> and make an announcement in a news paper with a certain amount of readers And even that depends on what state you're in. For example, Texas doesn't require i

> and make an announcement in a news paper with a certain amount of readers And even that depends on what state you're in. For example, Texas doesn't require it (source: I legally changed my name in Texas in 2014). And some states that do require it can waive the requirement if you can demonstrate that you have legitimate privacy concerns and the judge is sympathetic; e.g. if you're changing your name to hide from an abusive family member or if you're transgender. On the other hand, many states require a clean record in order to change your name. Using Texas as an example again, I had to do a fingerprint background check before they would even schedule my court date. My record was clean, but if I had a criminal record, I would've only been allowed to change my name under limited circumstances.