My parents procrastinated after I was born and I ended up only having my last name on my birth certificate. I don't mean they couldn't decide for the first few weeks. They knew what my name was within a few days, but they didn't turn the paperwork in within the FIVE YEAR DEADLINE they were given.
The time finally came to enroll in college and I didn't want my state ID to just have a surname so we went through the process. It was fairly easy to start. Filled out some paperwork, submitted it with a copy of my original birth certificate, paid some cash, and went in front of a judge [the following is not an embellishment or exaggeration]:
Judge: As a formality I have to ask, are you requesting this change of name to escape prosecution in any city, state or country?
Me: I did shoot a man in Reno just to watch him die.
Judge: [pause] I'm going to give you an opportunity to answer that question seriously, and I hope you take it this time. Are you requesting this change of name to escape prosecution in any city, state or country?
Me: [pause] No sir.
Luckily he had a sense of humor, even though his sense of duty dictated he mask it. Anyhow, my parents didn't turn in the finalized paper work within the ONE YEAR DEADLINE (told you they were procrastinators), so there are still agencies out there that have my incomplete name and won't change it due to several catch 22s in the system. I occasionally get no-hits on my credit when applying for loans (Transunion is a mother
er to get a hold of, and even worse to correct things with), and getting a passport is proving to be a job and a half.
So take it from me---take it very seriously, do it all yourself, and turn in your goddamn paperwork within the VERY GENEROUS DEADLINE they will give you.
[quote name='ITDEFX']Change your name to Obi Wan![/QUOTE]
EDIT: I live in Tucson, AZ and there's a guy who lives here that did that to win tickets to a screening of Episode I back in the day. Kept it that way too. I think he works for one of the radio stations now.
I also know a guy whose
real name is "Max Paradise". Most awesome name ever.