There are many reasons why you may want to change your name, and your reason will decide what process you’ll need to go through to have your name changed.

Valid Reasons for Name Change

You must have a good and sufficient reason to change your name in North Carolina. Some of the most common reasons for a name change are marriage and divorce, but there are other circumstances that may also create the need for a change. Perhaps you noticed an error on your current documents, or maybe you just want to go by a new name. Let’s look at the processes for these different types of name change requests.

Marriage

North Carolina law allows you to change your name along with submitting your marriage license. Fill out the application and after your marriage, your certificate can be used as proof of the change for a new driver’s license and any other records that require updating.

Divorce

When going through a divorce, you can petition the court during the divorce process or apply for a name change after the divorce is finalized. You may revert to your maiden name or your former name before marriage. You can also begin using a former spouse’s last name again if they are deceased or if you have children with that last name.

Other Reasons

You can also submit a name change application if you want to go by a different name as long as there are no restrictions involved. Restrictions include changing your name to commit fraud or evade the law. Registered sex offenders cannot change their names under this rule. You can only change your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce one time unless it is to revert back to a former name.[1] Children’s names can be changed two times at most.

Changing Your Child’s Name

It is not uncommon for parents to change their minds about the name they chose for their newborn. Or maybe you’re remarrying and want your child to share your new family’s last name. Whatever the reason, if you want to change your child’s legal name, you will likely need consent from the other parent. There are exceptions to this rule, but generally, permission from both parents is required for a child’s name change.

Contact Ley Law to schedule a consultation. Our family law team can help you navigate name change processes to ensure you meet the necessary requirements. Call us at 252-612-0007.

[1] N.C.G.S. § 101-6. https://ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/BySection/Chapter_101/GS_101-6.pdf