the Social Security Administration
• U.S. Passport (get further information from the State Department at travel.state.gov)

Changing Your Name and Gender Designation on Your Driver's License or ID

To change your name and gender marker on your Oregon driver's license/state ID, you'll need to:

1. Make an appointment at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
2. Request a new card with your correct gender marker online
3. Make sure you meet the requirements for a renewal or replacement driver's license or ID
4. Pay the renewal or replacement fee

If you are changing your name on your driver's license or ID, you also must bring proof of identity and your full legal name. A court order will meet this requirement for a legal name change.

Changing Your Name and Gender Marker on Your Birth Certificate

In Oregon, you can file an Application to Change the Name and/or Sex on a Record of Live Birth to Support Gender Identity with the Oregon Vital Records Office to change both your name and gender marker on your birth certificate.

If you are under 18 years old and not emancipated, you'll need either a parent on your birth record, your legal guardian, or a legal representative to file the application.

There is an amendment fee of $35 and a certified copy fee of $25. Every additional copy is $25. To order additional certified copies, you can file an Oregon Birth Record Order Form.

Is the “X" Gender Marker Available in Oregon?

Yes. Oregon provides a non-binary “X" gender marker option on driver's licenses or IDs and birth certificates.

Need More Help Changing Your Name or Gender Marker in Oregon? Get Legal Advice

An Oregon attorney can guide you through the process of filing for a name or gender marker change in the State of Oregon. Contact a family law attorney in your area today for help determining the best steps to protect your privacy and safety throughout the process.

If you are a parent or guardian assisting your minor with a name or gender marker change, additional steps may be required. Your attorney can help with this as well.

You can also visit FindLaw’s LGBTQ+ Legal Resource Hub for more articles and resources.

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.