Can I get my last name changed on License?

Jolie, BSN · Mar 21, 2009

She is probably right.

When your information is submitted to the BON, I assume it will have your ex-husband's name. (your school records, proof of graduation, paperwork for ATT, etc.)

If you try and change that prior to testing, there is a pretty high likelihood of a mix-up. This is a high-volume time. The BON is processing tons of paperwork for thousands of graduates in a short period of time.

If you test under your present name, you can change it on your license as soon as it is issued. Most name changes require proof, such as a marriage license, divorce decree, etc.

I graduated under my maiden name, got married, then took NCLEX. I was advised to leave things in my maiden name until my license was issued, then submit my marriage license to prove the name change. It worked out very smoothly.

Just one question, if you've been divorced so long, why didn't you change you name sooner?

newtress, LPN · Mar 21, 2009

To answer, for all these years I was told getting my maiden name back was a mess or would make things an issue with credit reports/cards etc. And doing so while in school for many years would be messy too. This all according to what others experienced and I believed them. As you stated that you simply waited until after NCLEX and kept things as is until you were issued your license, I think all I really need to know is the process of submitting proper paperwork to change the last name on my license after it is issued. I just didn't know if the paperwork/divorce decree etc is presented to the BON for the change of name or other means. If it went smoothly for you post NCLEX and licensure, could you share with me what you did to accomplish getting your new name on your license? So thankful for any further advise on this. Otherwise I'll just let it be as is for the time being until after I get my license with "the past life name" on it.

Jolie, BSN · Mar 21, 2009

I sent a certified letter to the BON requesting a name change on my license. I included a copy of my marriage license, and received a new nursing license in a few weeks bearing my married name.

Until I received the altered license, I used my maiden name at work and on charts. Once I had the new license in hand, I changed my name with my employer and used it in charting.

Good luck to you!

newtress, LPN · Mar 21, 2009

Thank you so much for sharing.

trini1186 · Apr 10, 2009

Hi jolie,

I was curious about what kind of identifcation you showed when you went to take your nclex; was it in your maiden name or your changed name?

I am in a similiar situation you were in. I will be taking the nclex soon however i also just got married and had my name changed. All the paper work that I sent in, including the one from my school, is in my maiden name. I intend to change it afterward to prevent confusion as you did.

I also know that they require the name on your identification to match the information that they have on file and if you changed your name to bring in a legal document (i.e marriage license). Is this what you did or did you show identification from your maiden name?

newtress, LPN · Apr 10, 2009

Well the bummer for me is that my program director told me I couldn't take a form of identification such as my birth certificate and true copy divorce papers showing my maiden name to the NCLEX test site. Said leave everything the way it is and then change my last name after license has been issued. I don't understand why valid proof of my maiden name can't be applied to the last name I wish or want it to be. I don't want to further have to carry around a mans name that I don't have any association with for the last 12 years on my nursing license. I understand that the background check shows your current legally used name, but with the proper true maiden name proof I just wish it could be done then. Now I have to to turn around and go through the rigamarole with the state board again to do the name change after issue of license. Every time I get ready to go change my last name back to maiden I get told not to, that will mess everything else up including credit card companies and banking/check cashing, credit reports etc. FRUSTRATED. Does someone know if in fact you can not present other ID at the NCLEX test site or not?

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Apr 11, 2009

This is what clerks in administrative offices do all the time. Go to the office where the school records are and talk to them about how to change your name on your school records. The state board of nursing is who to contact about changing your name on your license. They do that all the time. You are always linked to your license number. Only your name changes. It is the same with your school records. You will always be linked to your student number or social security number, just your name changes. You can always ask your divorce lawyer or the court to handle this for you, especially if the order of divorce says you are to resume using your maiden name. A court order is not to be disobeyed.

newtress, LPN · Apr 11, 2009

Thanks Daytonite. Yes the old hindsight still rings true. I wish I had just gone ahead and had the name change done very early on instead of being scared of messing things up with other entities and the name change. By now the school, transcripts, background check, ID's and NCLEX paper work would have all been in the one maiden name. Uhggggg!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Apr 11, 2009

I'm beginning to think that it is just easier to do everything in one's maiden name. I think that some female professionals in other careers do this right from the start. Have you gone through Social Security yet? You have to change your name with them too.

gibson0726 · Apr 11, 2009

When I got divorced, I had it put in my divorce papers that I wanted to go back to my maiden name. I went to the Social Security office first, then changed my drivers license. After that, I made a million phone calls to various credit card companies and changed my bills to my maiden name. The majority of the companies wanted me to fax a copy of the divorce decree, and others didn't need anything. It just depends on how strict they are. Credit reports and credit cards should be linked to your social security number, not your name. As far as school went, I waited until the end of the semester and changed my name through admissions and records, then the nursing office.

I know when I got my passport, it asked me to list "any other last names" I had used in the past. By this time I had gotten married again, so I have been through the name change thing a time or two!

I understand how you wouldn't want your ex-husband's name on your license..I cringe every time I see my old married name.

newtress, LPN · Apr 11, 2009

Without trying to roll this subject into a secondary thread, it has been far more common now that young ladies are now opting to keep their maiden names when they get married. Most have in the past retained the married last name when they have had children to keep the family name the same. Kind of hard to move on and not be reminded of a past life or person when you are addressed and refered to as Mrs. his last name. I have requested that the graduation ceremony program have my maiden name printed on it, and requested that my diploma from the college have my maiden name printed on it. I was able to do that for my associates degree at another college prior to nursing. It is solely for myself and my parents/family. It is a pride issue with me I'll admit. My father can't attend my pinning because he is ill with leukemia, but I'd at least like to show him those afore mentioned graduation items to see with his last name, and the birth name of his daughter and not some man's name that we have all filed away as the past. I'm old school. Doing the family proud is still alive. None of my father's side of the family ever went into nursing or became a nurse, so it's kind of a special event for my family. Once I get my maiden name back, it will be back for the duration of my natural life, and would not ever change it even for a marriage.