Writing a Simple Name Change Notification Letter (with Sample)
Use this sample name change notification letter as a template for your formal notification letter.
Last updated on June 30th, 2022
When a person changes his or her name, whether it is through marriage or through a court order, it is important for them to send a name change notification letter to any personal, businesses or government organization contacts. The most common reasons for changing a name are adoption, marriage and divorce.
The bride or groom does not need a court order to change a name when they get married. The new last name should be written on the marriage license and marriage certificate. For a divorce, the judge can usually give the woman her maiden name by putting it on the Decree of Dissolution.
Official Paperwork
The person should make sure they have the official paperwork about the name change, including court papers, marriage certificate and divorce decree before writing a notification letter. Waiting will also help the person preserve his or her good credit history that was built-up under their old name.
The bride or groom does not need a court order to change a name when they get married. The new last name should be written on the marriage license and marriage certificate. For a divorce, the judge can usually give the woman her maiden name by putting it on the Decree of Dissolution.
Official Paperwork
The person should make sure they have the official paperwork about the name change, including court papers, marriage certificate and divorce decree before writing a notification letter. Waiting will also help the person preserve his or her good credit history that was built-up under their old name.
If a couple wants to travel internationally immediately after their wedding, and they do not have the official documents, they should book tickets using the maiden name that is on the passport.
Protect Against Identity Theft
Some states require that a name change be filed in court. This is mainly to protect against identity theft. In some states, it is required to advertise a new name in the newspaper. The person can find his or her state’s protocol on the state government’s official website.
Protect Against Identity Theft
Some states require that a name change be filed in court. This is mainly to protect against identity theft. In some states, it is required to advertise a new name in the newspaper. The person can find his or her state’s protocol on the state government’s official website.
Friends and family may be notified on social media or with a personal phone call, but official documents such as bank statements, medical records, credit cards and social security cards will continue to have the previous name unless it is officially changed with a name change notification letter.
A letter is the best way to inform employees, customers and officials because most people take a letter more seriously than an email, and a copy of the official name-change notification can be enclosed with the letter. If the person needs to inform a government agency or bank, there may be name change forms that need to be included with the letter.
Many people use their name in their email address. The name change letter should also include a new email address, if applicable. Other places where the name occurs should be changed as well such as:
A letter is the best way to inform employees, customers and officials because most people take a letter more seriously than an email, and a copy of the official name-change notification can be enclosed with the letter. If the person needs to inform a government agency or bank, there may be name change forms that need to be included with the letter.
Many people use their name in their email address. The name change letter should also include a new email address, if applicable. Other places where the name occurs should be changed as well such as:
- Email signature
- Resume
- Website
- Voicemail
- Social media sites
The letter should be short and to-the-point. There is no need to give an explanation of why the name was changed. Once the name change is official, a simple notification is enough.
The previous name should be stated, the account number, for credit card companies, banks and other applicable institutions should be given, along with the new name. If there are any other changes connected to the name change such as a change of email address or street address, this can also be mentioned in the letter.
The main places that should receive a notification letter are:
The previous name should be stated, the account number, for credit card companies, banks and other applicable institutions should be given, along with the new name. If there are any other changes connected to the name change such as a change of email address or street address, this can also be mentioned in the letter.
The main places that should receive a notification letter are:
- The Social Security Administration
- The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles
- The county voter registration department
- The State Department for a passport if applicable
- The insurance company
- The employer
- The school, if applicable
- The doctor, pharmacist, optician, dentist or veterinarian
- The bank
- The local post office
- The utility company
- The credit card companies
- The Veteran Affairs Department, if applicable
Name Change Notification Letter Sample
Below is a sample name change notification letter. It is written in formal business-letter style to a bank. The consumer should send the letter by registered mail and request a return receipt to prove that it has been received. The person should enclose proof of the change of name.
This should be a copy and not the original document. If the bank or other business or official asks to see the original document, it should be taken in person and not sent through the mail.
Name Change Notification Letter Sample
New Name of Person
Address of Person
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Bank Manager
Name of Bank
Address of Bank
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Change of Name for Checking Account Holder ACCOUNT NUMBER
Dear Name of Bank Manager:
This letter is to inform you officially that I have legally changed my name. My previous name that is currently on file in the bank for the above account is PREVIOUS NAME.
I authorize you to change your records to my legal name: NEW LEGAL NAME. I have enclosed a copy of proof of my name change.
I can be reached at my new Email Address, Phone Number or at the Above Address if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Signature of Person
Printed New Name of Person
List of Enclosures: Proof of Name Change
By Andre Bradley
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