How to Change Your Name in Connecticut

If you’re looking to change your name in Connecticut 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 Connecticut, 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 Connecticut, 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, where 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 Connecticut, 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 your name on your Connecticut Driver’s License.

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

Before updating your name with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you must first update it with the SSA. This ensures that the DMV can verify your new name.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Gather the following documents:

• Your current Connecticut driver’s license or ID card.
• Proof of your legal name change, such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

3. Complete the Name Change Request Form

Fill out the “Change of Name or Name Correction Request” (Form E-78).

4. Visit a Connecticut DMV Office

• You must visit a DMV office in person to complete the name change process. This cannot be done online or by mail.
• Bring all required documents and the completed form. There is a $30 fee for a new driver’s license or ID card with your updated name. Note that this fee can change at any time.

5. Receive Your Updated License

After submitting your documents and paying the fee, you will receive a temporary license or ID card until your new one arrives by mail.

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

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

Before you can update your name on your vehicle title and registration, you must first update your name with the SSA. This step is essential as the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will verify your identity and name change through the SSA.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

You will need:

• The current Connecticut vehicle title.
• A completed Application for Registration and Title (Form H-13B).
• Proof of your legal name change, such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
• Your updated Connecticut driver’s license with your new name.
• Connecticut Insurance Identification Card in the new name(s) of the registered owner(s).

3. Visit a Connecticut DMV Office

To update your name on your vehicle title and registration, you must visit a DMV office in person. This process cannot be completed online or by mail. Make sure to bring all the necessary documents with you.

4. Pay the Applicable Fees

There is a fee for issuing a corrected vehicle title and registration. If you do not surrender your current registration with the old name, there will be an additional $20 duplicate registration fee.

5. Receive Your Updated Title and Registration

After your application is processed and fees are paid, you will receive a corrected vehicle title and registration reflecting your updated name.

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

Online Update

You can update your voter registration online through the Connecticut Online Voter Registration System. You will need a valid Connecticut driver’s license or state ID card to complete the update.

By Mail

Download and complete the Connecticut Voter Registration Application from the Secretary of the State’s website. Indicate your new name on the form and mail it to your local Registrar of Voters.

In Person

You can update your voter registration in person at your local Registrar of Voters office, a DMV office, or other designated voter registration agencies. Bring proof of your name change and identification.

Important Deadlines

Make sure to update your voter registration at least seven days before Election Day. If you miss this deadline, you may still be able to update your information and vote using Election Day Registration.

• 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.