A person is generally allowed to change their first name, last name, middle name, or full name—provided the name change is not for a fraudulent purpose or to avoid creditors. The process is often initiated by filing a name change petition in court and providing notice of the name change to government agencies such as (1) the state department of motor vehicles or department of public safety that issues driver’s licenses and (2) the U.S. Social Security Administration.

State voter registration records and passport information (U.S. Department of State) will also need to be updated to reflect a name change.

Some states—such as California—allow a person to change their name simply by using a different name in all aspects of their life. This is known as the usage method for name change. But government agencies will often require a court order as official proof of a name change, so it is generally best to follow that process.

A person may seek a name change for a number of reasons. Following marriage, one spouse will often change their last name to the other spouse’s last name. And one or both spouses generally may change their name following divorce. A person may also change their name to match their gender identity. And the name of a minor child may be changed—often when a parent remarries and the parent’s new spouse adopts the child.

Name change laws vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes—often in the family code or domestic relations code.

In West Virginia (WV), individuals have the right to change their first, middle, last, or full name as long as the change is not for fraudulent purposes or to evade creditors. The process typically involves filing a petition for a name change with the circuit court in the county where the individual resides. The petitioner must provide a legitimate reason for the name change and may be required to publish a notice in a local newspaper, depending on the county's requirements. After the court approves the name change, the individual must update their name with various government agencies, including the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles and the Social Security Administration. Voter registration records and passport information must also be updated. While some states may recognize the usage method for changing names, West Virginia requires a court order to have a legally recognized name change. Name changes can occur for various reasons, including marriage, divorce, gender identity alignment, or the adoption of a minor child. It is important to follow the specific legal procedures in West Virginia to ensure the name change is valid and recognized by all government entities.