How To Legally Change Your Name in Colorado
Steps to Change Your Name
1. Identify and Follow the Correct Colorado Legal Name Change Process
Marriage - A Colorado state marriage license serves as proof of a marital name change. You can sign the certificate in your new name once the marriage is finalized, which can then be used to update other documents.
- Divorce - You can request a name change during the divorce and the court will typically grant the request. You can also wait to restore your previous name after the divorce is final.
- Petition for a Change of Name - This generally involves: Filling out a petition and filing it with the court; Verifying the petition by affidavit; Providing your reasons for changing your name; Submitting a criminal history check, at your expense, to the court and disclosing any additional criminal dispositions; Publishing notice of your petition in a local newspaper three times, and filing proof of publication with the court; and attending a court hearing where the court will consider your petition.
2. File the Appropriate Paperwork With Government Agencies
You will need to update your social security card, driver's license and passport. See below for more information about each agency.
3. Provide Updated Information for Non-Government Entities
Contact your bank, insurance company, creditors and similar entities to let them know about your name change.
Name Change Resources for Colorado Residents
- Social Security Card
If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you must tell social security so you can get a corrected card. You cannot apply for a card online, you must fill out an application and turn it into the local social security office. This service is free.
- DMV Name Change
When visiting the DMV, you must bring the letter from the social security administration that verifies your name change or your social security card displaying your new name. You’ll need to bring in a certified name–change document, such as your marriage license or court order.
- Passport
You must have your current passport to apply for a new one. Visit the site above and select ‘passport renewal’ to get the right forms.
If you need help with the legal name change process, do not hesitate to reach out to Knies, Helland & McPherson Law. You may fill out our online form to get started on your case.
-
Highly recommend!
Jeff K. -
The whole law firm in general is amazing to be honest.
Adam J. -
They were extremely professional, and Ezra knew the ins and outs of incorporating military aspects into the divorce.
Former Client
Meet Our Team
The Advocates You Need, The Experience You Can Trust
-
Experience
The partners and attorneys at Knies, Helland & McPherson are seasoned litigators with decades of combined courtroom experience. We help clients transition into the next phase of their life.
-
Clients Come FirstOur Attorneys believe you can part ways with a loved one with dignity and respect, without harming your children. They also believe divorce and mediation can be much less confrontational and toxic, and far less expensive.
-
Personalized ServiceWhen you work with our team, you will get a customized plan that best fits your unique situation. No two cases are the same and our attorneys understand this.
-
Team OrientedAs Mothers and friends, our approach is unique in that we work collectively as a team. Our firm's number one priority is the success of our clients. We strongly believe that the best outcomes come about when we collaborate.