How do I go about changing my newborn's first and middle names?

Question

My son is 10 days old and my husband and I want to change his first and middle names. We named my son after my husband and now we are just realizing how confusing it can be. We want to switch my son's middle name into his first name, and place his first name (which is also my husband's name) into his middle name. We already filled out and turned in the birth certificate application at the hospital, and it is being processed and will be mailed to us in a few weeks. How do we go about changing his name on his birth certificate and social security card? Please advise, thank you.

Answer 1

This might depend on the state where you live, but I think you will have to do a legal name change. This normally involved filling out some paperwork at your local county courthouse and paying about $100.

You could just call him by his middle name. Lots of people go by their middle names all their lives!

Answer 2

Instead of going to that trouble you can just call him by his middle name. it happens all the time.

To change the name you need to get a form at the Social Security office and make the change. Do it soon or you might have to pay a legal fee to do so.

Answer 3

here is a link to an online company with the forms. it will cost you though and you should wait until the other paperwork is completely filed so there isn't a huge mess. congrats on the little one!!!!

http://www.uslegalforms.com/changeofname/california-name-change.htm?puslf=gl+legally+name+change&gclid=CP32wtuLzZACFRUmawody2n4Wg

Answer 4

It may require a court action. But check with the vital statistics people -- they may be able to suggest a simpler solution.