What’s in a name?  Everything!  Names indicate who we are and the process for transgender and non binary people to change our identity documents are challenging, complicated, and let’s face it, downright scary.

Would you like for us to work with you to complete this? From helping to find and fill out the necessary forms, to notarizing your documents, to going with you to the courthouse, social security office, drivers license office, and bank we will accompany and guide you through every step.  We’ve been helping people change their names since 2014, and we’d love to support you claim your name and rights! 

Our Name Change Project will guide participants through an eight step process of legally changing their names. The first step is obtaining certified copies of birth certificates and current valid photo id’s, The second step is getting FBI/SBI background checks and fingerprinting, The third step is completing the application forms and notarized affidavits of good character. The fourth step is posting a notice of name change at the courthouse for ten days, The fifth step is submitting the paperwork to the courthouse, The sixth step is picking up the order of name change from the courthouse, The seventh step is taking the paperwork to the DMV and Social Security office, The eighth step is changing all documentation (bank accounts, utilities, credit cards, school transcripts, diplomas, etc…).

Tranzmission understands the anxiety surrounding this process and rather than just providing a packet of paperwork and wishing our participants good luck, we walk with you every step of the way.  We hold meetings periodically or can meet with you individually if needed.  Please send a email to Sharon at [email protected] to get your name change started when you are ready! 

Buncombe County, NC Name Change Procedure and Forms

Name Change Checklist
Pro Se (no attorney) Name Change Instruction Booklet
FBI Background Check Form
SBI Background Check Form
Petition of Name Change Form
Affidavit of Good Character (2 needed)
Notice of Name Change
Low Income Fee Waiver Form

Expedited FBI Background Check ($50)

Now that you have your order of Name Change:

Instructions for U.S. Passport Update
How to change gender marker on Birth Certificates from Lambda Legal
NC Vital Records Contacts
Birth Certificate, Social Security, and Drivers Licence Changes from NCTE

Statistics from the US Trans Survey by NCTE:

Only 11% of respondents reported that all of their IDs had the name and gender they preferred, while more than two-thirds (68%) reported that none of their IDs had the name and gender they preferred.

The cost of changing ID documents was one of the main barriers respondents faced, with 35% of those who have not changed their legal name and 32% of those who have not updated the gender on their IDs reporting that it was because they could not afford it.

Nearly one-third (32%) of respondents who have shown an ID with a name or gender that did not match their gender presentation were verbally harassed, denied benefits or service, asked to leave, or assaulted