LGBTQ+ people have a lot of questions about what life will look like following the results of the 2024 presidential election. With the proposed Project 2025 Agenda that aims to overhaul the federal government, and potentially harm U.S. citizens by restricting their rights and mobility, many of us are creating plans B, C, and D.
For trans people like myself, some of our plans involve leaving the country, which requires us to have valid legal identification documents ready to go if our access to move starts to wane.
The purpose of this post is to share information on how trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive people can legally change their name in Colorado as an adult without a felony conviction. Along with these resources, I will also share my personal experience, as I recently went through this process a few months ago.
Where to Begin
Changing your legal name can feel daunting, and truthfully, it takes multiple steps, but it is entirely doable. The first thing I did when starting, was to look for resources that could assist me in this process, like this blog post; here are a few other great ones you can utilize today:
Rocky Mountain Equality (RMEQ) Case Management services: reach out to our Behavioral Health and Wellness team by contacting Ruby at ruby@rmequality.org and ask for help navigating how to change your name.
Colorado Name Change Project (CNCP): I utilized this fabulous resource when I changed my name.
What You Need to Know
The name change process can be different depending on your personal circumstances. Being a minor, having been convicted of a felony, or being 70 or older can shift that process. No matter these circumstances you can still successfully change your name legally.
If you are a minor click here to see the CNCP’s FlowChart to identify what your path may look like.
If you are an adult click here to see the CNCP’s FlowChart to identify what your path may look like.
IMPORTANT NOTE– legally changing your name does not automatically update your state ID or passport. We will provide resources below on how to change those documents.
What Non-felony Conviction Adult Name Change Looks Like: High Level (adapted from CNCP Flowchart)
First, you need to fill out your JDF forms and get fingerprint records from the CBI and FBI (yes, you need both). I recommend using CNCP’s Adult Petition Generator to quickly and accurately fill out all required JDF forms (select “Publication of my name change request is not required per C.R.S. § 13-15-102(4)” in the generator to avoid publication of your name change). CNCP also recommends fingerprinting with Colorado Fingerprinting because they can process prints for CBI and FBI background checks.
Second, file your JDF forms with your CBI and FBI results attached and the Motion for Exemption with the County Court (you must file with the county court for the county you reside in); you must do so within 90 days of the earliest background check.
Third, if required, attend the hearing (I did not have to).
Fourth, receive the final decree that you have a new legal name!
Fifth, update your name on your social security card, state ID, and passport. See resources on how to do so below.
How to Update IDs
Social Security Card
Before you can change your CO state ID, you must update your name with social security. Take a sealed copy of the decree, and any other requested documents, to the Social Security Office to update your SS card with your new legal name. To learn more about what is required for you to change your name with SS click the link here and fill out the “Find the best way to complete this task” tool.
Colorado State ID
Once you have updated your social security number, you can then update your CO state issued license. You have to renew your license when doing a license name change; be sure to bring you proof of residency documents and your certified court order of name change.
Passport
I have not undergone a passport name change myself, but looking at the U.S. Department of State’s website the process will look different depending on the following: it has been “less than one year after BOTH my passport was issued and my name was legally changed,” it is “more than one year after either my passport was issued or my name was legally changed,” or if you are “already using a different name but cannot show the change.” Click the link here and then click which one of the aforementioned best fits your situation to learn what steps you need to take to update your name change.
Wrapping Up
It’s doable– legally changing your name! In this post, we shared resources about how to legally change your name and how to update your SS card, CO state ID, and passport. Having gone through a legal name change myself, I can understand that it feels daunting, but we at RMEQ are here to help you at any stage of the process, or we can begin and end the journey with you by helping you from start to finish.
My final advice for those aiming to get their names changed before November; start now. Be proactive. Utilize these resources. Call upon RMEQ!