How Transgender People Can Change Their Name On Their Equifax^® Credit Report

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 process not only involves your legal name change, but may also include updating vital records such as your passport, 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. To change a name on a credit report, documentation will be necessary to protect your identity and credit history. Additionally, states may put requirements on where you must be in your transition journey before certain documents can be updated.

Generally, the process for a nonbinary or trans person to change their name is:

1. Obtain a name change order at their local court. 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.
2. With the name change order, then other government records can be changed. This may include a passport, Social Security card, driver's license, military identification card or other state-issued identification card.
3. Contact each of the nationwide credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian^® and TransUnion^®) to update your credit reports to reflect your new name.
4. Notify banks, creditors and anyone you do business with of the new legal name.

The easiest way to change your name (first name, middle name, last name, or full 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—it's free and secure.

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. When creating a new myEquifax account you will be required to perform authentication by verifying your identity. Once key pertinent information is entered we will send a text with a one time code to your mobile device. Then you'll "dispute" the former name listed on the credit file so that your credit history is associated with your new name. Please allow for up to 30 calendar days for your Dispute request to be processed.

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.

You'll need to upload at least one of the below documents reflecting your new name:

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 1-888-EQUIFAX (888-378-4329), Monday - Friday 9am - 9pm ET and Saturday - Sunday 9am - 6pm ET. You'll need to mail the same documents listed above.

Finally, it's important to know that disputing information on your Equifax credit report generally will not impact information on your Experian and TransUnion credit reports. To change your name, you will need to contact each nationwide credit reporting agency. Make it known when filling out the online forms that this is a legal name change, not a dispute of the name appearing on your credit report. And remember, it's a good idea to check your credit reports regularly.

Additional resources:

• https://www.actec.org/diversity/transgender-trans-how-to-change-name-gender-legal-documents/
• https://transequality.org/documents