Oklahoma has started issuing REAL IDs to comply with federal law. You have until May 3, 2023 to get your state-issued ID changed to a REAL ID. Many people are encountering issues getting their REAL ID because they don’t have the correct documents to prove their identity.
When do I need a name change for my REAL ID?
You may have a variety of issues getting your REAL ID. One common problem is not having the right documents to prove your name. If you’ve been married and changed your name (especially if you have take your maiden name as a middle name) to match your significant other you may need to provide your marriage license. And if you’ve been married, divorced, and then remarried, you may need to provide your your divorce decree and new marriage license. Total headache right?
What happens if you didn’t change your name in all the places in the short window allowed after your marriage, and now your Social Security card and current ID show different names? Your REAL ID will likely be denied until you can get all your other documents updated to show the same name.
What are other reasons I might need a name change?
Maybe you’ve been going by a different name than your legal name, and you want to make the change formal when you get your REAL ID? Or maybe it’s time to shed a former name. You’ll need some type of legal documents or other paperwork to get the state to change your name on the REAL ID.
So how do I do it?
It’s as simple as applying for a legal name change in the district court. Yes, it can be a hassle. But as far as legal proceedings go, a name change can be fairly easy. The whole process takes 4-6 weeks (depending on the county you live in). Here are the steps:
- File a petition for name change.
- Schedule a hearing.
- Publish notice of your petition in a legal newspaper in your county.
- File a proof of publication.
- Attend the hearing & get your name change granted.
- File your order granting your name change.
- Get your REAL ID.
Where else do I need to change my name?
Here are a few other places you may need to contact after your name change:
- Drivers License
- Social Security
- Passport
- Post office
- IRS
- TSA/Global Entry
- Your employer (and all benefits)
- Vehicle title and registration
- Property deeds
- Banks
- Insurance (car, health, life, etc)
- Utility companies (gas, electric, internet, etc)
- Credit cards
- Social media accounts
- Streaming services (Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc)
Your Next Steps
There are many reasons that you might want or need to change your name or even just to clarify your correct name on all your legal documents to get your REAL ID. We can help you with the document creation through our limited scope services for name changes. Schedule an appointment today for more information.
