What happen when you change your name?

Hello. I am a a Lawyer from Ireland and the law here and it is acceptable for you to change your name but as long as it has been changed legally ! And when it is changed... I guess that's your new name.. And you would preferably want to change your id, visa, licence, and passport. Hope this helps.

Added: (in the US) For OTHER than a marriage - you will be required to petition the court (file a motion) with the court system of your jurisdiction. If it is granted, it is up to YOU to make official notification of your legal name change to as many places that already have your former name on file. Depending on your age this could amount to quite a lot of notification. For instance, just for starters, your state DMV - the Social Security Administration - the US Passport Office - your employer - all your bank accounts - all your lienholders - all your credit card issuers - etc - etc - etc. It is not as easy as it seems at first glance but others have successfully done it in the past. Just don't approach it thinking that it's a simple and easy process.