How to Change Your Name in North Carolina

If you’re looking to change your name in North Carolina 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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina driver’s license.

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

Before you can change your name on your North Carolina driver’s license, you must first update your name with the SSA. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) verifies your new name through the SSA, so your name must be updated there first. Allow 24-36 hours after updating with the SSA before visiting the NCDMV.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Gather the following documents:

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

3. Visit a North Carolina DMV Office

• To complete the name change, you must visit an NCDMV office in person. This process cannot be done online or by mail.
• Bring all required documents. There is a fee for the updated driver’s license or ID card.

4. Receive Your Updated License

After submitting your documents and paying the fee, the NCDMV will issue a new driver’s license or ID card reflecting your updated name. You must notify the NCDMV of your name change within 60 days of the legal change.

Here is the process for changing the name on your vehicle and title registration in North Carolina.

1. Prepare the Required Documents

Gather the following:

• Your updated North Carolina driver’s license with your new name.
• The original vehicle title.
• Proof of your legal name change, such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
• A completed and notarized Corrected or Substituted Title Application (Form MVR-5).
• If there are any liens on your vehicle, you must also provide a lien release.
• Payment for the title correction fee.

2. Visit a Local NCDMV Office or Mail Your Application

• You can either visit a North Carolina DMV office in person or mail the required documents to the NCDMV’s Title and Registration section. This process cannot be done online.
• If your vehicle is less than ten years old, include the odometer reading on Form MVR-5.

3. Receive Your Updated Title and Registration

• Once your application is processed, the NCDMV will mail you the updated vehicle title and registration.

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

Online Update

• Currently, you cannot change your name online through North Carolina’s voter registration platform. However, if you are also updating your driver’s license or ID, you can complete a voter registration application at a self-service kiosk at an NCDMV office.

By Mail

• Download and complete the North Carolina Voter Registration Application from the State Board of Elections website. Make sure to indicate your new legal name in the relevant section of the form.
• Mail the completed form to your local County Board of Elections. Your updated registration must be received by the board at least 25 days before an election.

In Person

• Visit your local County Board of Elections office or any Early Voting site during the 17-day Early Voting period. You can update your name in person without needing additional proof of the name change.
• Alternatively, you can update your name by using the change form on your voter registration card or by sending a written statement with your old and new names to the County Board of Elections.

Important Deadlines

Ensure your updated registration is submitted at least 25 days before an election to vote under your new name. If you miss this deadline, you can still update your registration during the Early Voting period at designated sites.

• 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.