Hello everyone. I'd like to change my last name, legal reason being "desire." If it matters, I've never been convicted of any crime, not even speeding tickets, and my parents aren't divorced. I just don't like my current last name. Oh yeah, and I was born in California if that helps.
I've done some research and have read about the two methods of changing one's name in the US at SoYouWanna.com: Court Order and Common Usage.
I want to do this through Common Usage and am fully prepared to contact a whole slew of entities to make this happen, but I have some pressing questions.
If any checks are written to me in my old name, how will I be able to deposit them? Will photo ID work?
I am currently in college, will this ruin my financial aid or loans? What is the easiest way to transition these over?
Being in college, I'm still under my parent's insurance. What is the best way to deal with this?
Can it really be as simple as contacting:
- Bank
- IRS
- Social Security
- College
- Loan owner
- Post Office
- Insurance
- and other companies?
If it were only the year 1700, this would be so easy, wouldn't it?
Also, how easy will it be for the public to discover my old name? I'd like evidence of my previous name as erased as possible, because it carries embarrassment and pain for me.
Thanks in advance, everyone. This issue is complex and I really appreciate your clarity.

