Why NewLastName Exists

We built NewLastName because the name change process is unnecessarily complicated.

When we went through our own name changes, we were shocked by how scattered and confusing the whole thing was. Different forms for different agencies. Conflicting information online. Services charging $50-200 for what should be straightforward. Hours spent figuring out which box to check on the Social Security form, or whether you need DS-82 or DS-11 for your passport.

The government forms themselves aren't that hard to fill out — once you know which ones you need and have someone walk you through them. That's exactly what NewLastName does. We built the tool we wished existed when we were going through this ourselves.

What We Do

NewLastName fills out your government forms automatically — for free. No hidden fees, no credit card required.

We handle all the real forms you need for a legal name change: Social Security's SS-5, Passport forms DS-82, DS-11, and DS-5504, and IRS forms 8822 and 8822-B. These are the actual PDF forms from the government websites, not generic templates.

We cover all 5 types of name changes that exist in the US:

• Marriage — Most common, but not the only reason people change names
• Divorce — Returning to a prior name after divorce
• Court order — Legal name change through the court system
• Minor — Name changes for children under 18
• Gender identity — Name changes as part of gender transition

Most other services only handle marriage name changes. We built NewLastName to serve everyone, regardless of why you're changing your name.

Our tool works in all 50 states plus Washington DC. Answer a few questions about your situation, and we'll determine exactly which forms you need, fill them out with your information, and give you step-by-step instructions for where to submit them.

Other services charge $30-200 for what we do for free.

Your Privacy Comes First

We know you're entering sensitive information — your Social Security number, address, personal details. Here's how we protect your privacy:

Your SSN never leaves your browser. When you enter your Social Security number, our system fills out the forms on your device. The completed PDF is generated locally and never sent to our servers.

No account required to start. You can use NewLastName immediately without creating an account or giving us your email address. If you want to save your progress, you can create an account, but it's completely optional.

We don't sell your data. We're not an advertising company. We don't have "partners" we share your information with. Your data stays with you.

Encrypted at rest. Any information that does touch our servers (like your basic contact details if you choose to save your progress) is encrypted using industry-standard methods.

Beyond the Forms: Our Complete Guides

Filling out the forms is just the beginning. You also need to know where to submit them, what documents to bring, how long each step takes, and who to notify after your name is officially changed.

That's why we maintain detailed guides for every part of the process. Our Social Security name change guide walks you through the in-person appointment. Our passport name change guide explains the difference between renewal and first-time applications. Our DMV guide covers driver's license updates, and our name change checklist helps you stay organized throughout the entire process.

We update these guides regularly as government policies change. Everything you need to know, in one place, written by people who've actually been through it.

Get in Touch

Have a question about the name change process? Found an error in one of our guides? Want to suggest an improvement?

Email us at hello@newlastname.org. We read every message and respond personally.

Last verified: 2026-03-30