For name changes not related to marriage or divorce, you must ask a court to approve your new name. This usually takes about 2 to 3 months, but that varies by location.
You do not have to give a long reason for legally changing your name. In most states, you just need to show the change is not to hide from debt, fraud, or the law.
The court will give you a document (called a court order) that says your new name is now your legal name.
You can then use this court order to change your name on your birth certificate, ID documents, voter registration, and more.
For information only. Not legal advice.
