These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Find out what doesn't match
You can ask"What name is on your birth certificate, your Social Security card, and your ID?"
You can ask"Did your name change from marriage or divorce, or is there a spelling mistake?"
You can say"This is common. Agencies just need a paper that links the names."
2Name changed by marriage or divorce
They need the paper that shows the change: the certified marriage certificate or the divorce decree that gives back the old name.
No copy? See the guide "Needs a marriage, divorce or death certificate".
Bring
- The certified marriage or divorce paper
- current ID
- the birth certificate
3A mistake on the birth certificate
New Mexico Vital Records can correct a mistake. It needs proof of the right spelling, like old school or medical records.
NM Department of Health - NMHealth Helpline
State health helpline (incl. vital records questions)
833-796-8773
· Weekdays 7am-8pm; weekends 10am-4pm
4A new name through the court
In New Mexico, adults (and anyone 14 or older) ask the district court in the county where they live.
Sixth Judicial District Court - Grant County Clerk
District court clerk (felony, divorce, custody, protection orders, name changes)
575-538-3250 ext. 2
Silver City (address shared by phone) · Clerk Mon-Fri 8am-4pm (open over lunch); court 8am-5pm
New Mexico Legal Aid
Free civil legal help
1-833-545-4357
2005 Hwy 180 W, Suite 500, Silver City · Phone intake Mon-Thu 9:30 am-4:00 pm at 1-833-545-4357; online application any time at newmexicolegalaid.org. Silver City office: 575-388-0091.
5Update each paper in the right order
Social Security first. The new card is free.
Social Security Administration - Las Cruces office (serves Grant County)
SSI, disability, retirement and replacement Social Security cards
866-563-9294
2141 Summit Ct., Las Cruces · Mon-Fri 9:00-4:00
Bring
- The court order or marriage or divorce paper
- current ID
- proof of citizenship (birth certificate)
NM Motor Vehicle Division - Silver City field office
State ID and driver's license
1-888-683-4636
1876 Hwy 180 E., Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-12pm and 1pm-4pm (state field office hours; call to confirm)
Then tell the bank, Income Support (SNAP and Medicaid), the VA, an employer and others.
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.