Voting & Civil Rights

People who complete a legal name change may need to update many kinds of identification. These include:

• Driver's licenses and Illinois identification cards,
• FOID cards, 
• Social Security cards, and
• Passports.

Illinois and federal laws set rules for using a current legal name on identification. To update most documents, a name change order from a court is required. How to update identification after getting a name change order depends on the type of identification.

Find out more about getting an adult name change and changing a child’s name.

Yes, certain types of identification must be updated before others after a legal name change. 

The most important identification to update right away includes:

• Government-issued photo identification like driver’s licenses, Illinois identification cards, and passports, and
• Social Security cards.

Copies of up-to-date government-issued photo identification are needed to change the legal name on other types of identification. Social Security cards must be updated for work, benefits, and credit reporting.

Some Illinois identification must be updated within 30 days after a legal name change. The 30-day requirement applies to Illinois:

• Driver’s licenses and identification cards, and
• FOID cards.

After a legal name change, people must re-register to vote:

• If moving to a different precinct, the voter must re-register at least 27 days before an election, and
• If not moving, the voter can re-register at in-person voting.

Voter re-registration can also be completed when updating an Illinois driver’s license or identification card at the Secretary of State.

Government-issued documents such as passports and Social Security cards do not have deadlines for being updated. However, people need to update:

• Social Security cards as soon as possible, and
• Passports before traveling.

Updating these documents sooner rather than later will help prevent issues with taxes, credit reports, and traveling. The Social Security Administration recommends updating the name on a Social Security card as soon as possible to ensure wages are being posted correctly to the person's record. Failure to do so may lower the amount of future Social Security benefits.

For other types of identification, ask the issuing organization.

To update the name on an Illinois driver’s license or identification card, follow the Illinois Secretary of State instructions. The process requires scheduling an appointment with the DMV and bringing:

• A certified copy of the name change order given by the court, and
• Any document or ID showing proof of signature. For a list of valid documents, visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.

Visit the Illinois Secretary of State website to create a printable checklist of documents.

There are fees for updating an Illinois driver’s license or identification card. These fees may vary based on age. Fees for new or corrected identification are listed online.

The gender marker on an Illinois driver’s license or identification card may be updated at the same time. This requires an additional form. Find out more about updating sex and gender markers on identification.

To update the name on a passport, follow the U.S. Department of State’s instructions. Applicants must submit:

• A completed DS-5504 Form,
• The applicant’s current or most recent U.S. passport,
• An original or certified copy of the name change order given to the applicant by the court, and
• A valid passport photo.

If it has been more than 1 year since the name was legally changed or since the passport was issued, the applicant may need to apply in person. Read more about who is eligible to renew by mail on the U.S. Department of State website.

Note: The gender marker on a passport cannot currently be updated. Find out more about updating sex and gender markers on identification.

To update the name on a Social Security card, follow the Social Security Administration’s instructions. The steps are:

• Completing and submitting the Online Social Security Number Application,
• Scheduling an appointment with the applicant’s local Social Security office within 45 days,
• Bringing an original or certified copy of the document showing the legal name change, which may include:
  • An amended birth certificate,
  • A court order for a name change,
  • A marriage document,
  • A divorce decree, or
  • Other documented proof of a legal name change
• Bringing an identity document, which may include:
  • A U.S. driver’s license or state-issued identification card,
  • A U.S. passport,
  • An employee ID card,
  • A school ID card,
  • A health insurance ID card,
  • A U.S. military ID card, or
  • Other documented proof of identity
• If the legal name change was more than two years ago, bringing an identity document with the applicant’s prior name, and
• Presenting all necessary documents and answering any questions at the appointment.

Read more about what documents are required on the Social Security Administration website under the “Corrected” card option.

Note: The sex marker on a Social Security card cannot currently be updated. Find out more about updating sex and gender markers on identification.

Yes, the name on a consumer’s credit report must be updated after a legal name change. Check credit reports as frequently as possible, both before and after changing a legal name, gender marker, or other personal information. 

Two common legal problems after a name change are split files and mixed files.

In a split file, also called a fragmented history, the credit reporting agency fails to recognize that the person with the new legal name is the exact same individual who accumulated years of credit history under a different name. The new legal identity suddenly appears to have a credit score of zero, blocking the person from securing housing, getting vehicle loans, or passing employment background checks.

In a mixed file, a person's information is mixed up with that of another individual who has a similar name, Social Security number (SSN), or other identifier. The mixed information impacts both people.

To update a credit report, a consumer must submit a formal update and dispute packet to each credit reporting agency (CRA) by mail. 

The packet must include copies of the following documentation:

• A certified copy of the court order granting the legal name change,
• An updated Social Security card reflecting the new legal name,
• A valid government-issued photo ID, such as an updated driver's license or state identification card, showing the new legal name,
• Proof of current address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement, and
• A cover letter requesting that the bureau update its primary name on file and ensure all historical credit data is fully merged under the new legal identity.

Use the Consumer Financial Protection Board’s list of CRAs to find accounts that need updating. Most consumers with credit history have files with Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.

To update the name on an Illinois birth certificate, follow the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Vital Records instructions. The process requires mailing IDPH: 

• A notarized, completed Affidavit and Certificate of Correction Request,
• A copy of the applicant’s non-expired, government-issued photo identification with the updated name,
• The original or certified copy of the name change order given to the applicant by the court, and
• A $15 check or money order payable to IDPH.

A gender marker on an Illinois birth certificate may be updated on the same form. Find out more about updating sex and gender markers on identification.

All Illinois voters who legally change their name must re-register to vote. To re-register to vote, follow the State Board of Elections instructions. 

Re-registering to vote under a new legal name can be done online or by mail. To re-register by mail, an applicant will need:

• An Illinois driver’s license or state identification card with the updated name,
• A Social Security number, or
• A form of photo ID or copy of another document that shows the voter’s name and address, including:
  • A current utility bill,
  • Bank statement,
  • Government check or paycheck, or
  • Another valid government document.

To re-register online, an applicant will need:

• An Illinois driver’s license or identification card with the updated name, and
• A Social Security number.

Voter registration information can also be updated when:

• Updating an Illinois driver’s license or identification card at a DMV location, and
• When voting in person at a polling location.

The applicant's Social Security card does not need to be updated with the new legal name to update their voter registration.

To update the name on an Illinois fishing or hunting license, follow the Illinois Department of Natural Resource (IDNR) instructions. 

The process requires:

• Emailing a request to IDNR, and
• Including a copy of the applicant’s updated driver’s license or other documents showing the updated legal name in the email.

IDNR will send a confirmation email once the request is processed.

To update the name on an Illinois FOID card, follow the Illinois State Police’s instructions. The process requires:

• Logging into the applicant portal,
• Selecting “Edit Name/Address” under the FOID card section,
  • If the applicant has a FOID and CCL combo card, select “Edit Name/Address” under the CCL card section
• Entering the updated information, and
• Verifying the information is correct.

There is a $5 fee for updating the name on an Illinois FOID card. There is an additional $75 fee for updating the name on an Illinois CCL card. The Illinois State Police has a video walkthrough guide available for this process.

The gender marker on an Illinois FOID card can be changed if it is updated on an Illinois driver’s license or identification card. Find out more about updating sex and gender markers on identification.

The process for updating documents varies by state. A legal name change order is typically required.

Illinois residents can ask an Illinois judge to issue an order making factual findings to help correct a birth certificate issued by another state or country.  For help figuring out options: 

• Use Get Legal Help, or
• Call the IL Pride Connect Legal Hotline at (855) 805-9200, or
• Contact the Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois (TJLP).

Read more about the process for other states on Advocates for Trans Equality ID Documents Center.

Use Get Legal Help or call the IL Pride Connect Legal Hotline at (855) 805-9200. The Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois (TJLP) may also be able to help. 

For assistance with credit report disputes after a name change, visit the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) lawyer directory.