Steps to Take After a Court-Granted Name Change in Florida

Obtain Certified Copies of the Judgment

You'll need certified copies of the court's final judgment reflecting your name change. These will be essential for updating your official documents.

You can request certified copies from the clerk of the court where your name change petition was filed.

Update Your Official Documents

Here's a breakdown of the key documents you'll need to update:

• Social Security Administration (SSA): Contact the SSA to change your name on your Social Security card. Bring a certified copy of the court order, along with acceptable identification (such as a driver's license or passport).

• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV): Visit your local FLHSMV office to change your name on your driver's license. Bring the certified court order and your current driver's license. You may need to pay a fee.

• U.S. Passport: If you have a passport, contact the U.S. Department of State to update your name. You will need to submit an Application for a U.S. Passport (Form DS-82) along with the certified court order and your current passport.

• Birth Certificate: Contact your local vital records office.

• Marriage Certificate (if applicable): Contact the county clerk where the marriage license was issued.

• Voter Registration: Contact your local elections office.

• Professional Licenses: Contact the licensing board for each license you hold.

• Financial Institutions: Update your name with banks, credit unions, and credit card companies.

• Insurance Companies: Update your name with all insurance providers.

• Utility Companies: Update your name with electric, water, gas, and other utility providers.

• Employment: Inform your employer of your name change.

• Military Records (if applicable): Contact the appropriate military branch.

• Tax Records: Update your name with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and your state's tax agency.

Additional Tips

• Keep copies of your court order and all updated documents for your records.

• Notify friends, family, and employers of your name change.

• Consider setting up mail forwarding to ensure you don't miss important documents.

• Be patient, as some agencies may take longer than others to process your name change.