KEY TAKEAWAY
- Notarization can be an obstacle in many name change processes. NotaryLive lets you notarize documents online, in minutes, 24/7/365.
- Costs vary by state. Plan for court fees plus a simple online notarization fee (sessions start at $25 with NotaryLive).
- Government updates (SSA, DMV, passport) go smoother when your petition for name change paperwork is complete and properly notarized.
Audio Summary
What slows people down when changing their name?
If you’re researching how to legally change your name, you’ll notice there’s a lot of paperwork:
- state forms
- possible publication rules
- documents that require a notary public…
The old way meant finding a local notary near me, taking time off, and signing with a wet signature under a notary public stamp.
That friction delays fillings and follow-up updates with agencies like Social Security and your DMV.
Solution: NotaryLive replaces the in-person process with a secure remote online notary experience. That way, you can notarize online, anytime. No travel, no scheduling anymore.
Step 1: Prepare your petition for name change
Complete your petition for name change (state forms vary) and gather supporting records:
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Divorce Certificates
- Court Orders
After approval, you’ll use the court order to update federal and state IDs and agencies. USAGov outlines who to notify and in what order, starting with Social Security.
How much does it cost to legally change your name? Court filing fees vary by state; budget for that plus notarization. With NotaryLive, sessions start at $25 and scale for businesses/law firms.
Typically, state court fees for a name change petition run a few hundred dollars depending on the jurisdiction.
Step 2: Where can I get something notarized without leaving home?
Like discussed earlier, NotaryLive’s online notary service to notarize documents online in four quick steps:
- Upload Your Document
- Verify Your Identity with our advanced credential analysis
- Connect with a remote notary
- Download your notarized document online
Receive a tamper-evident document with a digital notary seal/notary stamp. Sessions are available 24/7 and follow state RON rules.
Want a primer on RON? The National Notary Association (NNA) explains how remote online notarization works and why it’d widely adopted. Remote online notarization has now has been embraced across the country.
Step 3: File, attend a hearing (if required), and get your order
Some states require a brief hearing before a judge; others process administratively.
Other states handle name changes administratively without a formal hearing.
Once granted, safeguard certified copies. You’ll need them repeatedly for updates. USAGov and SSA provide step-by-step instructions for updating federal records after your legal name changes.
Step 4: Update records, what comes next?
With your order in hand, update your:
- Social Security (SSA)
- DMV/state ID (at the DMV)
- U.S. passport (State Department)
- Banks and financial accounts
- Insurance policies
- professional licenses and other records
Start federally (SSA) then move to state and private accounts to keep everything consistent.
Why choose NotaryLive over a walk-in notary?
- Speed and access
No more “notary near me” searches. Connect to a commissioned notary online, on demand.
Identity proofing, knowledge-based authentication, audio-video records and platform controls align with industry and state standards.
Transparent sessions starting at $25; volume options for firms managing multiple petitions.
- Extra support
When you need certified copies of your birth certificate, marriage certificate or death certificate, StateVitalRecords.org connects users to NotaryLive for notarization within its flow. This keeps everything on a optimized path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to change your name including notarization?
A: Expect a state filing fee (varies by state) and about $25 per NotaryLive session. Complex cases may need multiple notarizations. NotaryLive
Q: Is a remote notarization as valid as a wet signature?
A: Yes. RON is legally recognized in many states. These properly performed e-notarizations carry the same legal effect as in-person notarizations with a wet signature. Check your state’s rules.
Q: Where can I get something notarized today?
A: Use NotaryLive to notarize online from any device with a camera and internet. No travel required.
