Changing your name is a major life decision, and the process often requires legal documentation. One of the most important is the affidavit of name change, a sworn statement confirming your old and new name. Whether you’re changing your name after marriage, correcting an error on a birth certificate, or updating documents for your child, this affidavit plays a vital role. In this article, we’ll cover what it is, when you need it, how to write it, and how to notarize or Apostille it with NotaryPublic24.
What is an Affidavit of Name Change?
An affidavit of name change is a legal document in which an individual declares that they have changed or wish to change their legal name. It is often required by banks, schools, government agencies, and other institutions to update official records.
The affidavit typically includes:
- Your current legal name
- Your desired new name
- Reason for the name change
- Supporting details (such as date of birth, ID, or parent’s details for minors)
- Your sworn statement, signed and often notarized
For more guidance, you can review U.S. Courts on name changes, UK Government name change by deed poll, Germany’s Federal Ministry of Justice, or Spain’s Ministry of Justice.
Why is an Affidavit of Name Change Important?
This affidavit acts as legal proof of your name change. Without it, you may face difficulties updating official documents like passports, driver’s licenses, and bank records.
For minors, an affidavit for name change of minor is often required along with parental consent. In many cases, a notarized affidavit of name change is mandatory to confirm authenticity.
At NotaryPublic24, you can create a valid affidavit of name change form using our affidavit form template, notarize it online, and even request an Apostille for international recognition.
Affidavit of Name Change Forms and Templates
Several variations of the change of name affidavit exist depending on your situation. Choosing and creating the right form is important to ensure that it will be accepted by the authority or institution you submit it to.
1. Affidavit of Name Change Form
This is the general-purpose form used for most name change requests. It includes your old and new name, the reason for the change, and supporting information such as your date of birth or government-issued ID. It is widely used for routine updates like marriage-related name changes or correcting personal records.
2. Affidavit for Change of Name in Bank Account
Banks and financial institutions typically require this affidavit to update your records. Without it, your new name may not match your existing account details, leading to problems with transactions, checks, or official correspondence. A notarized affidavit is almost always required to prove the legitimacy of the change.
3. Affidavit for Change of Name in Birth Certificate
If your name was misspelled or recorded incorrectly at birth, or if you are seeking to legally update a child’s birth records, this affidavit is essential. Authorities may ask for this in addition to supporting evidence like a hospital certificate, court order, or parental consent.
4. Affidavit for Name Change of Minor
When a minor’s name is being changed, parents or guardians must sign an affidavit giving consent. This form ensures that the change is legally documented and prevents disputes. It often accompanies other legal filings in family court or government offices.
5. Affidavit of Name Change Template
A template provides a pre-structured format that you can fill in with your personal details. This option is best for those who want to draft a valid affidavit quickly without hiring an attorney. Templates can be tailored for specific scenarios such as property records, school enrollments, or official identifications.
With NotaryPublic24’s form creator, you can create any type of affidavit you need, enter your information, and instantly download a change of name affidavit that is legally valid. You can also add digital signing, notarization, translation, or Apostille services in one simple flow if required.
How to Write an Affidavit of Name Change
Writing an affidavit of name change sample should follow a clear structure:
- Title – “Affidavit of Name Change.”
- Personal Details – full name, date of birth, and address.
- Old and New Name – clearly state the name you are abandoning and the name you are adopting.
- Reason for Change – marriage, divorce, correction, adoption, or personal choice.
- Declaration – a sworn statement confirming accuracy.
- Signature – signed before a Notary Public if required.
You can avoid mistakes by using NotaryPublic24’s affidavit template, already formatted to meet legal standards.
How to Fill Out an Affidavit Regarding a Change of Name
When completing your draft affidavit for change of name, be sure to:
- Use your full legal details exactly as they appear on current IDs.
- Double-check spelling of both old and new names.
- Provide supporting documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate, court order if applicable).
- Sign only in the presence of a Notary Public if notarization is required.
Do I Need to Notarize My Affidavit of Name Change?
Yes, in most cases. Banks, government agencies, and international institutions often require a notarized affidavit of name change to confirm identity and prevent fraud.
If the affidavit is to be used internationally — for example, to update records abroad — you may also need an Apostille for it to be legally recognized in Hague Convention countries.
With NotaryPublic24, you can notarize online in just minutes and request an Apostille at the same time.
How to Get an Affidavit of Name Change
You can typically obtain an affidavit of name change form by:
- Court or Legal Offices – Some courts provide templates.
- NotaryPublic24 – Choose the form you need, fill in your details, and get a valid affidavit instantly.
At NotaryPublic24, you can also add notarization, translation, and Apostille services at checkout, making the process seamless from start to finish.
When Might You Need an Affidavit of Name Change?
- After Marriage or Divorce – to adopt a new surname or revert to a maiden name.
- Bank Account Updates – to reflect your legal name on financial records.
- Birth Certificate Corrections – for correcting spelling mistakes or adding missing details.
- Minor’s Name Change – with parental or guardian approval.
- Immigration and Visa Applications – where consistent identification is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an affidavit of name change?
It’s a legal document declaring your old and new name, often required for updating official records.
How to get an affidavit of name change?
With NotaryPublic24, select the right template, fill it in, and download a valid form instantly.
Where to get affidavit of name change?
You can get it from courts or online services like NotaryPublic24, which also offers notarization and Apostille.
How to fill out affidavit regarding a change of name?
Provide your old and new names, reason for change, and supporting details, then sign and notarize it.
Do I need to notarize my affidavit of name change?
Yes, most institutions require notarization, and for international use, an Apostille may also be needed.
Conclusion
An affidavit of name change is essential for ensuring your new identity is legally recognized by banks, schools, courts, and government institutions. Whether you are changing your name after marriage, correcting a birth certificate, or updating your child’s records, this document provides the proof you need.
With NotaryPublic24, you can easily create, notarize, and Apostille your affidavit of name change online — saving time, money, and stress.
Start your affidavit of name change today with NotaryPublic24.
