How do I go about getting government-issued documents in a different name for a name change in Pennsylvania?
February 25, 2007 6:27 PM 
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How do I go about getting government-issued documents in a different name for a name change in Pennsylvania?
I've been hoping to change my name to Zor Owsley or Bou Ei something of that nature. I recently came across this application for renewal of a non-commercial driver's license, and the section for requesting a name change:
DL-143
CHANGE OR CORRECTION
1. If name is changed by permission of court, attach a Certified Copy of the Court Order.
If you desire to use a name other than (1) birth name, (2) spouse's surname, or (3)
a name given through a Court Order, you must provide a copy of a Social Security Card (or records), together with copies of documents from two other sources issued in the desired name such as: Tax Records, Selective Service Card, Voter Registration Card, Passport, any form of Photo I.D. issued by a governmental agency, or state issued Birth Certificate.
How would I go about having such documents issued in my desired name (without a Court Order)? If this isn't possible, how would I go about making a petition for a Court Order? I found
this free form online, would it be suitable? Is a notary required? If anyone could point me in the right direction, it'd be greatly appreciated.
Go the local Court of Common Pleas. Ask a clerk how you change your name. Fill out the form. Hand it in. Convince a judge that you aren't doing it to escape creditors.
Alternately: simply start using a name, and keep giving it to everyone you come across. Eventually, the weight of documentation will shift over to that name, and you will be that name.
posted by jellicle at 7:03 PM on February 25, 2007