Change Your Legal Name

Whether you're correcting your name, affirming your identity, or updating documents for your child — you have the right to change your legal name. This guide gives you the steps, tools, and confidence to make it happen.

🧍 Adult Name Change (All States)

1. File a Petition for Name Change with your local court (usually civil or probate court)
2. Include proof of identity (ID, birth certificate, SSN)
3. Pay a filing fee (ask about waivers if needed)
4. Attend a short hearing (some states don’t require this)
5. Once approved, get a certified copy of the order to update your ID and records

👶 Name Change for a Minor

• Generally requires consent from both parents or legal notice to the other parent
• File in the child's home county
• Same forms and proof of ID needed as adult cases

⚧️ Gender Marker Update (Optional)

Want to change the "M" or "F" on your ID, Social Security record, or birth certificate? Most states now allow you to change it with a simple form, doctor's letter, or court order. Sovereign Academy will soon have full guides and forms ready.

📎 Coming Soon

• Petition for Name Change (template)
• Gender marker update letter sample
• 50-state filing instructions PDF

💡 Tip

Make multiple certified copies of your court order — you'll need them for the DMV, SSA, banks, and more.