Name Change Affidavit

An affidavit is simply a written statement that you sign in front of a notary, swearing that the contents are true. A name change affidavit typically states who you are, what your former legal name was, what your new legal name is, and when the name change took effect. Some agencies — particularly private institutions like banks or employers — may request an affidavit rather than (or in addition to) a copy of your court order.

Name change affidavits are also sometimes used when the official court documentation isn't readily available — for example, if your court records are delayed or if you're updating a foreign-held account that doesn't accept U.S. court orders. The affidavit provides a formal, legally sworn declaration that you can present instead.

Affidavits are not required for government agencies like the SSA or DMV — those agencies accept your certified court order. But some private sector companies have their own documentation requirements, and an affidavit can satisfy those requirements when a court order isn't accepted or available.

If an institution asks for documentation of your name change and won't accept a court order copy, a notarized affidavit is often the alternative they'll accept. Having a standard affidavit template prepared saves time when dealing with institutions that have their own documentation requirements.

Always include the key elements in your affidavit: your former name, your new legal name, the date the name change was ordered, the issuing court, and a statement that the information is true and accurate. Notarize it in front of a notary public to make it legally sworn.