I did a usage-method name change several years ago, both first and last names. California is one of the few states that allows it. The procedure was as follows: 1) Wrote up a simple declaration of name change stating my birth, current, and desired new names. Also included a statement that I was not doing this to defraud anyone. 2) Had the declaration notarized. 3) Took the declaration to the DMV to get a new license. 4) Used the new license to change my bank accounts, passport, utility services, etc. 5) Started filing taxes under the new name. That's it. Nobody ever gave me a hard time. However, I also had very little in my name at that point. There weren't that many parties to inform.