How to Change Your Name in Delaware

If you’re looking to change your name in Delaware 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 Delaware, 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 Delaware, 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 Delaware, 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 are the steps to change your name on your Delaware Driver’s License.

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

Before updating your name on your Delaware driver’s license, you must first update it with the SSA. The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires this step as they verify your new name with the SSA database.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Gather the following:

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

3. Visit a Delaware DMV Office

• You must visit a Delaware DMV office in person to complete the name change. This process cannot be done online or by mail.
• Pay the applicable fee (usually around $1.15) for the updated driver’s license or ID card.

4. Receive Your Updated License

After submitting your documents and paying the fee, you will receive a new driver’s license or ID card showing your updated name.

Here are the steps to change your name on your Vehicle and Title Registration in Delaware.

1. Prepare the Required Documents

You will need to gather:

• Your current Delaware vehicle title.
• A completed application for a corrected title. This can be done using the forms provided by the DMV.
• Proof of your legal name change, such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
• Your updated Delaware driver’s license with your new name.
• Proof of Delaware car insurance.

2. Visit a Delaware DMV Office

• To complete the name change on your vehicle title and registration, you must visit a local Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person. This process cannot be done online or by mail.
• If your vehicle has a lien, you will need to coordinate with your lienholder. The lienholder may need to send the title to the DMV for the name change to be processed.

3. Pay the Applicable Fees

In Delaware, a fee is charged for issuing a corrected vehicle title and registration. The fee is typically $35, and additional costs may apply depending on your specific situation.

4. Receive Your Updated Title and Registration

After processing your application and payment, the DMV will issue a corrected vehicle title and registration reflecting your updated name.

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

Online Update

You can update your voter registration online through the Delaware Voter Portal. You’ll need your Delaware driver’s license or state ID number to complete the update.

By Mail

Download and complete the Voter Registration Application from the Delaware Department of Elections website. Fill in your new name on the form and mail it to your local County Department of Elections office.

In Person

You can update your voter registration in person at your local Department of Elections office, a DMV office, or any other designated registration agency. Remember to bring proof of your name change, such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Important Deadlines

Ensure that your updated registration is submitted at least 24 days before an election to ensure your name change is reflected in the voter rolls.

• 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.