How to Change Your Name in Georgia

If you’re looking to change your name in Georgia following marriage, typically, you can initiate this process when submitting your marriage license. However, it’s advisable to check with your county clerk as procedures and regulations can vary between counties.

Once married, your marriage certificate becomes the primary legal document for your name change. Upon filing your marriage license at the county courthouse, you can expect to receive a certified copy of your marriage certificate by mail within approximately two weeks. This certified copy can then be used to update your name with various agencies, institutions, and businesses.

In Georgia, changing your name after a divorce is a straightforward process. The name change request can be included in the divorce decree. If the judge approves, the name change becomes official when the decree is signed. You’ll need to update your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and other important documents to reflect your new name. Obtain certified copies of the divorce decree to present as legal proof of your name change. This ensures all your records and identification match your new name, helping you transition smoothly to your post-divorce identity.

To change your name via petition in Georgia, you’ll need to file a Petition for a Change of Name in the county where you reside. The petition must include your current name, the new name you desire, and the reasons for the change. You may also need to undergo a background check. Once filed, a court hearing will be scheduled, and a judge will review your petition. If the judge approves your request, they will sign an Order Granting Name Change. You’ll then use this court order to update your name on official documents like your Social Security card, driver’s license, and passport.

To change the name of a minor in Georgia, a parent or guardian must file a Petition for Change of Name of a Child in the county where the child resides. The petition must include the child’s current name, the desired new name, and the reasons for the change. Both parents typically need to consent, but if one parent does not agree, the court may still grant the change if it is in the child’s best interest. A court hearing will be scheduled, and if the judge approves, they will sign an Order Granting Name Change. This order is then used to update the child’s official documents.

Here is the process for changing the name on your Georgia Driver’s License.

1. Update Your Name with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

Before you can update your name on your Georgia driver’s license, you must first update it with the SSA. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) will verify your new name with the SSA before processing your request.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Gather the following documents to bring to the DDS:

• Your current Georgia driver’s license or ID card.
• Proof of your legal name change, such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
• If you are also updating your Real ID, additional documents proving your identity and residency may be required.

3. Visit a Georgia DDS Customer Service Center

• You must visit a DDS office in person to complete the name change process. This cannot be done online, by mail, or by phone.
• Bring all required documents. Your first name change during the term of your current license is free if it occurs more than 150 days before your license’s expiration. Otherwise, there may be a fee involved.

4. Receive Your Updated License

• After submitting your documents and paying any applicable fees, the DDS will issue your updated driver’s license or ID card. You are required to update your name within 60 days of the legal change to avoid potential penalties.

Here is the process for changing your name on your Vehicle and Title Registration in Georgia.

Prepare the Required Documents

Gather the following:

• Your current Georgia vehicle title.
• A completed Motor Vehicle Title/Tag Application (Form MV-1).
• A certified copy of the legal document authorizing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
• Your updated Georgia driver’s license or ID card showing your new name.

Visit a Local County Tag Office or Apply by Mail

• You can update your vehicle title and registration in person by visiting your local County Tag Office. If you prefer to apply by mail, send the completed documents to the appropriate address provided by the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR).
• When submitting in person, ensure all owners on the title are present, or provide a completed and signed title application by any absent owners.

Pay the Applicable Fees

There is an $18 fee to update the name on your vehicle title. If applying in person, you can pay by cash, check, or credit card. Fees are subject to change, so verify the current fee schedule with the Georgia DOR.

Receive Your Updated Title and Registration

Once your application is processed, the Georgia DOR will issue a new vehicle title and registration reflecting your updated name.

Here is the process for changing your name on your Voter Registration in Georgia.

Online Update

You can update your voter registration online using the Georgia Online Voter Registration System. To complete the process, you’ll need your Georgia driver’s license or state ID number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

By Mail

Download and complete the Voter Registration Application from the Georgia Secretary of State’s website. Indicate your new name on the form and mail it to your local County Board of Elections. Ensure the form is postmarked at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote under your new name.

In Person

Visit your local County Board of Elections office or designated locations like public libraries to submit your name change in person. You must update your registration at least 30 days before an election to avoid any issues.

Important Deadlines

Make sure to update your voter registration as soon as your name change is official and at least 30 days before an election to ensure your information is up to date. Once processed, you’ll receive a new Voter Precinct Card, which confirms your polling location and representative districts.

• Social Security Administration
• Passport 
• Postal Service

Criminal Background Check: If you are an adult petitioning for a name change, you may need to undergo a criminal background check. This helps ensure that the name change is not being requested to evade law enforcement or creditors.

Consent Requirements: For minors, both parents typically need to consent to the name change. If one parent does not consent, the court will consider whether the change is in the child’s best interest.

Court Discretion: The court has the discretion to deny a name change request if it believes the change is being requested for fraudulent or misleading purposes.

Notification Requirements: You may need to notify certain parties of your name change, such as creditors, employers, and schools.

Impact on Legal Documents: A name change will require updating all legal documents, including your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and any other identification or financial documents.

Restrictions on Frequency: While there are no specific limits on how often you can change your name, multiple name changes may raise suspicion and could be scrutinized by the court.

Legal Status: If you have any pending legal actions, such as bankruptcy or criminal charges, the court may consider these when reviewing your petition.

Debt and Financial Obligations: Changing your name does not absolve you of any existing debts or financial obligations. Creditors must still be able to track you, and you are required to notify them of your name change.

Immigration Status: If you are not a U.S. citizen, changing your name could affect your immigration status or documentation. It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney before proceeding