Name change laws vary from state to state in the US, but, generally, it is a rather easy process. Most states have a sort of 'usage' change where a person can simply opt to notify, in writing, all the various entities they have business with of their intent to change their name; where it gets dicey is with the Federal government; it is rather a bit of task to get Federal agencies to accept a non-court ordered name change as valid and they will simply ignore you or note the change as an "AKA" (Also Known As) keeping both the official birth certificate name and the new name on their record; given there are various new requirements for official ID such as "Real ID", the ability to officially change one's name without court action may be severely limited or non-existent in the future...
REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions for the Public --
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs
What I fear is the day when we all have to get barcoded:
Sharp eyed persons will note the very early career appearances of
Glee's Jane Lynch and a future mega star, Melissa McCarthy...
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