Our name tells the story of our lives. We're born into our family's name, go through school and get a driver's license with it, and pass it on to our kids and beyond. It's a core part of who we are and, for legal purposes, important for proving who we are, getting our paycheck, doing our taxes, and so much more. So when it's time to change our names, there's a lot to sort out and people to inform.
In this article, we will talk about how to change your name in South Carolina and also share other useful information that may be of help.
Can I Change My Name Legally in South Carolina?
Of course you can. All you need to do is to formally petition the Family Court. The process involves petitioning the Court with information such as the former and requested name and the reasons for the change, which must be valid and reasonable.
You'll need to fill out SCDMV Form 4057 and Form 447-NC. Bring along documentation of your name change (your certified marriage license or court order) too.
What Are The Reasons to Change My Name?
There are so many reasons you may decide to request a change of name. Some of them are:
- For religious reasons
- After marriage or divorce
- Changing child's surname to mother's or father's.
- If you are a transgender person
- Desire for a Less or more ethnic name
How to Request for a New Name in SC?
If you want to change your name, there is a statutory procedure that must be followed. First, you must file a petition with the family court giving the reason for the name change, your age, place of residence and birth, and the name by which you want to be known. Also, the following things must be attached to the petition:
- The results of a fingerprint and criminal background check by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED);
- A screening from the Department of Social Services (DSS) that shows whether you are on DSS’s registry of child abuse and neglect;
- An affidavit requesting the name change that states whether you're under a court order to pay child support or alimony; and
- A screening statement from SLED that indicates whether you're on SLED’s sex offender registry.
A date would be scheduled for hearing of your petition. If nobody object to your name change. Then within 6 weeks of the date of filing the petition, your new name would take effect.
How Do I Change My Name on My Birth Certificate in SC?
You may change a birth certificate with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) or through a court hearing. Try to make the change through DHEC because the process is easier and costs less. DHEC needs lots of information to make the changes
Conclusion
There you have it. If you live in South Carolina, the process of changing your name is simple and straightforward. All you need to do is to file a name change petition to the family court and attend the hearing, so long as you don't have any objections. Here on our platform, we have sample name change forms that you can review to understand the whole process.
