Name Changes in North Carolina
Lawyers Handling Name Changes in NC
Changing Your Name in North Carolina? We're Here to Help.
Are you ready to legally claim the name that feels like yours? Whether it’s part of a new chapter in life, a reflection of your true self, or a necessary change after a major life event, the process of legally changing your name in North Carolina can feel daunting. But you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At Anderson Legal, we can help guide individuals through the complexities of name changes, including those related to legally changing your full, first and/or last name. And it’s not just something we’ve watched: some of our team members have been through this process themselves. We understand firsthand what’s needed, what it can feel like, and we’re here to ensure your experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
From understanding the required paperwork to representing you in court if needed, we handle the legal details so you can focus on what matters most—embracing the name YOU choose.
We proudly serve clients across Cary, Raleigh, Apex, Holly Springs, Durham, Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, Pittsboro, Hillsborough, Morrisville, Knightdale, Clayton, Zebulon, and Garner.
Let us help you take this important step with confidence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started.
Documents You'll Need
For a Change After Marriage or Divorce
- Marriage certificate
- Photo ID
For a Full Name Change Process
- Fingerprint Cards (also known as FD-258 Fingerprint Cards)
- State of NC Background Check
- Federal Background Check (through the FBI)
- 2 Affidavits of Character from people unrelated to you, who have known you for 6 months or more, and who live in your county.
- Post a Notice of Intent to Change Name (File Stamped and Publicly Posted with 10 days notice)
- Application for Adult Name Change
- Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
- Photo ID that shows your residency (if your photo ID doesn’t prove residency, a bill with your local address can be substituted)
- Filing fee ($120) in cash or certified check
How Long Does a Full Name Change Take?
Legally changing your name requires many steps and confirmations along the way. It can feel tedious, and even overwhelming, but it also provides many layers of protection to help ensure you keep control of your identity. Here’s a ballpark of what to expect the timeline to be when you want to change your name:
- 1-2 weeks to secure appointment for Fingerprinting and to get your Fingerprint Cards
- 20 days for State Background Check filing to process. This must be filed by mail – note you will need to send a money order, so allow time to get one from a bank or grocery store.
- 15 days for the Federal Background Check with FBI to process
- 1-2 days for your Affidavits of Character – these must be notarized, as well.
- 1 day to process your Notice of Intent to Change Name at the Courthouse.
- 10 days for the Notice of Intent to Change Name to be visible and posted.
- 1 day to complete the Application for Adult Name Change.
- 1 day+ to submit all documents at the Courthouse, and learn the current estimated waiting period and collect your filing fee. This could be several weeks or more.
For planning purposes, it’s wise to anticipate that the whole process will take roughly 3-4 months.
Our team at Anderson Legal will be by your side, helping you avoid missed steps or battling confusing forms or rules. We’ll ensure you know exactly what to do, where to go, and help you navigate the complexities of the system every step of the way.
When it’s time for a name change, trust the caring and experienced team at Anderson Legal to make the experience as easy as possible. Contact us today for your free consultation.
