How to Change a Last Name in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, you can change your last name due to marriage by simply entering your new last name on your marriage license application. You can change your name back to your pre-marriage name due to divorce by asking the divorce court to include an order changing your name in the divorce decree. An adoption decree is sufficient to automatically change the last name of an adopted child. If you seek to change your last name for any other reason, however, you will have to file a name change petition with the local district court.

Step 1

Establish legal domicile in Oklahoma. To establish domicile, you must live in Oklahoma for at least 30 days with no current plans to move out of state. Obtaining an Oklahoma driver's license or non-driver's ID is an effective way to document your domicile, as is signing a residential lease. A court might not request such evidence, however, to approve a name change.

Step 2

Visit the Oklahoma district court with jurisdiction over your county of residence. Obtain a "Petition for Change of Name of Adult" form from the county court clerk. This form is also available for purchase on Internet websites.

Step 3

Complete the name change petition. You must provide your current name, your Oklahoma address and length of residence in Oklahoma, your date and place of birth, your birth certificate number, the county and state where your birth is registered, and your desired new name. You must also explain why you wish to change your name. You must state that your are not seeking to change your name for any fraudulent or illegal purpose, or to evade debts.

Step 4

Submit your name change petition, together with a filing fee of $159.00, to the county court clerk. The court will schedule a hearing and notify you in writing.

Step 5

Publish a notice of your name change petition, including the case name and number included in your hearing notice, no later than 10 days before your hearing. Your notice must state that anyone with an objection to your name change may file a written protest prior to the hearing. The notice must be published in a local newspaper that is permitted by law to publish legal notices.

Step 6

Attend your name change hearing. Bring any documents demanded in your hearing notice, such as your birth certificate or your credit record. Your name change petition will be granted unless the court concludes that your petition contains false statements or is motivated by an improper purpose. You may obtain a certified copy of the name change order from the county court clerk (the fee varies by county).

Step 7

Replace your identification documents, such as your driver's license and Social Security card, by presenting the name change order to the appropriate issuing authorities.