Highlights:
- Certain steps must be followed in order to update vital records to reflect a legal name change.
- Every state has its own set of laws and procedures, so you'll need to know your specific state's legal requirements.
- The easiest way to change your name on your Equifax credit report is through the myEquifax Dispute Center.
- The name change court order is the most important document you'll need to change your full legal name on your Equifax credit report.
Last name changes are a common process for credit reporting agencies when people change their last name after marriage. For transgender individuals, a full name change requires additional steps and documentation. The process not only involves your legal name, but may also include updating vital records such as your Social Security card and driver's license with the federal and state government.
The legal process for full name changes varies by state, and each state may require different documentation. Additionally, states may put requirements on where you must be in your transition before certain documentation may be updated.
Generally, the process for trans individuals to change their name is:
- Obtain a name change order at the probate court in the county they reside. Usually the probate court provides the forms for the name change order. The court order should include both the former name and the new name.
- With the name change order, then vital records can be changed. Start with the Social Security card and then the driver's license.
- Next, contact the nationwide credit bureaus to update credit reports.
The easiest way to change your name on your Equifax credit report is through the myEquifax Dispute Center. The Dispute Center is where you go to update or change inaccurate or incomplete information on your Equifax credit report.
You can begin the name change process on your Equifax credit report by creating or signing into your myEquifax account - it's free and safe. Here you can change information on your Equifax credit report, including a name change.
If you don't have a myEquifax account, create one and register using your former name. Using your former name is necessary to locate your Equifax credit report on file. Then you'll "dispute" your former name so that your credit history is associated with your new name.
Key pieces of identity documentation are needed to change your name on your Equifax credit report. The Dispute process will allow you to upload these documents in a safe and secure manner. For transgender people specifically, the name change court order is the most important.
Other documents are also needed to change your name on your Equifax credit report. You'll need to upload documents that verify each of the following with your new name:
- Social Security number (SSN), such as your updated Social Security card, a pay stub, or Medicare/Medicaid card.
- Current address, such as a utility or phone bill, pay stub or bank statement with your new name.
- Legal Name, such as a copy of the court order with your former name and new name, current driver's license, or Social Security card with new name.
- Date of birth, such as state ID/driver's license or passport.
Upload as many documents as needed to verify your SSN, current address, name, and date of birth. You do not need one document that verifies all of these pieces of information.
Filing a dispute on your Equifax credit report to change your name is free. If you would prefer to speak with a representative of the Equifax Customer Care Team, or need help with your myEquifax account, you can call 866-349-5191, Monday - Friday 9am - 9pm ET and Saturday - Sunday 9am - 6pm ET. You'll need to fax or mail the same documents as listed above.
Finally, it's important to know that disputing information on your Equifax credit report generally will not impact information on your TransUnion and Experian credit reports. You'll need to start a dispute individually with each bureau.
Additional resources
https://www.actec.org/diversity/transgender-trans-how-to-change-name-gender-legal-documents/
https://www.actec.org/diversity/
https://transequality.org/documents
