After reporting your new name to the SSA, go to a DHSMV center in Florida and apply for an updated driver`s license. They will ask you to provide an original or certified copy of the following documents: Florida law requires certain things before you can apply for a name change (for an adult) and/or during the name change process in Florida. These requirements include: There is no fee for a Florida Social Security name change. Are you considering adopting a new surname after marriage? If you live in the Sunshine State (or any other state), the legal process may seem anything but sunny. We know you have tons of questions like “Where do I start a name change in Florida?”, “How much does a name change in Florida cost?” and “What Florida name change forms do I need?” That`s why we`ve created this comprehensive guide. Now it`s time to visit the DHSMV, as a Florida driver`s license name change must be done in person. Find your local office in DMV.org. Are you stressed about gathering all those name change forms in Florida yourself? Remember: you don`t have to. If you`re okay with a slightly higher cost of rename, buy a HitchSwitch package and put the entire organization in someone else`s hands. IMPORTANT NOTICE: For name change actions involving a minor, courts generally obtain the written consent of each adult who retains legal rights over the minor. Therefore, the applicant must notify each of these parties directly (notification of proceedings).
Once you have assembled your name change package using Form DS-11, head to the nearest acceptance facility to complete the application process. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) cannot update the name on your driver`s license unless you have reported the new name to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Therefore, before proceeding, you must submit the Social Security card application to the SSA and obtain a new Social Security card. A Florida Name Change Form is a document used to legally request a name change for a person residing in the state. These forms can be used by an adult who wants to change their own name or by an adult who is trying to change the name of a child in their care. All observations are filed with a clerk of the district court operating in the district of residence of the applicant. Once the application is processed, a hearing is scheduled at which a judge considers the applicant`s reason for the application for a change of name or the application for a change of name for his child. The judge then decides whether or not to grant the request. When completing your marriage certificate application, enter a new surname in the general personal information of the spouse box. You will then need to enter your maiden name in the next available field. This process will inform the court of your intention to change your name.
Once your marriage is legal, the original marriage certificate or a copy certified by the court is enough to prove that your name has changed. If you`re less of a handyman and prefer a seasoned professional to guide you through a legal name change in Florida, we highly recommend HitchSwitch. The name change service specializes in simplifying the legal process. Best of all, its packages start at just $39 (which is so worth the price of time you save). While company employees can`t wait for you in DMV lines (too bad, we know), they give you exactly the forms you need for your condition, and even automatically fill out the paperwork for you. In addition, they are ready and happy to answer any important questions specific to Florida. Unless you`re trying to get your old name back, you`ll need to submit a state and country fingerprint-based background check to district court. Contact the Ministry of Public Prosecutions to find a law enforcement agency or service provider authorized to transmit electronic fingerprints to the ministry. Then, go to the agency or service provider to have your fingerprints registered. Both background checks require payment of a processing fee (contact the agency in advance to determine the amount). Attend your hearing on the agreed date.
Be sure to provide the final verdict on the (adult) name change. When your file number is called, provide the judge with the final judgment form and answer any questions they may have. If the judge grants your request for a name change, they will sign the final judgment form and send it back to you. Complete the process by filing the final judgment with a court clerk and requesting certified true copies (additional fees may apply). Make multiple copies of the form and keep them for your personal records. You can easily update your voter registration documents at any time to reflect a name change. You can submit the change to RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov via an online application, but you will need your DHSMV driver`s license or Florida ID card. You can also make the change with your district returning officer.
A hearing on the name change petition may be held immediately after it is submitted. If the court determines that the legal requirements have been met and there is no reason to dismiss your claim, the final judgment (“order”) will be made by the court. After that, you are free to adopt your new name. Whether you`re tackling the task alone or have HitchSwitch by your side, here`s a look at surname changes in Florida after marriage. Indicate your desire to change your name during the divorce court proceedings. In the dissolution documents, there will be a paragraph that will be used for this purpose. When your divorce is finalized, you will receive a divorce decree that can be used as a legal document of your name change. However, this process only applies if you reset your name to the name used before you got married. If you change your name to a name other than your previous name, you will need to submit the standard documentation for an adult name change (see below). Unless you attempt to restore the child`s previous name, you and the other parent (if applicable) must file a state fingerprint and criminal background check with the district court.