How to Change Your Name in Colorado

If you want to change your name in Colorado after marriage, you can typically initiate this process when submitting your marriage license. However, it’s advisable to check with your county clerk, as procedures and regulations can vary between counties.

Once married, your marriage certificate becomes the primary legal document for your name change. Upon filing your marriage license at the county courthouse, you can expect to receive a certified copy of your marriage certificate by mail within approximately two weeks. This certified copy can then be used to update your name with various agencies, institutions, and businesses.

In Colorado, changing your name after a divorce is a straightforward process. The name change request can be included in the divorce decree. If the judge approves, the name change becomes official when the decree is signed. You’ll need to update your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and other important documents to reflect your new name. Obtain certified copies of the divorce decree to present as legal proof of your name change. This ensures all your records and identification match your new name, helping you transition smoothly to your post-divorce identity.

To change your name via petition in Colorado, you’ll need to file a Petition for a Change of Name in the county where you reside. The petition must include your current name, the new name you desire, and the reasons for the change. You may also need to undergo a background check. Once filed, a court hearing will be scheduled, where a judge will review your petition. If the judge approves your request, they will sign an Order Granting Name Change. You’ll then use this court order to update your name on official documents like your Social Security card, driver’s license, and passport.

To change the name of a minor in Colorado, a parent or guardian must file a Petition for Change of Name of a Child in the county where the child resides. The petition must include the child’s current name, the desired new name, and the reasons for the change. Both parents typically need to consent, but if one parent does not agree, the court may still grant the change if it is in the child’s best interest. A court hearing will be scheduled, and if the judge approves, they will sign an Order Granting Name Change. This order is then used to update the child’s official documents.

Here is the process for changing the name on your Colorado driver’s license.

1. Update Your Name with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

Before you can update your name on your Colorado driver’s license, you must first update it with the SSA. This is important because the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) verifies your name change with the SSA before processing your request. Wait at least 24 hours after making the update with the SSA.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Gather the following documents:

• Your current Colorado driver’s license or ID card.
• Proof of your legal name change, such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
• Proof of Colorado residency (if you’re updating a REAL ID), which could include utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements.

3. Visit a Colorado DMV Office

You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person to complete the name change process. This cannot be done online or by mail. When visiting, bring all the required documents.

4. Pay the Required Fee

There is a fee to update your driver’s license or ID card. For example, the fee for a standard driver’s license update is approximately $30.87, which is subject to change. Fees may vary depending on the type of license or ID.

5. Receive Your Updated License

After submitting your documents and paying the fee, you will receive a temporary paper license. Your permanent, updated driver’s license will be mailed to you within 30 days.

Here is the process for changing the name on your Vehicle and Title Registration in Colorado.

Prepare the Required Documents

You will need the following documents:

• Your current Colorado vehicle title.
• A completed Statement of Fact (Form DR 2444).
• Proof of your legal name change, such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
• Proof of insurance.

Visit a Colorado DMV Office

You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person to update your name on your vehicle title and registration. This process cannot be done online or by mail.

Pay the Applicable Fees

In Colorado, a fee is charged for issuing a corrected vehicle title and registration. The exact fee varies by county, so check with your local DMV office for specific amounts.

Receive Your Updated Title and Registration

Once your application is processed, the DMV will issue a corrected vehicle title and registration reflecting your new name.

Here is the process for changing your name on your Voter Registration in Colorado.

Online Update

You can update your voter registration online through the Colorado Online Voter Registration System. You’ll need your Colorado driver’s license or state ID card number to complete the update.

By Mail

If you prefer, you can download the Voter Registration Form from the Colorado Secretary of State’s website. Fill out the form with your new name and mail it to your county clerk and recorder’s office.

In Person

Visit your local county clerk and recorder’s office or a voter service and polling center to update your registration in person. You can also update your name while renewing your driver’s license at a Colorado DMV office.

Important Deadlines

Ensure your name change is updated by the registration deadline, which is typically eight days before an election if you want to receive your ballot by mail. You can still register to vote in person through Election Day.

• Social Security Administration
• Passport 
• Postal Service

Criminal Background Check: If you are an adult petitioning for a name change, you may need to undergo a criminal background check. This helps ensure that the name change is not being requested to evade law enforcement or creditors.

Consent Requirements: For minors, both parents typically need to consent to the name change. If one parent does not consent, the court will consider whether the change is in the child’s best interest.

Court Discretion: The court has the discretion to deny a name change request if it believes the change is being requested for fraudulent or misleading purposes.

Notification Requirements: You may need to notify certain parties of your name change, such as creditors, employers, and schools.

Impact on Legal Documents: A name change will require updating all legal documents, including your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and any other identification or financial documents.

Restrictions on Frequency: While there are no specific limits on how often you can change your name, multiple name changes may raise suspicion and could be scrutinized by the court.

Legal Status: If you have any pending legal actions, such as bankruptcy or criminal charges, the court may consider these when reviewing your petition.

Debt and Financial Obligations: Changing your name does not absolve you of any existing debts or financial obligations. Creditors must still be able to track you, and you are required to notify them of your name change.

Immigration Status: If you are not a U.S. citizen, changing your name could affect your immigration status or documentation. It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney before proceeding.