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About 10 years ago, I legally changed my last name. I did it for business purposes as my last name was quite long. I would like to change it back now. I guess because I want to reconnect with my family history. Do I need to do it legally, or can I just use the old last name? I was told at the time that my old last name was still legally mine, as it is connected to my social security number. Or do I have to file papers with the court again?
State/Country relating to Question: New Jersey Already Tried: Nothing yet. When I first filed my original name change 10 years back, I lived in Manhattan. Now I live in New Jersey.
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You can simply start using your prior name anytime --- without a court order. The law on this is essentially this: people can use whatever name they want to use so long as it is not done for any illegal or fraudulent purposes.
And if later on, you choose to, you can still have your name changed through the court also. But you never have to do this. Thank you.
So can I revert to my old name on my driver's license, passport and credit cards, etc. without a court order? Or do I need a court order to change them? I do have my original social security card with my old name, as well as a new social card with my new name.
Yes, exactly. I say this assuming the social security number is XXXXX same for both names -- otherwise tax returns are going to get confusing and you will end up having to explain things to the IRS. But if the number is XXXXX same -- as it should be -- then yes, you can revert to the old name anytime. Thank you.
Okay, last question, I promise. So I can contact my credit cards, driver's license bureau, passport agency etc, and say I want to use my old name, and legally they will comply? And yes, the social security number is XXXXX same. And thanks for your help!
They will comply unless they suspect Fraud. And some may request you sign a statement saying that you are simply changing your name for personal reasons and that the person represented by your current name and the person represented by your old name are actually the same person.
But otherwise, yes, they will comply. Thanks! And you're very welcome.
mply.
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