The Best Name Change Services

HitchSwitch is the best overall name change service.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

If you’ve just gotten hitched, or you’re planning to walk down the aisle soon, you may be wondering about the best way to go about changing your name. A legal name change is arguably one of the most tedious tasks when it comes to planning your wedding. It requires a lot of paperwork gathering, and the process may be tricky for some people. 

Luckily, there are a plethora of wedding name change services available online to help make the task easier and less stressful. Some services offer website-based support for all your questions, whereas others can be accessed via an easy-to-use app. Here, we’ve rounded up the best name change services that can help you change your last name in a jiffy. Whether you’re looking for a service to use before or after your marriage, there’s one out there for you.

The Best Name Change Services

Best Overall : HitchSwitch


Key Specs
  • Pricing: $39.99 to $99.99 
  • Number of Plans:
  • Customer Service: Email or phone concierge, depending on your plan
Why We Chose It

Highly recommended by customers, this service sends all of the paperwork and forms you’ll need for your name change in a kit in the mail.

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Easy to use

  • Highly recommended by user reviews 

  • Includes everything you need to change your name for your passport, social security, and more

Cons
  • The lowest-level plan doesn’t offer much for users

Overview

HitchSwitch is a tried and trusted favorite for good reason. It’s easy to use, and it requires minimal time to complete everything. The service was founded by Jake Wolff during his first year of law school as a way to create a straightforward process for his wife to change her name when they first got married. Users can choose between three package options—print at home, full service, and platinum—that each offer varying levels of assistance and support. 

The lowest level, print at home, provides you with paperwork but very minimal support. The full-service option includes customized, pre-populated forms and access to a database of “anything name change related.” On the other hand, the platinum version offers access to the platinum concierge service along with customized forms and services to make the process as simple as can be. The prices for the levels range from $39.99 for the print at home to $99.99 for the platinum package. 

HitchSwitch also has resources to help you change your name on other accounts like your social security number to streaming services, which can be helpful if you’re looking for something specific. In addition, it’s highly recommended by users on the site and across the web. Plus, it only requires you to fill out an online form (which takes about three minutes) to get the entire process started.

Best Legal Services : LegalZoom


Key Specs
  • Pricing: $139 or $165 
  • Number of Plans: 2  
  • Customer Service: Phone support
Why We Chose It

LegalZoom has call services available with a support specialist and attorney to answer all of your questions. Their pricing is reasonable and offers everything you could possibly need.

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Support available on weekdays and weekends

  • Provides you with a helpful personalized checklist, step-by-step instructions on how to file, and information on how to renew if needed

Cons
  • You still have to go and file it yourself 

  • It’s a bit pricey

Overview

LegalZoom is known for providing various online legal services. The company can help you plan your estate, start your business, change your name, and more. Since it’s run by both attorneys and a support team, they can answer whatever questions you have and are available at most times during the day. 

The name change services themselves are available in two plans. One is for minors (or those 18 and younger) and the other is for adults, and the pricing is based on that. If you’re a minor, you can expect to pay $165 for the process whereas adults would only pay $139. Note: the pricing itself doesn’t include the court fees, so that would be an additional cost based on where you live. 

To use the service, you’ll first need to fill out your information online. You’ll then get a package containing all the paperwork you need, along with instructions on where and how to file it at your local court. In addition, they will send you a checklist of other government agencies and financial institutions that you should notify of your name change, and also share other state and federal forms for your documents. 

Best for After Marriage : NewlyNamed


Key Specs
  • Pricing: $39 or $89 
  • Number of Plans:
  • Customer Service: Email
Why We Chose It

NewlyNamed provides step-by-step instructions and unlimited support, which makes the process hassle-free. It’s also affordably-priced, compared to competitors.

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Step-by-step instructions and unlimited support 

  • Dubbed by reviewers as hassle-free and easy to use after marriage 

  • Affordable pricing

Cons
  • The difference between the two packages comes down to postage and printing

Overview

NewlyNamed was founded by Colie Christensen after she realized how difficult it was to change her last name after her wedding. She decided to officially start the brand after her friends asked her how exactly she changed her name when they got married. The brand’s mission is to make the process of changing your last name as easy as can be. 

Much like other brands, NewlyNamed has two packages available: print at home ($39) and NewlyNamed Box ($89). The $50 price difference comes down to postage and printing—NewlyNamed Box includes prepaid mailing envelopes and doesn’t require any printing, making it the pricier option. Other than that, the two packages are essentially the same. 

This service is a great option for those who want a seamless name-changing process after they tie the knot. NewlyNamed also supports name changes outside of marriage, like in case of a divorce or general legal name changes. Since it’s relatively affordable, it won’t break the bank. Plus, the team will provide ample support and step-by-step instructions, which will make the process hassle-free and pleasure rather than a hindrance.

Best for a Quick Process : Update My Name


Key Specs
  • Pricing: $39-$99 
  • Number of Plans:
  • Customer Service: Email
Why We Chose It

Update My Name has up-to-date forms and information for all 50 states, making the process seamless for those looking to get everything together quickly. It also offers premium support for two of three packages to answer any and all questions that you may have.

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Provides online document access and auto-filled forms 

  • Has both federal and state forms with step-by-step instructions

  • Gives users up-to-date information for all 50 states


Cons
  • Print at home (the basic service) doesn’t really offer much to users

Overview

Update My Name is a quick and easy service for those looking to change their name as speedily as possible. The site has current information and forms for all 50 states, so users can find whatever they need in one place instead of searching the web endlessly for answers. 

To start the process, you’ll answer a few short questions online, get personalized forms, and sign and submit your information. There are three plans—print at home, full service, and platinum—that offer varying levels of support and auto-filled forms, online document access, and step-by-step instructions. The print-at-home package offers the bare minimum, whereas the platinum package adds in premium support, printed forms, postage-paid envelopes, concierge service, and more. 

The print-at-home package is $39, the full-service package is $69, and the platinum package is $99. Much like other services, it provides everything you need to complete the process. However, its support features and up-to-date forms will ensure that you can get your name change done as quickly as you can. 

Best App : MissNowMrs


Key Specs
  • Pricing: $39.95 or $69.95 
  • Number of Plans:
  • Customer Service: Call, email, or text services 
Why We Chose It

MissNowMrs differs from other name change companies by offering its services via an easy-to-use app. It also provides comprehensive support and access to experts via call, email, or text.

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Has an app to easily control and use the name change service

  • Provides comprehensive support via email, call, or text services

  • Even the least expensive plan offers unlimited access to experts

Cons
  • May be too technologically advanced for some users

Overview

MissNowMrs was started by Danielle Tate after she ended up going to the DMV three times just to change her driver’s license. She started MissNowMrs in 2007 to help other women getting married avoid the mishaps that she encountered. 

Additionally, MissNowMrs is the first name change app available for users. While they do offer traditional services that will print out the forms, the app is much easier to use. Simply enter your information into it and then the brand will send you completed forms along with pre-addressed envelopes and save you time on the entire process. 

Packages are priced from $39.95 for the least extensive package to $69.95 for the app or extensive paperwork package option. All packages come with comprehensive support that can be accessed via call, email, or text, which is great for users with many questions during the entire name change service process.

Final Verdict

Changing your last name may seem like a daunting process if you don’t know where to start. However, a name change service can drastically improve the process and make it simpler for you to get everything done efficiently. HitchSwitch is the best option if you’re looking for an easy-to-use service that has everything you need. NewlyNamed is ideal if you’re looking to get everything done seamlessly after you tie the knot. 

On the other hand, Update My Name is the best for a quick name change process since it has up-to-date forms and information for all 50 states and provides online document access and auto-filled forms. For a service that can easily be done from an app, MissNowMrs is your best bet. And, LegalZoom is great if you’re looking for a lot of support through the whole name change process. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Easiest Way to Change Your Name?

The easiest way to change your name is to use a name change service. Typically, it'll ask you questions and then provide you with all the necessary information and documentation that you’ll need to change your name. Plus, most offer plans that have plenty of support for users.

How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Last Name?

Changing your name with the court can cost anywhere from under $100 to over $500, depending on the state that you live in. However, using an online name change service can cost anywhere from $39 to $165, potentially saving you a great deal of money.

Can I Change My Name Online?

No, you may only change your name in person or by mail, which is what makes it a bit tricky. Finding all the necessary information and forms online can be quite tedious and time-consuming, which is where a name change service comes into play. 

Methodology

We researched name change services, read reviews, and examined the different packages and services offered. We also looked for services that offer varying support levels and price options, as well as how short or long the process takes the service. It was important for us to showcase how different services differ and how they are similar to help users make the best choice.

Young Asian woman holding a pen and signing paperwork in the living room at home

d3sign / Getty Images