Reno Name Change Lawyers

At Surratt Law Practice, we are here to help individuals in Reno, Sparks, and other cities in Washoe County legally change their names. Although the process can be complicated, the affirmation it provides is invaluable. A correct name is also crucial for matters involving driver’s licenses and identification, bank accounts, medical records, leases, and much more. In the past, we have guided transgender individuals as they corrected their legal name and gender marker and counseled those who had been divorced as they changed their names. Let our experienced team serve you. 

Ready to Legally Change Your Name? Don't navigate the process alone! Contact us at (775) 924-1306 to schedule a consultation and get the legal support you need.

Steps to Request a Legal Name Change in Nevada

For a person to legally alter their name in Nevada, they must complete the following four steps: 

1. Complete a Petition: The petition should include a person’s old name, new name, and why they are petitioning. It should also include any details about a person’s criminal record.
2. File the Petition with the District Court: After drafting a petition, the petitioner must submit it to the appropriate district court and pay the filing fee.
3. Publish Notice: The petitioner sometimes must publish notice of their name change in a newspaper.
4. Finalizing the Name Change: If applicable, a petitioner should send proof of publication to the court once the notice is published. Judges will finalize name changes with a court order.

Do Transgender Individuals Need to Publish Notice for Name Changes in Nevada?

Parents of transgender children and transgender adults might worry about the requirement to publish notice of a name change and how it could affect the safety and well-being of their child or themselves. 

Fortunately, Nevada makes exceptions to this requirement. 

Transgender adults typically do not have to make public notice of a name change so long as they assert in their petition that it is related to their gender identity. 

If both parents consent to a child’s name change, they do not have to publish notice.

How to Update Your Driver’s License After a Name Change

The first step when updating a driver’s license after a legal name change is requesting a new social security card through the Social Security Administration. 

After completing this step, a person should visit a Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location with the following:

• New social security card.
• Current license.
• The court order authorizing the name change.
• The state’s application for driving privileges.

Individuals can then update their names and select the correct gender marker: “M” (male), “F” (female), and “X” (non-binary). 

Steps to Apply for an Updated Birth Certificate in Nevada

To apply for an updated birth certificate, one must submit two notarized affidavits to the Nevada Office of Vital Records and Statistics. The first should be from the applicant or a parent/guardian and include the correct name and gender. 

The second can be either:

• A statement from someone who knows the applicant and can certify the corrections. 
• Or a document affirming the change, such as the court order. 

After receiving and reviewing these affidavits, the office will update and issue a corrected birth certificate. 

How a Name Change Affects Your Legal Documents

Once your name change is legally approved, you’ll need to update various documents and records to reflect your new name. Here are the key areas to address:

Updating Your Social Security Card

• The first step is to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA).
• You must complete Form SS-5 and submit it along with your court order, identification, and proof of citizenship (if required).
• The SSA will issue a new card with your updated name while keeping your Social Security number the same.

Changing Your Passport and Travel Documents

• If you have a passport, you’ll need to apply for a name change through the U.S. Department of State.
• The process depends on how long ago your passport was issued and may require a new passport photo, fees, and additional documents.
• Airline tickets must match your legal name, so update your frequent flyer programs and travel bookings accordingly.

Updating Your Bank Accounts and Credit Cards

• Visit your bank with your court order and updated identification to change the name on your accounts.
• Notify your credit card companies, loan providers, and insurance companies to ensure consistency in financial records.

Correcting Your Employment Records and Payroll

• Inform your employer’s HR department to update your payroll, benefits, and tax records.
• Update retirement accounts, health insurance, and work-related licenses or certifications.

Can a Name Change Be Denied?

In some cases, a court may reject a name change request. Here’s why:

Reasons a Court Might Reject a Name Change Petition

• The name change is intended for fraudulent purposes (e.g., avoiding debt or criminal prosecution).
• The requested name is offensive, misleading, or inappropriate.
• There is evidence that the change could harm another person (e.g., custody disputes).

Criminal History and Name Change Restrictions

• Individuals with certain criminal convictions may face restrictions on name changes.
• Those on probation, parole, or sex offender registries may have additional legal hurdles.

Steps to Take if Your Petition Is Denied

• You can request a reconsideration or provide additional documentation to justify the change.
• In some cases, appealing the decision may be an option if you believe the denial was unfair.

How Long Does the Name Change Process Take in Nevada?

The timeline for legally changing your name varies based on several factors:

Typical Processing Times

• Most name changes take 6 to 12 weeks from filing the petition to receiving a court order.
• If the court requires a hearing, the process may take longer.

Delays Due to Court Schedules or Publication Requirements

• Court backlogs or missed paperwork can cause delays.
• If a name change requires public notice in a newspaper, this can add a few weeks to the process.

Expedited Options for Urgent Name Changes

• In special cases, such as safety concerns or immigration deadlines, you may request an expedited hearing.
• Some judges may approve emergency name changes if there’s a valid reason for urgency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Name Changes in Nevada

Do I need a lawyer to change my name?

• No, hiring a lawyer is not required, but it can be helpful—especially if your case is complex or involves objections from another party. A lawyer can ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and represent you in court if needed.

Can I change my name to anything I want?

• Mostly, yes! However, the court may reject names that are fraudulent, offensive, misleading, or intentionally confusing (such as names with symbols or excessive punctuation).

Will my name change automatically update on all my records?

• No, once your name change is approved by the court, you must update your information with various agencies, including the Social Security Administration, DMV, banks, and employer records.

Can I change my child’s last name without the other parent’s permission?

• If both parents share legal custody, both must consent. If the other parent does not agree, you may petition the court, which will decide based on the child’s best interests.

Does changing my name affect my credit score?

• No, your credit history remains the same because it is linked to your Social Security number. However, you should notify credit bureaus to update your file and prevent potential confusion.

Can I change my name back if I regret my decision?

• Yes, but you will need to go through the legal name change process again, including filing a new petition and paying the necessary fees.

Do I need to update my will or legal documents after a name change?

• Yes, it’s important to update your will, power of attorney, and other legal documents to reflect your new name and avoid complications in the future.

Changing Your Legal Name? Contact Surratt Law Practice for Assistance!

For many individuals, legally changing their name can be affirming and empowering. It allows them to align facets of their identity and express their personal beliefs, gender identity, or cultural heritage. It can also provide a feeling of autonomy and validation and give people the fresh start they want. 

At Surratt Law Practice, we know that few things are as meaningful as a person’s name. This is why we work tirelessly to have our clients’ names legally recognized. 

Our Reno name change lawyers can:

• Guide clients through pertinent legal processes.
• Help clients prepare and file necessary documents. 
• Ensure clients adhere to laws and procedures. 
• Advocate for clients should complications arise.

Need Help with a Name Change in Nevada? Whether you're updating your name for personal, legal, or safety reasons, we’re here to guide you. Contact us today at (775) 924-1306 to get started!