How to Obtain Name Change Records and Apostille Them for International Use

Whether you've changed your name through marriage, divorce, or a court order, you may need to authenticate your name change documents for use overseas. This guide explains how to obtain certified name change records and get them apostilled by the U.S. Department of State — faster with the help of DC Mobile Notary.

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1. Court-Ordered Name Change Records

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🏛 State-Level Requests

To request a certified copy of a court-ordered name change:

• Contact the Circuit Court where the order was granted.
• Submit a written request with:
  • The case number (if available)
  • Payment (varies by state, often $2.50–$50 per copy)
  • A self-addressed stamped envelope

🔗 Example (Virginia Forms):

• Adult Name Change (CC-1411)
• Minor Name Change (CC-1427)

🔗 Case Search:
Virginia Courts Case Information

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🏛 Federal Court Name Changes

If your name change occurred during the naturalization process:

• Request a replacement Certificate of Naturalization from USCIS:
  👉 Form N-565 – Application for Replacement Naturalization Document

For other federal court orders, contact the specific U.S. District Court. If the record is older than 15–30 years, it may be archived at the National Archives (NARA).
🔗 Federal Records Centers – NARA

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2. Marriage or Divorce Name Change Records

• Marriage Certificates: Contact the vital records office in the state where the marriage took place.
  🔗 Find Vital Records Offices
• Divorce Decrees: Request a certified copy from the court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized.
  Fees typically range from $10–$30.

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3. How to Apostille Name Change Documents

To use your name change documents abroad, they must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State (for federal documents) or the Secretary of State (for state-issued records).

📝 Apostille via U.S. Department of State:

• Apostille processing time by mail: 4–5 weeks
• You must submit:
  • The original or certified document
  • Completed DS-4194 Form
  • A cover letter and payment

🔗 Learn more here:
U.S. Department of State – Apostille Requirements

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🚀 Need It Faster? Use DC Mobile Notary

DC Mobile Notary provides expedited apostille services by submitting documents in person to the U.S. Department of State — reducing the processing time to just 9 business days.

✅ We handle both court and vital records
✅ Nationwide service
✅ Status updates throughout the process

🔗 Get started: dcmobilenotary.com/apostille
📞 Call/Text: 202-247-0837
📧 Email: support@dcmobilenotary.com

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4. Notify Government Agencies After a Name Change

Once you obtain your apostilled name change document, update your records with key agencies:

• Social Security Administration:
  🔗 SS-5 Form – Social Security Update
• U.S. Passport Services:
  🔗 Apply or Update Passport – U.S. Department of State
• IRS:
  🔗 Form 8822 – Change of Address/Name

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5. Additional Helpful Links

• 🔗 Fairfax County Name Change Brochure (PDF)
• 🔗 Maryland Name Change Order Form
• 🔗 USCourts.gov – Understanding Name Change in Naturalization

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