Name Change Process

If you are interested in changing your name at Carleton, contact gsc@carleton.edu to begin the process. We can help you navigate changing your name on your OneCard and with the registrar and submit a form to waive the fee for a new OneCard.

In order to change your email address and username, email Les LaCroix.

In order to change your displayed first and last names on class rosters, Moodle, and in Google (Gmail), contact Ann May or go to the registrar’s office.

In order to change your name on the mailbox lists in Sayles, contact Mail Services to request that your preferred name be used.

You can also take steps to legally change your name in the state of Minnesota or your home state. The requirements to change your name in Minnesota are:

1. Have lived in the State of Minnesota for at least six months (contact the Dean of Students office for paperwork verifying this)
2. File the Application for Name Change in the county in which you presently live (Rice County for Northfield)
3. Be at least 18 years of age
4. Pay the civil filing fee and certified copy fee (if you are unable to pay the filing fee you can ask court administration for forms to see if you qualify for a fee waiver)
5. Have two witnesses present (the GSC can provide you with a witness as well as arrange and pay for transportation to court).

In addition to these requirements, you need to complete and submit a number of forms:

1. Application for name change
2. Criminal history check release
3. Fee Waiver (if applicable) 
4. Order granting name change and other relief (only fill out the top part)

All the necessary forms and additional resources are available on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.

For Rice County residents: Once you’re ready, you can begin the process by e-filing your name change request.

Once your application is submitted, you will be assigned a court date. During your court date, you will be asked to state your reason for attendance (“I am requesting a name change”), and your two witnesses will be asked a few questions (Example: “What is your relation to ____?” “How long have you known ____?”, “Do you have any reason to believe ____ is changing their name to avoid debt or fraud allegations?”). Shortly afterwards, the judge should approve your request.

After your name change is approved, you should receive a certificate in the mail within the following week. You should also call or visit the county courthouse to request a certified copy of your court order, which typically costs $14. It is recommended to purchase several certified copies, as you will need them to change your name on your passport, social security card, etc.

According to Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), sex is self-designated on Minnesota drivers licenses. DVS will issue an M, F, or X marker on a license or state ID upon your request. No documentation is required.

In other words, to update your name or gender marker on a Minnesota driver’s license, you simply need to apply for a duplicate or renewal license, indicate the name/marker change on the application, and submit a court order certifying the name change.

In Minnesota, since self-designation is a simpler process, it is recommended to change your name on your license/state ID prior to changing it on things that require further documentation, such as your passport or social security card.

Pre-apply for a MN driver’s license or state ID.

According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, if you already have a valid U.S. passport, you may submit a Passport Renewal Application to change your legal name on the passport by mail or in person. You will need to complete and submit:

1. A Passport Renewal Application (Form DS-82)
2. Your most recent Passport (book or card)
3. A recent color photograph 2×2 inches in size
4. Order for Name Change (certified copy showing a seal and officiate/judge signature)
5. Fee (See Department of State Passport Fees for cost). 

As of 2022, if you wish to change your gender on your passport, according to the U.S. Department of State, you can self-designate the gender marker you would like printed on your U.S. passport. The gender you select does not need to match the gender on your supporting documentation such as a birth certificate, previous passport, or state ID. They no longer require medical documentation to change the gender marker on your U.S. passport. At this time, you can select M, F, or X as your gender marker if you are applying for a U.S. passport book.

Note: We understand that choosing the “X” marker might not feel accessible or safe for all people, particularly folks who travel internationally to countries that don’t yet recognize the “X” marker. If you have questions or concerns about selecting the “X” marker on your passport, contact us and we can provide support as you make the most informed decision for yourself.