Key Takeaways:
- Transgender, non-binary and intersex consumers can update the name on their credit report after changing their legal name.
- In order to change your name on your TransUnion® credit report, you’ll need to mail in supporting documents.
- Notifying TransUnion, Experian and Equifax can help ensure your credit reports reflect your updated name.
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For transgender, non-binary or intersex consumers, completing a legal name change is a major milestone. As part of this process, consumers can request to update their first, middle and/or last names on their credit report by providing the appropriate documentation to the credit reporting agencies, including TransUnion.
TransUnion is a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community, and we’re committed to helping consumers navigate the name change process. Here’s an overview of the steps to follow to change your name on your official records and your credit report:
Update your legal documents
The steps you’ll follow to complete a legal name change will vary depending on the state where you live. You can find a state-by-state guide to updating your legal records, such as your Social Security record, driver's license, birth certificate and passport, from the organization Advocates for Trans Equality. In general, the first step for a transgender name change will be getting a name change order through your local court.
Then, you’ll likely need to update your name with the Social Security Administration. From there, you can get updated copies of other documents such as a driver’s license through your local department of motor vehicles.
Let your bank know about your name change
Your next step will be to update your financial accounts. Reach out to your bank and creditors to change your name on those records. This is an important step because if they’re not notified, they may continue reporting your previous name to the credit bureaus.
Complete a name change with the credit bureaus
After updating your financial providers directly, you’ll want to reach out to the credit bureaus to update the name on your credit report. This is an important step for consumers changing their names as it helps maintain the integrity and accuracy of their report. Removing your deadname won’t affect or remove the credit history you’ve established with that name. Your credit history will remain while your credit report will now reflect your legal name change.
When you change your last name, such as due to marriage or divorce, the credit bureaus including TransUnion will likely learn of the change from your bank or lender and automatically update your report. However, especially when changing first names, it’s important to take the extra step of notifying each of the bureaus to ensure your credit history remains intact under your correct name.
In order to change your name on your TransUnion credit report, you’ll need to mail in supporting documents, which will likely be the court order regarding your name change. Please include a letter requesting the name change that includes your address, date of birth and Social Security number so we can locate your credit report in our system. In your letter, please include the reason for your name change, and TransUnion will suppress the deadname on your credit file. This means it won’t be displayed on your credit report.
You’ll mail that documentation to:
TransUnion Consumer Solutions
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016-2000
You can download a mailing label here. If you have any questions along the way, please reach out to TransUnion at (800) 916-8800 and we can guide you through the process.
TransUnion remains committed to making sure your credit report is accurate and reflects your identity.
You’ll want to inform all three nationwide credit bureaus of your name change: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. By completing this process, you can help preserve your credit history as you transition to your new legal name.
