In North Carolina, the process for legally changing your name is governed by Chapter 101 of the North Carolina General Statutes. If you are an adult (age 18 or older), you must file a petition for name change in the county where you reside, typically with the clerk of the superior court in the civil division.
The petition must include:
- Your current name
- The name you wish to adopt
- Your reason for the change
- An affirmation that the change is not being sought for fraudulent purposes
You must also submit:
- A certified copy of your birth certificate
- A sworn affidavit stating whether you have any outstanding judgments, liens, or criminal convictions
If you were born outside North Carolina, the court may require additional documentation to establish identity and eligibility.
Once your petition is reviewed and approved—often without a formal hearing unless objections arise—the clerk will issue an order authorizing the name change. You can then use this to update your Social Security records, driver’s license, and other legal documents.
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 101-5:
- If you've previously changed your name (via marriage, divorce, or a prior petition), you may need to provide certified records of that change.
- If you've been convicted of certain crimes (e.g., fraud or identity theft), the court may deny the request or require more scrutiny.
For transgender or nonbinary individuals: Surgery is not required for a name change, but the same petition process applies.
Once granted, you should obtain several certified copies of the court order to update records with the DMV, banks, voter registration, passport office, etc. The process is routine, but any errors or omissions can cause delays, so it’s important to follow all steps carefully.
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I want to change my name.
I understand you're looking to change your name. Have you already decided on the new name you would like to use?
Yes.
In which state or country are you currently residing? Name change laws can vary depending on your location.
North Carolina.
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you?
No.
Good afternoon and welcome to AskaLawyer. I will try to give some thoughts...
Thanks.
In North Carolina, the process for legally changing your name is governed by Chapter 101 of the North Carolina General Statutes. If you are an adult (age 18 or older), you must file a petition for name change in the county where you reside, typically with the clerk of the superior court in the civil division.
The petition must include:
- Your current name
- The name you wish to adopt
- Your reason for the change
- An affirmation that the change is not being sought for fraudulent purposes
You must also submit:
- A certified copy of your birth certificate
- A sworn affidavit stating whether you have any outstanding judgments, liens, or criminal convictions
If you were born outside North Carolina, the court may require additional documentation to establish identity and eligibility.
Once your petition is reviewed and approved—often without a formal hearing unless objections arise—the clerk will issue an order authorizing the name change. You can then use this to update your Social Security records, driver’s license, and other legal documents.
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 101-5:
- If you've previously changed your name (via marriage, divorce, or a prior petition), you may need to provide certified records of that change.
- If you've been convicted of certain crimes (e.g., fraud or identity theft), the court may deny the request or require more scrutiny.
For transgender or nonbinary individuals: Surgery is not required for a name change, but the same petition process applies.
Once granted, you should obtain several certified copies of the court order to update records with the DMV, banks, voter registration, passport office, etc. The process is routine, but any errors or omissions can cause delays, so it’s important to follow all steps carefully.
Does that make sense?
Yes.
And you’re very welcome.
