LegalZoom vs Name Change Kit for January 2021

Item: LegalZoom vs Name Change Kit
Rating: 5

Wednesday, January 20th

2021 Name Change Service Reviews

LegalZoom

Cost: Starting at $139 for adult name change, $165 for minor name change

TopConsumerReviews.com Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

LegalZoom offers the most comprehensive array of name change services, including options for minors and changes arising from circumstances besides being newly married. You'll have plenty of access to support and can also access legal advice from an independent attorney if needed. LegalZoom is reliable and affordable, and you'll have no problem completing all of the paperwork needed for your name change here. They earn our highest recommendation among providers of name change services.

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Name Change Kit

Cost: From $18.95 to $79.95

Name Change Kit offers several document packages for changing your name: from the traditional bride-takes-the-groom's-surname to families changing names due to adoption and more. You won't find any high-tech features here: you'll either be printing out your documents or having them sent to you in the mail. This company has a good reputation, and their name change services are well-priced, but if you're looking for the convenience of filling out your paperwork online, you'll need to choose one of our higher-ranked providers.

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More Name Change Service Reviews

The 6 Best Name Change Services

Where Can You Get the Most Affordable Help with Legally Changing Your Name?

Whether you've recently married or divorced, adopted a child or gone through some other big change, you'll want to make sure all of your important documents and accounts are updated with the new name.

You probably have already thought of some of the most obvious documents that need to be updated: your driver's license, Social Security card, and bank/credit card accounts. However, there are probably dozens - if not hundreds! - more that haven't crossed your mind. What about professional licensing? Your passport? Vehicle titles and registration? Loyalty programs? Voter registration?

Continue reading below

Name Change Service FAQ

Why do people change their names?

The most common reason for a name change is marriage. Many brides still follow the tradition of taking on their husband's last name. But, there are many other reasons which may include divorce, adoption, or couples who want to hyphenate both of their last names.

Is it expensive to change my name?

No, not usually. Most companies and governmental offices will change your name on their records at no cost. The only exceptions are usually associated with photo IDs, such as your driver's license and passport.

Do I need to go to court first?

You've probably already fulfilled the legal requirements if you're changing your name due to marriage or divorce. On the other hand, if other circumstances apply, you will probably need to appear in court to legally change your name before you can have the new name reflected on your ID and accounts. Those laws vary by state.

I know I need to change my name on my driver's license and Social Security card. Where else?

The list is long! Bank accounts, investments, professional licenses, reward programs, credit cards, streaming services and vehicle title/registration are just a few places you'll need to have your name changed.

Why would I use a name change service? Can't I do it myself?

How much time do you want to spend researching the process and requirements for each place you need to change your name? Name change services have already done that legwork for you. Plus, they give you access to the forms you need and often let you fill out the information one time online - then auto-populate that information on each form you'll submit. Using a name change service saves you time and helps you think of each place you need to register your new name.

Are name change services legitimate?

Definitely! Some of these services have been around for two decades or longer. You can always check out a company's listing with the BBB and look at client reviews for that extra peace of mind that a service is on the up-and-up.

How much does it cost to use a name change service?

That depends on the service you select. You can get a basic package to print at home for under $20, or you can select a comprehensive service with personal advice and professional legal review for more than $100. Also, name changes for reasons other than marriage or divorce (e.g. adoption, gender change, etc.) tend to cost more, because they require the extra step of being court-approved.

How long will the process take?

Filling out your information can be done in just a few minutes, especially if you choose a name change service that lets you complete your forms online. Most non-governmental name changes, like credit cards and subscriptions, will be done in a week or two, possibly less. You'll have to go in person to change your name on your driver's license, so naturally that depends on how quickly you can get an appointment at your local DMV. Passports usually take the longest: it's not unusual for it to take 4-6 weeks or more.

Is there a satisfaction guarantee if I use a name change service?

Sometimes, yes. Name change services are fairly low-risk, but the best ones offer a satisfaction guarantee that will either work with you to fix any issues you have or refund the fees you paid.

Continued from above...

If you're feeling a little overwhelmed, you're not alone! It's estimated that the average person spends more than 10 hours just doing the research to determine where they need to have their name officially changed, not to mention the time it takes to fill out the paperwork and get it submitted to each corresponding governmental department or company.

Fortunately, there are name change services that eliminate both the guesswork and the hassle. These services usually ask you a few basic questions and walk you through the entire process in just a matter of minutes, and many of them even take care of addressing and stamping the envelopes you'll need after you sign the paperwork. While some providers cost more than others, you're still getting a great deal if you consider how much your time is worth.

Not all name change services offer the same benefits, however. When deciding which one to use, keep the following criteria in mind:

Fees. How much will you spend to get your name changed? Are there different package levels that let you only pay for the services you need?
Ease of Use. What are the steps you'll have to take to use the service? Does the company do most of the work for you, or will you still have to fill out a lot of the paperwork on your own? Can you complete most of the process online?
Breadth of Service. Is the service only for newly-married individuals, or can it be used under other circumstances (divorce, adoption, name change after gender transition, and so on)?
Reputation. What do other users have to say about the name change service? Has the company been rated by the BBB?

TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best Name Change services available today. We hope this information helps you work your way through the process of legally changing your name quickly and affordably!

Compare Name Change Services

Select any 2 Name Change Services to compare them head to head

best-name-change-services

LegalZoom

NewlyNamed

Miss Now Mrs

HitchSwitch

Name Change Kit

Find Legal Forms

LegalZoom vs NewlyNamed LegalZoom vs Miss Now Mrs LegalZoom vs HitchSwitch LegalZoom vs Name Change Kit LegalZoom vs Find Legal Forms NewlyNamed vs Miss Now Mrs NewlyNamed vs HitchSwitch NewlyNamed vs Name Change Kit NewlyNamed vs Find Legal Forms Miss Now Mrs vs HitchSwitch Miss Now Mrs vs Name Change Kit Miss Now Mrs vs Find Legal Forms HitchSwitch vs Name Change Kit HitchSwitch vs Find Legal Forms Name Change Kit vs Find Legal Forms

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LegalZoom vs Name Change Kit