After you fill out the proper forms, depending on where you live, you may have to publish a notice of your name change petition in a local newspaper. This notice announces your desire to change your name and gives the public a chance to object to the change. In general, if no one objects and the court finds no fraudulent intent, the court will grant your petition. If your name change is approved, depending on the state in which you live, you'll either receive an attachment to your birth certificate indicating the change, or the state will issue you a new birth certificate. This document will make it easier for you to get a new Social Security card and to notify government agencies and other organizations of your new name.
Courts generally grant name change requests, unless the judge finds the new name inappropriate.
You cannot change your name in order to do something illegal, such as to avoid paying debt or to impersonate someone. Many states place restrictions on name changes by convicted felons because they assume a convicted felon who applies for a name change is doing so for fraudulent purposes. You can't use a name that would be intentionally confusing, such as a symbol or a series of numerals. Work with an experienced lawyer in your state.