Name Change In Maryland

Our personalized name change kits offer a streamlined, stress-free approach to updating your name on all your essential documents. The kits provide easy-to-follow instructions for every necessary form, helping you save time and ensuring everything is done accurately. Whether you select our physical NewlyNamed Box with pre-printed forms or go digital with our Print at Home option, we've got you covered.

Whether you're adopting a new name due to marriage, reverting to a maiden name after divorce, or simply seeking a change, you’ll need to follow a few essential steps:

1. Complete A Petition For Name Change: Begin by filing a Petition for Name Change (form CC-DR-60) with the Circuit Court in your county. Be sure to complete the form thoroughly and accurately.
2. Pay The Filing Fee: You must pay a filing fee when submitting your petition. The fee amount varies by county, so check with the local Circuit Court for exact pricing.
3. Notify Relevant Parties: After submitting your petition, you may be required to notify certain interested parties and publish the name change in a local newspaper if instructed by the court. This ensures that others have the opportunity to raise any objections.
4. Attend A Summary Hearing: In some cases, the court may schedule a summary hearing. This provides an opportunity to present your reasons for the name change. Most hearings are straightforward, especially when the name change is uncontested.
5. Receive A Court Order: If the court approves your petition, you will receive an official court order authorizing the name change. You'll need this document to update your legal identification and records.

Eligibility For Changing Your Name In Maryland

1. Residency: You must be a resident of Maryland to file for a name change in the state. Typically, this involves showing proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, utility bill, or lease agreement.
2. Legal Adults And Minors: Adults can petition for a name change themselves. For minors, a parent or legal guardian must file the petition. It’s important to note that the court might require their consent if the minor is 10 or older.
3. Marriage Or Divorce Proceedings: If you're changing your name due to marriage, you can typically do so when you get your marriage license. You can request a name change for divorces as part of the divorce proceedings.
4. No Intent To Defraud: The name change must not be for fraudulent purposes, such as evading debts or other legal obligations. Courts will generally deny a request if there is any suspicion of wrongful intent.
5. Public Records Or Notification: Unless the court waives this requirement, a court notice may need to be published in a newspaper to inform the public of the impending name change.

Required Documents For A Name Change

Here is a list of essential documents that you'll generally need to initiate a name change:

1. Certified Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, Or Court Order: You'll need the official document authorizing your name change depending on your situation. For newlyweds, a certified marriage certificate is necessary. Those going through a divorce will require a certified divorce decree, while others will need a court order. Ensure these documents are certified copies recognized as official proof of the name change.
2. Social Security Card And Identification: First, update your Social Security records by presenting your certified name change document, your current Social Security card, and a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport.
3. Maryland State Driver’s License Or ID Card: To update your driver’s license or state ID, take your certified name change document to the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) along with your current license or ID.
4. U.S. Passport: If you have a passport, you must apply for an updated passport with your new name. This requires submitting your current passport, the proper form, a recent passport photo, and your certified name change document.
5. Proof Of U.S. Citizenship Or Legal Status: This is typically your birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. Having this ready will help streamline the process when updating various legal records.

Update Your Social Security Information 

First, update your Social Security information. Then, fill out the Social Security Administration's application for a new card and provide your legal name change document along with proof of identity and citizenship. Don't worry — our personalized name change kits come equipped with all the necessary instructions and forms to make this step easy.

Submit Your Passport Name Change

Next, tackle your U.S. Passport. The procedure varies depending on how recently your passport was issued, but all processes require submitting a name change certificate or court order, recent passport photos, and identification. Our detailed guides help you determine the correct form and checklist for submitting your passport name change.

Update Your State ID Documents

Your Maryland driver's license or state ID is another essential document to update. Visit the Maryland Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office with your legal name change document, updated Social Security card, and current Maryland license. Our step-by-step guide ensures you won't miss any important details or documents.

Change Vehicle And Voter Registration 

Remember your vehicle registration and voter registration. The MVA allows simultaneous updates for your driver's license and vehicle registration. At the same time, the Maryland State Board of Elections accepts changes to voter registration through online or form submission methods outlined in our kits.

Updating Personal Accounts 

Lastly, it's time to tackle personal accounts like banks, credit cards, utilities, and memberships. NewlyNamed's name change kits provide a comprehensive checklist and form letters to streamline updating your name with each organization. Our database includes over 3,000 organizations to help ensure you don’t miss any accounts.

Where To Find Legal Help For Name Changes In Maryland

Whether you're navigating a name change due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, these resources should be your first stop:

• Local Courthouses: Start by visiting your local circuit courthouse. The clerks there can provide the necessary forms and guidance tailored to your county’s requirements. It's advisable to call ahead to know the documents you need to bring for a smoother visit.
• Legal Aid Services: Maryland offers various legal aid services to assist you if the name change process feels overwhelming. Look for organizations such as Maryland Legal Aid or the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, which offer free or low-cost services for those who qualify.
• Family Law Attorneys: If your situation is complex, including child name changes or other legal challenges, consulting a family law attorney in Maryland might be the best option. They can provide personalized advice and ensure all legal matters are handled correctly.
• Online Legal Resources: For those who prefer to manage the process independently, online resources like the Maryland Judiciary’s website can be invaluable. They provide downloadable forms, detailed instructions, and FAQs to help guide you through each step.

Read Also:

• What Is A Full Name 
• What To Know About Updating Your LLC’s Name 
• What Is A Government-Issued ID?