National Name Yourself Day and the Dual Sword of Legal Reinvention
National Name Yourself Day is simple and fun, but the truth of the matter is a little less lighthearted
While National Name Yourself Day seems to have originated out of thin air, most sources agree that it is a day dedicated to reinvention. It’s meant to be lighthearted and simple — just like smacking a name tag onto your chest or changing your social media handle — but for thousands around the world, the reality of switching names is not so cheery.
It’s almost ironic, for how much reinvention is praised, that choosing a different name is something almost taboo. There’s plenty of good reasons to want a different name, none better than simply because you want to. If it brings you a sense of comfort to use your chosen name, perfect. If you just don’t like the name your parents gave you, perfect. If you just want to mark your new beginning by naming yourself, perfect.
However, the legal process of changing a name can be infamously tedious.
Transgender Law Center is an incredible resource that offers detailed resources on dozens of important topics including identity documents, housing, public accommodation, employment, etc. The exact steps on how to obtain legal recognition of name and gender changes will differ depending on where you live (state and county) but most are loosely similar to those in California.
In California, there are two ways to change your name: a common-law name change or a court-ordered name change (which is recommended).
- Common-law name changes are free but never obtain formal recognition. Through consistency, the name is simply adopted. There is no “solid paper trail” and these are used primarily for business or personal affairs. However, people who are on probation or parole, or are required to register as sex offenders, can only change their name via court order.
- Court order name changes are more rigorous and can take months. Fees need to be paid and forms need to be filled out and submitted to the Superior Court (county-based). Then, a court date is assigned. After an appearance in court, given the paperwork is all in order, the name will be legally recognized!
In order to avoid confusion between the different agencies that keep information on your name and gender, the Transgender Law Center recommends that people: (1) get a court order, (2) change their Social Security records, and then (3) change their driver’s license or state ID.
The ACTEC goes into greater depth about name change procedures as well as general legislative protection afforded to LGBTQ+ individuals here.
Names are incredibly powerful and affirming. They are who we are. No matter what, regardless of any legal documentation, always call people by the name they choose.
