Although changing your name is a significant decision, if you’ve made up your mind that it’s what you want to do, the procedure in Iowa is rather simple. The following information can help you legally alter your name in the Hawkeye State.
You must first submit a petition for a name change. This form is available online at the Iowa Judicial Branch or in hard copy at your neighborhood courthouse. Basic details like your existing name, the name you want to change to, and the rationale behind the change must be provided. Your Social Security number and any details about your criminal past must also be provided.
When the petition is finished, you must file it with the county clerk where you now reside. Additionally, there is a filing fee that varies by county and must be paid. The cost varies between $165 and $185 as of 2021.
The procedure is slightly different if you’re changing your name after getting married. You must complete a marriage certificate and write “name change” in the space provided. Your new name will appear on your marriage certificate once it is submitted to the county recorder’s office, and you can start using it right away.
Last but not least, you can change your name back to your maiden name if you’ve recently gone through a divorce and want to as part of the divorce proceedings. Simply request the name change in your divorce petition, and the judge will add it in the final judgment.
In conclusion, renaming yourself in Iowa is a rather simple procedure. You must complete a petition, pay a filing fee, and submit the petition to the county clerk of court. The procedure is slightly different if you’re changing your name after getting married or if you want to change the name on your birth certificate. Additionally, you can request a name change back to your maiden name in your divorce petition if you do so after getting divorced. Whatever your reason, make sure to take the proper actions to make sure your new name is accepted legally.