Affidavit for Name Change: 3 Practical Examples

Understanding Affidavits for Name Change

Affidavits for name change are legal documents that serve as sworn statements, providing evidence of a person’s intention to change their name. These affidavits are often required by courts or government agencies to formalize the name change process. Below are three practical examples that illustrate different contexts in which an affidavit for name change may be used.

Example 1: Affidavit for Minor Name Change

In situations where a child’s name is being changed, a parent or guardian may need to submit an affidavit. This document can be required by schools or government agencies to update records.

I, [Your Name], residing at [Your Address], being duly sworn, do hereby affirm and state the following:

1. I am the parent/guardian of [Child’s Current Full Name], born on [Child’s Birth Date].
2. I wish to change my child’s name to [Child’s New Full Name].
3. The reason for this name change is [provide reason, e.g., to reflect a new family structure or correct a spelling error].
4. I understand that this affidavit may be used in legal proceedings to support the name change request.

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Date: [Date]
Signature: ____________________
**Notary Public:** ____________________

Notes: Ensure that both parents or guardians sign the affidavit if applicable, and have it notarized to verify authenticity.

Example 2: Affidavit for Adult Name Change for Marriage

An adult who changes their name due to marriage can use this affidavit to update legal documents. This is often necessary for identification and financial records.

I, [Your Name], residing at [Your Address], being duly sworn, do hereby affirm and state the following:

1. I was born with the name [Your Birth Name].
2. I am now married to [Spouse’s Name], and we were married on [Marriage Date].
3. I wish to change my name to [Your New Name] to reflect my marital status.
4. This affidavit is provided to facilitate the process of updating my name on all legal documents, including my driver’s license, social security card, and bank accounts.

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Date: [Date]
Signature: ____________________
**Notary Public:** ____________________

Notes: Attach a copy of the marriage certificate to the affidavit to support the name change request.

Example 3: Affidavit for Name Change Due to Personal Reasons

Individuals seeking to change their name for personal reasons—such as reclaiming a birth name or separating from a previous identity—may use this affidavit.

I, [Your Name], residing at [Your Address], being duly sworn, do hereby affirm and state the following:

1. I was born with the name [Your Birth Name].
2. I wish to change my name to [Your New Name] for personal reasons, including [provide brief explanation, e.g., cultural reasons, personal identity].
3. This affidavit is intended to serve as a formal declaration of my intent to change my name legally.
4. I understand that this affidavit may be presented to governmental bodies or legal authorities as needed.

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Date: [Date]
Signature: ____________________
**Notary Public:** ____________________

Notes: It may be beneficial to include any supporting documentation that validates the reason for the name change, such as court orders or personal statements.