Which Name Change Service is the Best? Every year, thousands of people legally change their names. Marriage and divorce are still the most common reasons, but more people are also changing their names as part of gender transition, and adoption-related name changes happen all the time. The exact number of name changes each year can be hard to track since not all states report them, but one thing is clear: it's becoming more common as people embrace life changes and make their names match their identities.
Best Option
Changing your last name after marriage can be a confusing, time-consuming hassle - just ask Colie Christensen, who struggled through the process before realizing there had to be a better way. That annoyance led to the creation of NewlyNamed in 2018, a service designed to make name changes simple and stress-free. Instead of navigating government websites and spending hours figuring out the right forms, NewlyNamed streamlines the process so you can take the frustration out of a name change and turn it into something quick, easy, and maybe even a little exciting. More than 400,000 people have used this name change service.
Can help after any legally-ordered name change
Unlike some services that cater exclusively to newlyweds and divorcées, NewlyNamed is ready to help with any legal name change. If you've already gone through the court process to change your first or last name for other reasons, this service can guide you through updating all your records. Just keep in mind that obtaining a court order is a separate step before using NewlyNamed.
Makes it clear who you might need to update with your new name
This service takes the guesswork out of updating your Social Security card, passport, driver's license, and even things you might not have considered - like TSA Precheck, voter registration, and loyalty programs.
Just 2 packages to choose from
NewlyNamed keeps it simple with two options: the $39 DIY package, where you download and print your own documents, or the $99 print-and-ship package, which delivers everything to your door - including pre-addressed and prepaid mailing envelopes. If you value convenience, the extra cost of the printed package can be well worth it.
Look for discounts
Plus, NewlyNamed can be even more affordable if you look for a pop-up. Ours gave us a 10% discount on our name change package if we provided our first name, email, reason for name change, and the anticipated date of that change.
Great to give as a gift or put on your wedding registry
Another feature you won't see with every name change service on our list is the ability to give it as a gift (and the recipient can even choose the color of the packaging). Your gift will be given as a gift card, since NewlyNamed has to collect personal information to set up the service. Lots of people put a NewlyNamed kit on their wedding registries, even.
Happiness is guaranteed here
NewlyNamed doesn't go into detail about their "100% happiness guarantee", but they do hope that their name change service goes above and beyond what you expect - and they want to hear about it if not. Reach out to their support email in that case, so that they can make things right.
Close to a thousand 5-star reviews
Although we still can't find a Better Business Bureau listing for NewlyNamed, the 1,000+ independently-verified customer reviews on their website are more than convincing. Tons of name change services have almost no recent reviews; NewlyNamed had plenty of them in just the last few weeks. You can even see which states the customers are in, what their reasons were for needing a name change, and whether or not they would recommend the service. It'll come as no surprise that the vast majority say they love NewlyNamed, given that the ratings average a near-perfect 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers say that the kit is easy to understand, the directions keep them on track, and that taking care of the name change process is much less stressful with NewlyNamed's help.
#1 pick among name change services
While you might find a slightly cheaper alternative, no other service matches NewlyNamed's ease of use, attention to detail, and responsive support. Whether you're changing your name after marriage, divorce, or a court order, this service makes the entire process as smooth as possible. That's why NewlyNamed is now our #1 choice for name change services.
Very Good
Since 2008, Easy Name Change has been making it easy-breezy to know what paperwork is needed to get everything updated with a new name - whether that's after a joyous "I do!", a relieved "It's over", or a hopeful "It's the name that's always felt like mine." Over one million people have used this service to update their banks, the DMV, their loyalty and rewards programs, and so much more.
Based in Australia, but still suitable for US "cutomers"
You're going to notice pretty quickly, though, that this company serves clients beyond the USA. In fact, Easy Name Change is based in Australia - which is why you'll see non-American spellings of things like "personalise" slip through the cracks here and there (not to mention the typo of "cutomer" that has been at the bottom of their website for years). But, don't worry: you can still get help via email and live chat as a US-based customer. (The main US phone number is for corporate inquiries only.)
Choose between printing it yourself or printed for you
Easy Name Change keeps things simple with just two options. If you have a printer and don't mind handling the paperwork yourself, the $39 Print-at-Home package gives you access to all the forms you need. Prefer a done-for-you approach? The $79 Print and Post package ships everything to your door, complete with pre-addressed envelopes and even three pre-stamped ones to help you get started.
Only fill in what you're comfortable with
How much you fill out on those forms is up to you. You can enter everything digitally and print them out (or have Easy Name Change do that). But, if you'd rather not put in sensitive info like your SSN or account numbers, you're free to leave that blank and enter it by hand when you print out your forms or receive them in the mail.
"A+" from the BBB and lots of 5-star reviews
We're pleased to report that Easy Name Change continues to have an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, with zero complaints filed there in the last three years. And, while most of the reviews come from customers in Australia, Trustpilot shows an impressive average of 4.8 stars across 100+ ratings; we love to see all of the responses from Easy Name Change, whether they're resolving a complaint or giving thanks for a compliment.
60-day refund policy (with restrictions)
Plus, if you're not happy with the service at Easy Name Change, you've got 60 days to request a full refund. However, be aware that you're only eligible for a refund on the Premium kit if you request it before it ships to you; on the Print and Post package, you'll be charged a non-refundable postage and handling fee if they've already put it in the mail before you ask for the refund.
A reliable name change service worth considering
Easy Name Change isn't trying to be the flashiest or most high-tech option, but it gets the job done. If you're looking for an affordable way to streamline your name change without overcomplicating things, this service could be just what you need. While we'd love to see more customer feedback from US users, the overall experience makes it a reliable choice. And, with so many rival services with declining reputations, Easy Name Change has earned a bump since our last review.
Good
Changing your last name after marriage can feel like a paperwork nightmare, but Miss Now Mrs aims to make the process quick and hassle-free. This name change service has been around for almost two decades, offering an easy-to-use platform that guides you through the necessary forms in minutes instead of hours. Their approach? A streamlined, tech-friendly system that lets you scan your driver's license in the app (or answer a few questions online) and get all your forms in order - either for printing at home or delivered with pre-stamped envelopes.
Basic, Premium, or Ultimate?
Each package offered at Miss Now Mrs contains the same forms and instructions. If that's all you need and you have your own printer, the $39.95 Basic package will probably be the right fit. But, if you'd like to have them print and mail your forms (we don't all have printers, after all), you can choose between the $69.95 Premium tier and the $179.95 Ultimate plan. The Premium package includes postage-paid envelopes for all government forms, while the Ultimate gives you expedited kit processing, live chat support, and some extra newlywed-oriented benefits (like a couples budget planning system and the book "Smart Couples Finish Rich").
Geared towards brides, but could be used in other situations
Could you use Miss Now Mrs in other situations, like "Mrs Now Ms" (divorce) or "Mr Now Married" (same-sex couples)? We don't see why not, but everything about this particular name change service is branded towards and focused on brides who want to change their names after getting married.
Better than some when it comes to customer service
There are a couple reasons Miss Now Mrs ranks a little higher than some similar services out there today. First off, the company gives you an actual toll-free number to reach out and get help, instead of just an online form that you have to hope gets where it needs to go. Also, there's a 100% satisfaction guarantee, though the service doesn't get into the details of how long that lasts and if there are any eligibility criteria you'll have to meet.
Still an "A+" from the BBB
We're also happy with Miss Now Mrs' reputation, starting with its "A+" rating with the Better Business Bureau, under the name of the Blue Bird LLC parent company. While there's not much recent client feedback, and the social media channels for Miss Now Mrs have gotten a little quiet in recent months, we're satisfied that this is a name change service that's still helping people save time and streamline the process.
Good service (but could be more inclusive)
Miss Now Mrs is holding steady in our ratings. For many brides, this service is a game-changer. The app feature, which allows you to scan and auto-fill documents, is especially helpful, and most users complete their name change process in under 30 minutes. While it's a solid, affordable option for newlyweds who want a hassle-free name change, the lack of inclusivity for other life situations and recent customer feedback still keep Miss Now Mrs from being a top-tier choice.
Average
LegalShield was founded in 1999 by Harland Stonecipher as a platform designed to make legal services accessible without the high costs of traditional attorney fees. Today, LegalShield serves over 4 million individuals and 140,000 businesses across the US, providing legal assistance for a variety of personal and business-related matters. And, if you're just at the beginning stages of seeking a name change and you need some professional advice, LegalShield is one of the only services we found that can help.
Assistance for many different legal situations
Unlike traditional name change services that offer one-time packages with forms you submit to various institutions and governmental offices, LegalShield operates through a monthly membership model. Your membership will cover more than just name changes, offering legal assistance for other personal and business matters as well.
Monthly costs starting at $26.95 (if you choose annual billing)
What will it cost? To subscribe to LegalShield, you'll first need to decide if you want to pay month-to-month or pay for a year upfront to get a 10% discount. The Basic plan is $29.95/monthly (or $26.95/month billed annually) and lets you speak with a lawyer on any number of personal legal issues. The Advanced plan is $39.95/month (or $35.95/month billed annually), and it's the package you'll want if you need to cover yourself and your spouse. The Premium package is $59.95/month (or $55.95/month billed annually) and comes with LegalShield's most robust benefits. Because there are quite a few services included in each tier, many of which are completely unrelated to name change services, we recommend that you go to the Pricing page and then scroll down to where you can compare the plans side-by-side.
Not very forthcoming with satisfaction policy details
We also can't tell you too much about LegalShield's customer satisfaction policy, because it's not clearly explained on its website (and we've had some trouble getting reps to clarify it in the live chat). While it does allow members to cancel their subscriptions, refunds are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with prorated refunds only available for annual memberships.
Great overall feedback
Despite some issues with transparency, LegalShield has a solid reputation. The company holds an "A+" rating and accreditation with the Better Business Bureau and maintains a praiseworthy 4.6-star average rating on Trustpilot. Customers frequently compliment the platform for providing fast and helpful legal assistance, making it a valuable resource for those who want ongoing legal support without paying hefty attorney fees.
Good at what it does, but different from most name change services
If you're looking for an all-in-one legal membership that includes name change assistance along with other legal benefits, LegalShield is worth considering. But, because this service is so different from the other name change platforms on our list (it's what you'd use to start from scratch on a name change, not for situations where the name change is already court-approved, like in a marriage or divorce), we can only give LegalShield an average rating.
Average
For almost three decades, Name Change Kit has provided a simple way for people to update their names. As part of the KitBiz family, this service is designed to be an affordable and straightforward solution for those going through a name change due to marriage, divorce, or personal reasons.
A little outdated for today's digital age
However, compared to more modern services, Name Change Kit feels outdated, lacking the digital conveniences that many customers now expect. The company offers four different packages, each focused on a specific name change need.
While these options cover most situations, they lack the step-by-step guidance and automation you'll typically find in higher-ranked name change services. This service would also be improved by specifying exactly which documents are in each package, not just a general list like "all government forms" and "customization to your state and local jurisdiction".
You'll have to fill out every form by hand
One of the biggest drawbacks of Name Change Kit is its reliance on paper-based forms. Unlike competitors that offer interactive online applications or pre-filled documents, this service requires you to fill out everything by hand. There is no digital form completion, no online previews, and no automation - just basic PDFs that you'll need to print and manually complete. Not exactly the most streamlined, tech-oriented experience.
"A+" from the BBB, but little customer feedback
Customer feedback is another weak spot here. While the company holds an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau under the KitBiz name, there are very few reviews available outside of the testimonials on the Name Change Kit website. While we're always happy to see companies with no complaints, it also means there's little proof of how well the business actually performs (or that people are actually using those services). Many competing name change platforms have a much stronger online presence, with verified customer experiences giving you those insights regarding how easy the service is to use or how quickly you can get help (if at all).
Just okay
Overall, Name Change Kit is a functional but bare-bones option. It offers affordability and covers a variety of name change scenarios, but it hasn't kept up with modern expectations. If you're looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly solution and don't mind filling out paperwork by hand, Name Change Kit may be worth considering. However, other name change services provide better value with digital convenience and stronger customer feedback. This platform only earns a "just average" rating.
Fair
US Legal Forms has been around for nearly three decades, with a database of over 85,000 state-specific documents for download, and having served over three million individuals and businesses in that time. You'll find just about everything on this site, from Rental Lease Agreements to Living Wills. And, when it comes to name change documents, US Legal Forms offers one of the broadest selections we've seen.
Extremely broad range of name change forms
For starters, US Legal Forms is one of the only services we found that has options for name changes not related to marriage, divorce, or adoption. If you're hoping to get rid of that hard-to-spell-and-pronounce last name once and for all, or you want a first name that reflects your transition, this platform can get you started. Of course, you'll also find all of the more traditional name change forms here too.
Helpful preview of included documents
Assuming you don't get a broken link (we found a few), you'll be able to preview the documents included in the name change service. For example, on the brides/divorce/marriage packet for Florida, some of the name change forms provided by US Legal Forms are:
Documents grouped by state
First, select the state where you live or type it into the box. We used Florida as a reference point, and we found four main options: Name Change Instructions and Forms Packages for Minors, Adults, and Families, plus the classic Name Change Notification Package for Brides/Divorce/Marriage. We recommend starting with one of those, if it applies, rather than "View All Florida Name Change Forms" (because clicking that left us feeling overwhelmed and completely unsure where to start: there are just so many forms, many of them county-specific).
Subscription required
To access any of the name change documents on US Legal, you'll have to sign up for a subscription; there's no pay-per-document available here. Click on "Buy now" and you'll see that you have these options (paying close attention to the annual/monthly toggle at the top):
Refund policy is stricter than it seems
This service has a refund policy that, on the surface, sounds generous. You'll have 14 days to ask for your money back on a month-to-month plan, and 30 days to do so with an annual plan. However, US Legal says outright that "refunds are only possible in uncommon situations". Also, if you have downloaded any forms, you aren't eligible for any refund on a monthly plan, and you'll only get a partial refund on an annual plan.
Decent reputation
US Legal Forms has improved its standing with the Better Business Bureau since our last review. Now, under the name of parent company airSlate Legal Forms Inc., you'll find this service listed with an "A+" rating and accreditation, with just 12 complaints filed in the last three years and all of them responded to appropriately. We were also happy to see that US Legal Forms maintains a 4.4-star average on Trustpilot, spanning nearly 120 customer ratings. Although none of the comments specifically refer to name change services, people say that the forms they downloaded were thorough and easy to understand, saving them significant time and money over hiring an attorney. Just make sure you completely understand the subscription terms: when we found complaints about US Legal Forms, they almost always came from individuals who didn't read the very clear pricing explanations on the website.
Improving, but still not the best name change service
We're willing to give US Legal Forms a slight bump since our previous evaluation, since they've improved their standing with the BBB, and they're still one of the only name change services out there that can provide some direction if you need to petition the court for approval (you're changing your name for a reason other than marriage, divorce, or adoption). However, the site is confusing to use, there are still typos (we spotted "quesiton" yet again), and you might wind up with documents that weren't what you actually needed. US Legal Forms comes in at a below-average rating among name change services.
Subpar
HitchSwitch was created to simplify the often frustrating name change process, offering a more streamlined alternative to dealing with government offices and outdated forms. Founded by Jake Wolff during his time at Fordham Law School, the idea emerged from a personal need: his wife's search for an easier way to update her name after their marriage. Since launching in 2013, HitchSwitch has helped hundreds of thousands of newlyweds navigate the paperwork with clear, step-by-step guidance, turning a traditionally tedious task into a more manageable experience.
3 or 4 packages to consider
You'll find three or four different package options at HitchSwitch, depending on where you look on the website. (Confusing? We think so.) All of them give you access to the exact same name change documents; the only difference is the level of DIY vs. hand-holding you get. Here's how that shakes out:
Tech-forward platform
With any HitchSwitch name change service you buy, you'll get comprehensive, auto-filled forms: no need to get hand cramps from entering your info over and over. Each document has step-by-step instructions, curated by their team of legal experts, and there's also an AI chatbot in your dashboard if you want quick answers.
Easy to give as a gift
One novel feature that we like at HitchSwitch is the ability to give name change services as a gift. You can pick any of the packages and have it sent to the recipient via email (now or on a future date), or pay $8.99 for a gift card to be sent via USPS.
Customer complaints are concerning
HitchSwitch has an "A-" and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau; the slight downgrade is for having gotten 7 complaints over the last three years, but all of them were addressed and resolved. That's where the good news stops, though. While we found some users who thought that this name change service was worth the money, others said that it actually gave them bad information. For example, the instructions they received at the time directed them to mail in their forms to the Social Security office - only to wait weeks and have that office send it back because they only take name change applications in person. And heaven forbid you mistakenly send in your driver's license or passport with that paperwork. Disgruntled users of HitchSwitch frequently mentioned getting absolutely no response or help from customer service reps, either.
We're disappointed by this name change service
We can give this name change service some points for having an easy-to-use online experience; some of its rivals still expect you to print out forms and fill them in by hand, and there's just no need for that in this century. However, we're disappointed with the user reviews for HitchSwitch: we expected better from a company that has some pretty big name recognition in the industry, especially considering people are being told to mail in paperwork that won't be accepted if not submitted in person.
Subpar
Update My Name wants to save you nearly 5 hours of work by giving you access to all of the forms you'll need to change your name - whether you're newly-married, freshly-divorced, or you have any other court order for a new name. There's no need to try and figure out which forms you need (DMV? TSA? SSA? DOS?) when Update My Name can walk you through what to do and how to do it.
3 packages that are almost identical to competitor's
Update My Name comes out sounding eerily like another well-known name change service on our list, right down to the package names and pricing. You'll pay $39 for the Print At Home package, $69 for the Full Service package, and $99 for the Platinum package here. All of the packages give you the same forms to fill out online (DMV, banks and credit card companies), but the Full Service package includes printing the forms for you, "premium support", and postage-paid envelopes (though they don't specify how many). At the Platinum level, you get "concierge service" and a free printed passport photo, in addition to the benefits of the Full Service tier.
A little light on the shipping details
Unlike its most similar rival, Update My Name doesn't seem to charge any shipping fees on the print-for-you packages - but we also raised an eyebrow when we saw that they don't ask for a shipping address during checkout. You'll have to pay for the package you select, get started filling out your forms, and then see what Update My Name does to get those printed forms to you (unless you've opted for the Print At Home plan).
Satisfaction guarantee within 14 days…or 30?
We're also a little confused by Update My Name's satisfaction guarantee. In one place on the website, they say that you've got 30 days to request a refund; however, in the checkout process, we saw an "unconditional 14-days money-back guarantee". Which is it, then?
Support may be limited to an online form
Also, how would you take advantage of getting your money back? There's no toll-free number or email address to reach Update My Name. Instead, you have to rely on their online form and wait for a response. Maybe if you choose a package that comes with "premium support" or "concierge service", you'll be given more direct methods of contact, but you won't know that unless you sign up.
Almost no feedback from customers
To top it all off, Update My Name doesn't have much of a reputation. We only found a handful of reviews on the company's Facebook page (and they were mixed), no listing with the Better Business Bureau, and not much to speak of anywhere else. If people are using this service to take care of their name change paperwork, the internet certainly isn't aware of it.
Not a name change service that inspires confidence
We give Update My Name the same score as its most similar competitor in the industry. The company doesn't seem to have its act together (conflicting satisfaction guarantees), and we're not confident that you'd really get any "premium" or "concierge" support even with one of the two upgraded packages. We recommend using a name change service that's higher on our list instead of Update My Name.
Weak
Find Legal Forms has been around for over two decades, offering downloadable legal documents across various categories, including name changes. While they claim their forms are legally valid in all 50 states and come with a 60-day money-back guarantee, recent declines in reputation make this service hard to recommend. But, read on and see for yourself.
Basic, no-frills approach to name change documents
If you're looking for the simplest, cheapest way to get name change forms, Find Legal Forms might seem like an option. For a one-time fee ranging from $12.95 to $19.95, you can instantly download forms for different types of name changes, including those for marriage, divorce, and general name modifications. The package may include application forms, affidavits, notices, and court orders, but there are no interactive guides or personalized assistance to help you navigate the process.
Outdated, clunky process
Many modern name change services guide you through the process with user-friendly tools and auto-filled forms. Find Legal Forms, on the other hand, still relies on static PDFs and a DIY approach, making the process here feel outdated and unnecessarily difficult. The only upside is that you can sign your documents digitally on this platform, so it's not totally analog.
Customer support is hard to get
If you run into problems with your name change documents, don't expect much help from Find Legal Forms. There's no toll-free customer service number, no live chat, and no interactive help - just a contact form buried on their website. Compared to other services that offer hands-on guidance and step-by-step assistance, Find Legal Forms leaves you stranded with little support if you have questions. Plus, that's going to make it mighty hard to cash in on that advertised "60-day money-back guarantee".
Few customer reviews - and the ones that exist aren't good
One of the biggest red flags with Find Legal Forms is the lack of customer feedback. Despite their claim of serving over 3.5 million users, there are almost no reviews from actual customers. The few reviews that do exist on third-party platforms are largely negative, with complaints about outdated forms, unclear instructions, and a lack of support when issues arise. Even worse, Find Legal Forms has dropped to a "B-" rating with the Better Business Bureau, indicating a growing sense of dissatisfaction and unresolved customer complaints.
Not worth the savings
While Find Legal Forms is one of the cheapest name change services available, it comes at the cost of convenience, support, and reliability. If you're comfortable doing everything yourself and don't mind an impersonal, outdated experience, it might get the job done. But for just a little more money, you can use a better service that simplifies the process, provides clear instructions, and offers real customer support. Overall, we rank Find Legal Forms as the lowest-rated name change service on our list and recommend looking elsewhere.
Continued from above...
Every year, thousands of people legally change their names. Marriage and divorce are still the most common reasons, but more people are also changing their names as part of gender transition, and adoption-related name changes happen all the time. The exact number of name changes each year can be hard to track since not all states report them, but one thing is clear: it's becoming more common as people embrace life changes and make their names match their identities.
Changing your name is a big deal, but it's something plenty of people do every year in all of those situations. Whatever your reason may be, the process can feel like a lot to handle. That's where name change services come in - they help you cut through the paperwork and make sure everything gets updated without the hassle.
One important thing to know is that most name change services don't actually grant you a legal name change. You need to have the right legal documents first, like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Once you have that, the real work begins - updating your name everywhere it matters. That means letting the Social Security Administration know, getting a new driver's license or state ID, updating your bank and credit card info, and making sure your employer, insurance company, and other accounts all reflect your new name.
A name change service takes the headache out of this process. Instead of figuring it all out on your own, they provide the right forms, pre-fill your info where possible, and guide you through every step. Some even handle submitting certain documents for you, saving you time and avoiding mistakes. Instead of spending hours on government websites or waiting on hold, you can just follow their process and get everything done smoothly.
If you're thinking about using a name change service, you might get bogged down by all of the options out there. Which one is right for you? Here are some things to consider:
Changing your name is a fresh start, but dealing with the paperwork doesn't have to be a pain: just use one of today's most popular name change services, researched and ranked by the experts at Top Consumer Reviews. These services can take care of the details so you can focus on confidently moving forward with your new name!
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